Healthy Paws

1. BETTER GUT HEALTH

Boost your dog’s digestive health with this uniquely formulated plant-based probiotic supplement! MitoMax DH capsules support digestive and immune function and reduce inflammation in the GI tract. Works concurrently with antibiotics! ($52, mitopets.com

 

2. SOAP-FREE DOG SHAMPOO

Wintertime means muddy, messy dogs, but overbathing with regular dog shampoo can dry out your dog’s coat. The Lyxvara Aloe and Oatmeal Shampoo is a soap-free formulation designed to provide relief for dry, itchy, scaling, and sensitive skin and restore natural moisture. (from $12, us.swedencare.com

 

3. BRIGHT EYES

Keep your dog’s eyes healthy with Ocu-GLO Soft Chewables. Grape-seed extract, lutein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and a unique combina­tion of 12 different antioxidants help prevent dam­age and protect vital eye cells. (from $60, animalnecessity.com

 

4. UTI DETECTOR

UTIs are painful and uncomfortable for dogs. The Urinary Tract Infection BioScreen and Culture testing kit from Kedi Labs is an easy, at-home UTI test kit that offers advanced diagnostic testing and rapid results without having to visit the vet. Quickly find out if your dog needs antibiotics and which one is the best choice! ($125, kedilabs.com

 

 

5. RAW MADE EASY

Easily provide your pooch the benefits of a raw diet with the Northwest Naturals Raw Diet for Dogs! Available in 10 different proteins—choose from the likes of beef, bison, chicken, and salmon—these frozen nuggets are made from natural ingredients and thaw quickly for convenient raw feeding. (from $39, nw-naturals.net

 

6. HAPPY FEET

Is your dog dealing with severe dryness, cracked, cut, or painful paws? Cleansing Calendula Dog Paw Balm from Simply Sage Dog Treats to the rescue! Made with a blend of calendula oil, olive oil, shea butter, bees wax, Vitamin E oil, it encourages healing and soothes sore paw pads. ($15, simplysagedogtreats.com) 

 

7. CHEWS FOR JOINT HEALTH

Sore joints? The Healthybud Beef Joint Booster chews include superfood ingredients like beef liver, beef heart, Green Lipped Mussel, turmeric powder, ginger root, sweet potato, and blueberries to promote healthy joints, improve mobility, and reduce pain. ($12, healthybud.co

 

8. CBD DROPS

Orso Farms’ That’ll Do pet CBD tincture is made from certified organic CBD hemp using a solvent-free extraction process. It calms dogs, supports physical comfort, and increase mobility. Available for small, medium, and large dogs. (from $40, thatlldopets.com

 

9. PEAK NUTRITION

ZIWI Original Canned wet food is ethically made with free-range chicken, beef or lamb, plus organs, New Zealand Green Mussel, and organic kelp. Delivers the nutrient-packed peak nutrition dogs need to thrive, plus even picky dogs love it! (from $58 per pack of 12 cans, us.ziwipets.com

 

10. WOUND RELIEF

Safe and sting-free relief for wounds, hot spots, yeast infections, and ringworm! Banixx Pet Wound Care Cream is an anti-microbial, antiseptic formula made with extracts like aloe vera, eucalyptus oil, and chamomile that dries like a liquid bandage. (from $18, banixx.com

 

11. HEALTHY WEIGHT HELPER

Does your dog need to lose a few pounds? The Earth Animal Healthy Weight Nutritional Supplement is an all-natural blend of enzymes and antioxidants that supports natural weight loss by enhancing metabolism and digestion. ($26, earthanimal.com

 

12. SPRAY AWAY BAD BREATH & PLAQUE

Oxyfresh’s flavour-free dental spray helps prevent plaque buildup, reduces periodontal issues, and maintains healthy gum tissue with no hassle. Their proprietary bad-breath-fighting ingredient, Oxygene, works on contact to safely eliminate odours caused by bacteria in your dog’s mouth. ($17, oxyfresh.com

 

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!

Dog Steals False Teeth, Cracks Up The Internet

Need a laugh? I think we all do right now, which is probably why Ben Campbellโ€™s Yorkshire Terrier, Thomas, has gone viral. The short 26-second video has racked up over 1.7 million views. In the hilarious video, Thomas has gotten his paws on a pair of human dentures and is running around with them in his mouth. Just try not to laugh.


Thomasโ€™ video is not only good for a laugh, itโ€™s a wonderful reminder to prioritize your dogโ€™s dental health.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), by age three most dogs have some degree of dental disease. Good oral hygiene and early detection of canine dental disease is essential for your dog’s health and quality of life. Symptoms of canine dental disease include: visible tartar on your dog’s teeth and swollen, red gums, as well as bad breath. Not only is dental disease painful for dogs, if left untreated canine tooth disease can have serious health impacts for your dog, including heart disease. Some dogs, particularly toy breeds, are especially prone to dental disease.

Tooth Brushing

Regular weekly teeth brushing at home can help to keep your dogโ€™s teeth clean and reduce tartar buildup. For brushing your dogโ€™s teeth, you want to use a dog-specific, soft bristled toothbrush, and only use canine toothpaste. Dog toothpaste is flavored in a dog attracting way like bacon or chicken. Human toothpastes generally contain added ingredients that can be toxic to dogs so should not be used. In addition to dog toothpaste and toothbrushes, there are also dog dental wipes available. These dental wipes work similarly to brushing your dog’s teeth in terms of removing plaque but don’t allow you to get as detailed between the teeth. However, many dogs prefer dental wipes to brushing so they can be easier to use. With a tooth brushing routine, itโ€™s all about regularity, so set yourself up for success.

Dental Chews

There are a variety of dental chews available on the market that are formulated to support canine dental health. These chews help to break down tartar on dogsโ€™ teeth. Some dental chews are treats intended to be eaten, and others are durable chews that should not be consumed by dogs.

Training/Grooming Routine:ย 

If possible, itโ€™s always best to begin to accustom your dog to tooth brushing when he ot she is a puppy. Making tooth brushing a regular part of your weekly grooming routine like nail clipping and fur brushing will help your puppy to grow into a dog that is comfortable and confident with regular grooming. If you have an older dog whose teeth havenโ€™t been brushed before, youโ€™ll want to start slowly and not overwhelm your dog. The goal is to keep the experience positive. If your dog is uncomfortable with tooth brushing talk, with your vet who may refer you to a positive reinforcement trainer to support you in developing a grooming routine.

Dental Screenings/Cleanings

Talk with your vet about the health and condition of your dogโ€™s teeth. Dental screenings are an important part of regular vet exams, and your vet will be able to talk to you about your dogโ€™s oral health and if and when they need professional cleanings.

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Sassafras Lowrey is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor and author of โ€œTricks In The City,โ€ โ€œHealing/Heeling,โ€ โ€œBedtime Stories For Rescue Dogs,โ€ and the activity book โ€œChew This Journalโ€ forthcoming in Summer 2020. Follow Sassafras and her canine adventures on Twitter/Instagram and at SassafrasLowrey.com

 

Your Canine’s Caninesโ€”Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Dog’s Teeth

                             

Brought to you by WHIMZEES vet Dr. Danielle Bernal

In 2017, the top diagnosis made by US Veterinarians for dogs was dental disease, a problem so widespread it now affects 4 out of 5 dogs over 3 years of age. Contributing to this epidemic is the lack of daily dental care for dogs, the increase of small breeds and older dogs that are more predisposed to dental issues, and the assumption that visible signs of dental disease, like bad breath, are simply normal doggy traits.

Dog owners used to believe that simply giving a dog a bone to chew on every now and then was all the dental care dogs needed. Today, we know so much more about the importance of oral care for dogs and understand that a dental health program that includes both professional veterinary care as well as at home daily dental care is crucial to a healthy mouth and a happy dog.  

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding upon oral care for your dog. Here’s the latest scientific evidence and everything you ever wanted to know about your dog’s teeth, including those questions which you may have been too afraid to ask before:

ARE PEOPLE DENTAL ISSUES THE SAME AS DOG DENTAL ISSUES?

Tooth decay is not common in dogs: Dogs do not typically develop cavities from tooth decay like people because of the shape of their teeth, the pH of their saliva, the type of bacteria in their mouth and the types of food they consume.

Periodontal disease is very common – 4 out of 5 dogs!  Dogs are very susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth loss. Periodontal disease affects not only the gums, but also all the supporting structures of the tooth. It is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth and under the gums. Plaque is the soft, clear or cream-colored biofilm deposit that naturally forms on pets’ teeth. Plaque is made up of large amounts of bacteria with additional particles of food, protein and cellular debris. If plaque is not removed by brushing or active chewing, minerals, primarily calcium, in the dog’s saliva stick to the plaque biofilm and it develops into tartar. Tartar is the hard yellow/brown material that resists removal and is found below and above the gum.  As plaque and tartar levels increase on the teeth, bacteria accumulate around these deposits causing periodontal disease to intensify and cause associated periodontal inflammation visible most frequently at the gum line.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS DENTAL DISEASE?

That doggy breath is your biggest clue! Periodontal disease in dogs causes inflammation of the gums, infections, mouth pain, and loss of teeth. If a dog is suffering from dental disease, owners will notice that their dog has bad breath, discoloured teeth, red and inflamed gums and may show a reluctance to eat or pain while eating.

Flip your dog’s lip and have a look at their teeth.  What can you see?  Do your dog’s teeth look pearly white or slightly discolored with some yellowing visible? Or do you see a case of significant brown deposits sitting on the molars combined with red and inflamed gums? 

If you see any brown deposits or red gums, contact your local veterinarian.  Your vet is the expert when it comes to dental health so make the first step to improving your dog’s dental health. A quick phone call to book your dog for an annual health and dental check could do just the trick

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOUR DOG?

Regular checkups with your vet are essential to a healthy dental routine but like people, dogs need to have their teeth cleaned at home every day.  Plaque accumulates every minute of your dog’s day and within just 48 hours this plaque starts to harden into tartar, which is much tougher to remove.   When the surface of a dog’s teeth is mechanically abraded (scrubbed!) with a toothbrush or dental chew, this helps remove plaque buildup and reduces the overall progression of dental disease.

Have you brushed your dog’s teeth today? After a professional veterinary cleaning of your dog’s teeth, brushing your dog’s teeth isthe next best option to promote your dog’s dental hygiene.  However, we understand brushing a dog’s teeth is often not easy or enjoyable, for you or your pup! It’s estimated that only 2% of dog owners brush their dog’s teeth. For the 98% of us that don’t brush our dog’s teeth, the easiest way to help remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth is to give them a scientifically proven dental chew like WHIMZEES. Based on a study at an independent kennel, WHIMZEES are 80% more effective at reducing plaque than leading competitors and have a 3x longer chew time to help clean those hard to reach places (January 2017).  Available in sizes XS to XL, and in unique shapes such as Alligators, Hedgehogs, and the latest evolution of the toothbrush, Brushzees, there’s sure to be a WHIMZEES to keep your dog happy and your dog’s mouth healthy.

Treats and Dental Care: The Importance of Transparency in Natural Dog Chews

Dog lovers continue to do more research than ever before to select healthier products for their furry friends.  As we continue to humanize our pets, and since our pets cannot read ingredient labels or make their own decisions, pet-parents are more responsible than ever to seek out treat and chews with fewer and clearly labeled ingredients, from products that offer transparency and make it easy to understand exactly what is inside anything they give to their beloved pet.  (What is inside and more importantly in some cases, what is NOT). 

With WHIMZEES, we use the highest quality natural ingredients in our production process that guarantees the best product due to our commitment to using human grade standards.

Pet-parents definitely want to avoid artificial additives like preservatives and added sugars in dog chews, and seek out natural and healthy ingredients.  They also want to understand not only where the product is made, but also where the ingredients of the product are sourced. 

In addition, “grain free” and/or corn-free continues to be a requirement in regards to a growing number of dogs that have or are developing many types of allergies, so we have selected our vegetarian, limited ingredients clearly labeled by easy-to-read icons on the packaging to help pet-parents understand at a glance what’s inside.

WHIMZEES dog chews are an incredible solution for your dog’s dentai care and oral health as well because they offer all of the benefits that help to promote healthier gums and teeth, but in a more fun, delicious, and highly digestible way than anything else on the market.  The limited, natural ingredients in WHIMZEES offer a high quality vegetarian option to your pet that promotes dental / oral health, but with a taste and texture dogs adore. In a range of sizes for every dog (now ranging from XXS for the tiniest breeds to XL for our larger breeds), there are WHIMZEES for all.  The knobby whimsical shapes of our Hedgehogs, Alligators, Toothbrushes and more help promote healthy blood flow to teeth and gums, fighting the dangerous tartar and plaque linked to heart disease.

Pet Talk: Pet Dental Health Month

While any pet owner knows the importance of a regular grooming and exercise routine for their pet, proper dental care is often overlooked. With February being National Pet Dental Health Month, there is no better time to develop a maintenance plan for your pet’s oral hygiene.

“How goes the mouth, so goes the health,” said Dr. Bert Dodd, clinical professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.  “Overall health can be affected by oral disease, which can get into the blood stream and affect the animal’s internal organs and joints.”

Dental disease affects a significant number of pets at any age during their lifetime, and just like with people, there can be serious consequences as a result of poor dental health.

Although pets aren’t typically known to have minty-fresh breath, an extremely foul odor can be the first sign of a severe dental problem. “Often, exceptionally bad breath is the first indicator of oral disease,” said Dr. Dodd. Some other indicators of oral disease may include excessive drooling, inflamed gums, and loose teeth.

More mouth problems that could arise from poor dental hygiene include periodontal disease, gingivitis, halitosis, gum disease, mouth tumors, dropping food and facial pain. It is always best to check in with your veterinarian if your pet begins to show any sign of mouth discomfort or exceptionally foul breath.

Dental care for your pet should begin as soon as possible, so it is vital that your veterinarian teach you how to properly care for their teeth and gums right from the start. They can provide demonstrations of the most effective and hassle-free way to brush your pet’s teeth, as well as which diets and toys are the safest and most effective.

Another important step in caring for your pet’s dental health is to have your vet perform a complete cleaning and examination on an annual basis. “Oral examinations and cleaning should be performed on your pet at the very least once a year,” said Dr. Dodd. “They should be performed more frequently if home care can’t be done or if the animal has any other oral problems.”

Dental health should be a daily ritual for pet owners to follow all year round, not just during the month of February.  Keep in mind that the oral health of your furry-friend has a direct effect on their overall health.

Naturally Keep Your Dog’s Teeth and Gums Health

Many people don't realize that the offensive breath coming from their dog isn't normal. In fact, it could be a sign that there are dental issues brewing. Maintaining the health of your dog's teeth and gums are important to his overall health, especially since infections of the mouth can spread to other systems and lead to more serious conditions.

There are plenty of natural ways to keep your pet's mouth healthy. The key, though, is to follow these steps every day, just as you brush your teeth daily to ensure your oral health.

The Right Diet

Nutrition is a key component to keeping your dog healthy, right down to the teeth and gums. Raw diets tend to work best because they mimic the natural tearing and pulling action that animals use in the wild in order to rip flesh away from bone, and this stimulates the gums and cleans the teeth.

Providing raw bones, no matter what type of food you feed, is also a great way to allow your dog to not only clean the teeth but get some natural calcium as well. Never cook bones because they'll become brittle and can cause serious injuries when ingested. Stick with chicken necks for small dogs, and give knucklebones and marrowbones to larger breeds of dogs.

Kibble won't keep your dog's teeth clean. The carbohydrates within the kibble will actually do more harm than good, and while many think that the abrasiveness of kibble will clean the mouth, this simply isn't true.

Brush Daily

Brushing is another key component to naturally maintaining your pet's oral health. Purchase a natural enzymatic toothpaste made specifically for dogs. These are great because the enzymes will work on breaking down plaque without the need for actual brushing action.

To make the process of getting your furry friend used to having his teeth brushed easier, start at a young age, go slow, and be patient. A little bit every day will go a long way, especially if you're gently using your finger or a species-appropriate toothbrush. You can even use a small piece of gauze or a washcloth, both of which have an abrasive texture, if your pet simply won't tolerate a toothbrush.

Natural Supplements

Natural supplements can be used to keep your pet's mouth healthy. For example, apply calendula (a homeopathic remedy) onto the gums to prevent gum disease. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and fortify the ligaments and connective tissues of the gums that hold teeth in place. And CoQ10 is great for reducing inflammation and swelling of the gums.

Regular Check-Ups at the Vet

No matter how well you keep track of your dog's oral health at home, it's always recommended that you bring your pet to the vet to have a thorough examination of the mouth. Your vet can also provide cleanings to eliminate any plaque and tartar you were unable to remove and prevent.

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