Tag: National Pet Dental Health Month

Best Bully Sticks wishes you and your pup a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  For this day of love we chose to talk about doggie dental care.  It may not seem to have any connection, but we know that truly loving your dog means really caring for them as well.  February 14th is the day of love, but the month of February recognizes National Pet Dental Health.

National Pet Dental Health Month is dedicated to educating pet owners about good dental hygiene for their furry friends. If you didn't know, poor oral hygiene in dogs and cats can lead to serious health complications such as periodontal disease so upkeep of your pet's teeth and gums is very important.

"Most people have no idea that dental health is so important to their pets, and that's why Pet Dental Health Month is such a great idea," explains Dr. Larry Corry, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). "In fact, veterinarians report that periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats.

Proper pet oral hygiene helps your dog & cat ward off bad breath, tarter build up, plague, sickness, periodontal gum and heart disease. If proper dental care is not taken seriously, dirty plaque can be the breeding ground for bacteria which can wreak havoc on your dog's bodily systems and cause heart, liver and kidney problems. So, during your grooming & teeth brushing sessions check for pain, swelling, redness, abscesses, foul odors (halitosis), and loose or broken teeth in need of immediate vet attention. If your dog is having trouble chewing and swallowing then a dental checkup is in order.

Tips for Top-Notch Teeth!

Regular teeth cleanings are very important. You should clean your pets teeth 2-3 times per week. Purchase a special pet toothpaste & toothbrush. Never use human toothpaste since pets cannot spit or rinse. The key to successful teeth brushing is to start your pet off slowly so your pet can adapt. Teeth brushings aren't normal for dogs, so be gentle and use positive reinforcement. To make teeth brushing easy for the both of you, it is important to acclimate your anxious & often fearful pet. Start by placing toothpaste on your fingers and gently rubbing them in your pet's mouth. Not only will this get your pet accustomed to the taste of toothpaste and fingers, it will be a lot easier to introduce a toothbrush.

Also, plan a yearly physical which includes an oral checkup from your vet. Your vet will let you know of any oral hygiene issues you might have missed. Your vet might also suggests a professional cleaning if they deem it necessary. Consult with your vet further about any specific health risk for your pet prior to procedure since anesthesia will be used. Remember each pet's circumstance is unique.

Another great and way to help your pup's dental health is chewing bully sticks from BBS! Our bully sticks and most of our other treats act as natural flossers for dogs and help clean tarter and bacteria off of teeth and gums. We've pulled together a list of perfect dental dog chews for all shapes and sizes of pets at on our website to show how much oral health means to BBS.

Smelly bad breath can put a damper on any bonding experience. Case in point...try snuggling with a panting dog with pungent bad breath while holding your breath at the same time. Good luck with that one. It is unpleasant & impossible to say the least. If your pet suffers from halitosis then the culprit could be periodontal dental disease, plaque & tarter buildup. Poor pet dental hygiene or the lack there of could be your pet's cry for help by signaling a more serious underlining health problem in need of immediate vet attention.

So, in celebration of National Pet Dental Month all February lets be responsible pet owners and vow to make our pet's oral care a priority. Because lets face it, dog's spend a lot of time in our face kissing & licking us to their hearts content. Annual vet check ups, professional teeth cleanings and a daily at home teeth brushing regime will keep your dog smiling. Remember a healthy mouth = a healthy life for you & your pet!

Here is a refreshing dog treat recipe your dog will love and you can smile about. This minty fresh breath treat will clear the air literally and help banish the bad breath monster. So, say "Good-bye" to bad breath and "Hello" to sweet smelling dog breath. Go ahead, snuggle away!

Ingredients:

2 cups whole-wheat or brown rice flour
1 tbsp. activated charcoal
3 tbsp. canola or vegetable oil
1 egg
2/3 cup milk (low fat or regular)
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Grease the baking sheet.

3. Combine flour and charcoal in the bowl.

NOTE: Charcoal powder, capsules or tablets can be found at most health food stores, as your local pet store. Charcoal helps absorb toxins that can cause chronic bad breath.

4.Stir in the egg and oil.  Mix well.

5. Add the milk. Mix well.

6. Stir in the mint and parsley.

7. Drop tablespoonfuls approximately 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.

8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

9. Cool thoroughly and refrigerate in airtight container for freshness.

So humans rejoice and breath a sigh of relief, finally! Pups enjoy the yummy recipe!

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