Chip and Daisy Approved – Pet Dental Health Month {review}

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Welcome back, dog lovers.  In case you missed it, this series began last week, where we talked about Orijen.  Did you know February is Pet Dental Health Month?  So, even though today’s the last day of February (hellooo Spring!) it’s never too late to take action on the pearly whites of your furbabies.  No matter whether they have little corn teeth or full fledged meat-tearing jaws.  Here are my youngest monster’s baby and adult teeth.

It is estimated that by age four, most cats and dogs have dental disease.  That odor coming from Fido’s mouth? It might indicate a serious health risk, with the potential to damage not only his teeth and gums but his internal organs as well.  This video explains it well:

Chip just turned 3 a few days ago, and I haven’t yet taken him to get his dental cleaning. I’m afraid of anesthesia in small dogs, but it’s becoming clear he needs his teeth cleaned just by looking at the tartar build-up on his molars.  In the meantime, I am taking care of his teeth and Daisy’s teeth with the products in this post.

First up is dog toothpaste.  You can’t use human toothpaste on your dogs…it can be toxic!  I’ve tried a few, and the ONLY one they seem to like has been Petrodex enzymatic toothpaste in poultry flavor.  They will lick it right off the opening of the tube!  Daisy will even do a little dance when she sees me reaching for it.  Most times I use a regular toothbrush (pictured on the left), but I’ve also found luck with using the Arm & Hammer Clinical Pet Care 3-sided toothbrush (pictured right).  This baby will get the sides and surface area of the tooth, making this take even less time.  Chip is much more open to having his teeth brushed with the Petrodex toothpaste.

Another product we like is Arm & Hammer Tartar Control for dogs.  There’s a gel and a spray version, but we prefer the spray.  It claims it’s odorless, but it smells a little like peanut butter to me. This is another great way to help cut down on the tartar buildup on teeth.  It contains special enzymes (just like pet toothpaste) to help cut down on tarter buildup.  Chip and Daisy don’t seem to mind it and will readily accept a short spray on their teeth and gums.  In conjunction with enzymatic toothpaste, this has helped considerably cut down on visible tarter.  They’re not a replacement for veterinary dental care, but it goes great lengths for the oral health of your dog.

Lastly, in addition to smoked bones from the pet boutique we buy Orijen from, we also have found luck in Nylabone Dura Chew Bones for extra scrubbing.  The Nylabones develop little ridges that resemble little toothbrush bristles.  These ridges help remove the loosening tartar as a result of continued use of the enzymatic toothpaste.  I was a little unsure of giving my dogs a plastic product, but as long as I replace them often they’re not an issue.  They’re about $5 so they’re really affordable.

I hope this has helped you find a couple of ways to help keep your pet’s oral health in top shape.  For more information on your pet’s oral health, visit the American Veterinarian Medical Association.