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Best Dog Dental Health Products

Lori Ennis
by Lori Ennis
Published:  January 20th, 2022

It’s important to keep our dog’s dental health in tip-top shape, as they’re not as able to let us know when they’re having issues that can affect their whole bodies. Here are the best dog dental health products that’ll keep your pup’s mouth its healthiest.

While many joke about ‘brushing a dog’s teeth’ or taking a dog to the dentist, doggy dental hygiene is no joke. Teeth play an important part in one’s overall health and that goes for our doggos, too. It’s vital to take care of them, and fortunately, there are some great products out there that will help make doggy dentistry just a bit easier. Check out our top 10 dog dental health products.

1. Editor’s Choice: VetriScience Perio Plus Chews

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These chews from Vetriscience are great ways to end the day for your dogs. They’re specifically formulated to use between cleanings, and they’re delicious bars that promote cleaning your dog’s teeth and controlling the plaque while helping freshen that dog-butt breath. Made with natural ingredients, these dental chews will be your pooch’s new favorite treat thanks to the mouth-watering chicken liver flavor that dogs simply can’t resist!

2. Runner Up: Nature’s Toothbrush Organic

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This 100% natural and pure Icelandic Seaweed (Geothermal, Ascophyllum Nodosum) is organic and couldn’t be easier to use to help remove plaque from your dog’s teeth. Simply pour the granules over their food and they think they’re getting a treat. They are the treat of healthy teeth!

3. Customer Choice: ProDen PlaqueOff Treats

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Speaking of treats…if you want your dog to go wild for a treat without even knowing it’s so good for them too, just toss them one of these ProDen PlaqueOff Treats from Sweden Care. The abrasive sea kelp goes to work on their teeth and gums, stimulating for better dental health and fresher breath! A once daily treat they’ll love.

4. Best Toothpaste: Petrodex Advanced Dental Care Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste

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The best way to deal with plaque and tartar is to prevent them at the source and that’s precisely what this dog toothpaste does. Thanks to its unique enzymatic formula, Petrodex Advanced Dental Care Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste cleans the teeth, prevents bacteria and plaque buildup, and neutralizes your pooch’s bad breath. The best part? This is a no-rinse, no-foaming formula, so it means no hassle after brushing- just scrub those teefers and go about your business. The poultry flavor is a nice touch as well, making sure that your pet is open to collaborating, as the taste of chicken is bound to entice even the most stubborn pooches to get their teeth brushed.

For best results, though, you’ll have to be consistent – brush those pearlies at least two to three times a week with a soft-bristled brush to keep your doggo’s breath fresh and their canines sparkly white.

5. Best Toothbrush: Double-sided Silicone Dog Toothbrushes

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Obviously, you’ll want a toothbrush for that toothpaste, and not all are created equally. These are made with long handles and silicone that can curve to meet the contours of your dog’s gums and tooth line. It also allows you some flexibility and reach for those back teeth when your pup may not be so amenable to your hand being in there.

6. Best Probiotic: Zesty Paws Probiotic OraStix

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When it comes to bad doggie breath, you should first treat the cause of it rather than try and mask it with mouthwash or fresh breath sprays for pets. Great dental hygiene doesn’t start at the mouth but rather at the gut, which is why Zesty Paws created these probiotic treats that target both the underlying trigger for bad breath and promote better oral hygiene at the same time. Each stick contains 50 million CFU of beneficial probiotic, 280 mg of hemp seed, and natural remedies such as curcumin, taurin, and ginger root, all working to promote optimal gut health and healthy flora to make sure that it’s not an imbalanced gut microbiome causing stinky dog breath.

To boot, Zesty Paws Probiotic OraStix also contains rosemary oil, kelp, and peppermint that will keep the gums and the teeth healthy while the ridged texture of the treats helps keep plaque buildup at bay. Made in the USA, these healthy dental sticks don’t contain any artificial flavors or synthetic colors and best of all they taste great to pooches!

7. Best Toy: IQ Treat Ball

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This treat ball is a perfect disguise for a dental cleaning toy! You can put treats in for your dog to gnaw at and retrieve, and every gnaw helps stimulate and massage his gums, while also cleaning plaque and tartar off his teeth. Meanwhile, his brain is developing and you’re raising his IQ and all you have to do is enjoy!

8. Best Finger Toothbrush: H&H Pets Dog Toothbrushes

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Your dog may prefer your gentle touch and you may prefer targeted brushing, so these finger brushes are perfect for you both. Soft, gentle and stimulating, they’ll gently take plaque and tartar away, but don’t forget to brush their tongue, as 80% of mouth bacteria rests there!

Each finger toothbrush has a ¾ inch diameter opening, so they’ll comfortably fit on your finger without slipping or squeezing it too much. Unlike most pet toothbrushes that feature a flat bristle profile, the bristles on this innovative finger toothbrush are scientifically designed to have a curved profile. In turn, this allows you to clean those hard-to-reach spots and to adapt to different gum areas. What’s more, they are available in two sizes – large or small – to accommodate pets of all breeds and shapes. And in the case this design doesn’t work out for your dog, don’t worry – the seller offers a 60 days money back guarantee.

9. Honorable Mention: Outback Jack Bully Horns

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My dogs love them, and they are amazing for longevity and natural cleaning of plaque and tartar. Their shapes make it easy for the dogs to really sink their teeth into (see what we did there?) and they do a great job of cleaning teeth without leaving a mess behind!

10. Best Dental Wipes: MOKAI Dental Wipes for Dogs and Cats

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If your dog just doesn’t want to have you do some doggy dental duty with a tooth or finger brush, you can at least do some work with these dental wipes. Made in the USA in a GMP approved facility, they’re not toxic, and the Chlorhexidine / Sodium Hexametaphosphate combination helps fight bacteria, plaque, tartar and more.

To boot, they are super easy to use: just wrap the cleansing wipes around your finger and swipe your pet’s teeth. Voila – sparkly canines and fresh breath!

Do dogs really need to have their teeth cleaned?

Dogs are no different than us when it comes to dental hygiene – if you don’t brush their teeth regularly, plaque and tartar will accumulate, bacteria will develop, and all of that will lead to tartar deposits on the teeth, inflamed gums, and eventually – teeth loss. Dogs have to have their teeth cleaned with dental chews and abrasive treats that naturally scrape off the plaque, and if possible, you should also brush their teeth at least two times a week. If you neglect their oral health, they will have to get their teeth professionally cleaned by a vet to avoid complications and loss of teeth.

How can I get plaque off my dog’s teeth at home?

If the plaque buildup is too severe, you can’t get it off at home – the only way to remove years worth of tartar and plaque from dog’s teeth is with professional teeth cleaning at a veterinarian’s office. Not only that this has to be done by a skilled professional to avoid injuries, but it also involves specialized tools for the manual part of the cleaning and an ultrasonic scaler for teeth and gums. If the plaque is only beginning to form on teeth, start brushing your pet’s teeth more often and include dental treats and/or water additives into their routine to remove existing plaque and prevent buildup in the future.

How do I take care of my dog’s teeth?

The first step of any healthy oral routine is regular brushing: use a pet toothbrush and pet-friendly toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth at least two-three times a week if you can’t manage doing it on a daily basis. In between brushings, offer your pet dental treats that are designed to maintain good oral health by scraping away plaque from teeth and gums, as well as freshening your pet breath. Finally, if needed, you can use breath-freshening sprays or water additives to reduce bad breath, which is a common issue with dogs, sometimes even if you brush regularly.

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Lori Ennis
Lori Ennis

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SuperZoo 2018: Electric Ultrasound Toothbrush For Dogs Keeps Dentist A

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How Do I Teach My Cat to Play Fetch?

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t exactly known for their love of fetch. If you dream of tossing a toy with your furry best friend for hours, fear note – with a bit of time, patience, and positive reinforcement, you may just inspire a new love for the game in your kitty. This post will discuss why some cats take to fetch so naturally and how play can benefit your cat’s overall health and well-being. Plus, we’ll share how to teach your cat to play fetch step-by-step with tips for success! So, grab your cat’s favorite toy and get ready for a fun game of fetch…Why Do Cats Love Playing Fetch? There are many theories about why cats enjoy this game. The most accepted theory is that the action triggers natural hunting instincts. When an object is thrown, it mimics their prey moving across the room. The cat then chases the toy, stalking and hunting it. Retrieving the toy and bringing it back to you is similar to cats bringing their freshly killed prey to their owners as a gift. Other experts see the game of fetch as an attempt to spend quality time playing together, bonding like we do with our dogs. However, no research confirms either theory. What Toy Do Cats Love Most? Finding the best toy for your fetch-loving cat can be a fun process. Why? There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, you’ll have to set aside time to play and test which toys your cat connects with most. Think of it as a fun game of trial and error. We have two cats at home, one of whom is absolutely in love with playing fetch. Pippen, our Maine Coon mix, will bring toys to us randomly throughout the day. She drops them at our feet and meows loudly while pawing at our pant legs, begging us to throw whatever she has brought us. Here are a few of her favorite toys to play fetch with: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys: These little mice are not only the perfect size and weight for cats to carry around, but the fact they include catnip makes them even more enticing. If the theory about hunting is correct, they are a great example of mock prey. Catit Eco Cat Toy: Another prey-like toy, this is arguably the top choice in our house. Pippen loves anything with feathers. If you have a tiny kitten, this is a little harder to carry, but Pippen is relatively small, and she has never had a problem. Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls: This is another one I have heard other cat parents raving about. The balls make a fun crinkling sound while the foil-like mylar material reflects the light, making them a fun visual spectacle to hunt down. SPOT Colorful Springs: These toys may not seem special, but the spring design causes them to bounce around the room unpredictably. This keeps your cat on their toes as they hunt them down with each throw. Cat Tube Spring Toys: These toys are made of lightweight mesh material, making them easy to carry around. If you fold them or push down the ends, then let go, they fly through the air. The goal is to find something your cat loves, wants to retrieve, and can comfortably carry back to you to continue the game. Is It Normal for a Cat to Never Play? While you can expect a range of playfulness from cats, with some cats being very playful and others only playing occasionally when they “feel like it,” it’s not normal for a cat to never play at all. A healthy adult cat should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of playtime daily. This can be in one large play session or, ideally, split into shorter play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a cat who appears lazy or unmotivated, you should prioritize turning this around and encouraging them to play more. Otherwise, they will be at a higher risk of potential health complications, including obesity, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, arthritis and other joint-related issues, and fatty liver disease.

What Causes Heartworm in Dogs?

One of the most dangerous threats to the health of dogs around the world is the dreaded  heartworm. Most people are not even aware of the illness, until it is too late for  treatment and the damage has already been done. In fact, many dog owners are not at all familiar with heartworm, how it occurs, how it progresses, and what causes it in the first place. That’s why we’ll go into all of the details every dog owner should know about heartworm. What Is Heartworm Disease in Dogs and What Causes It?Heartworm disease in dogs is caused by a parasitic worm, called Dirofilaria Immitis. These are most simply put, heartworm larvae, and are carried within mosquitos. And that’s how they are transmitted – through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito, carrying a heartworm larva, bites a dog, it immediately transmits the larvae onto the dog’s skin. This is how the heartworm enters the bloodstream, through the teeny tiny mosquito bite wound – yes, that is how incredibly small these larvae are. After this, over the course of several months, the deposited larvae mature and grow into adult worms that nest and reside within your dog’s heart, blood vessels, and lungs. Once they become adults and enter the animal’s system, these worms can really cause substantial damage to the lungs, heart, and even other organs. This damage is then manifested through visible symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, difficulty breathing, coughing, and – in the most extreme cases – heart failure. Heartworm needs to be treated. Otherwise, this disease can be fatal to dogs. Of course, your most common precaution is through regular use of heartworm preventatives, as well as minimizing exposure to mosquitoes or mosquito-dense areas. This can help protect your doggo from contracting a potentially deadly disease. Preventing And Treating Heartworm Disease in DogsThis being said, we need to take into account that heartworm disease won’t be common in all parts of the world equally. The disease is prevalent in parts of the world with warm or humid climates, and high populations of mosquitoes. This is not an exclusive rule, however, and the disease can occur in all parts of the world, including temperate zones. As a diligent dog owner, you should get familiar with your region and if needed, take precautionary measures. If you live in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, you can invest in things like mosquito repellents for dogs. 

Followers Cry Fowl as Staffie Peggy and Magpie Molly, Separated

Fans of the social media darlings start an online campaign to reunite the odd couple.

Let's Talk Turkey... and Why the White House Pardons One Each Year

It’s now a Thanksgiving tradition… and we’re not talking about the Macy’s parade, the Black Friday sales or that cranberry chutney Aunt Sally whips up each year. We’re talking about the turkey pardon that according to the White House Historical Association, is rumored to have begun back in 1863 with then-President Lincoln. Whether this tale is fact or fiction is debated. What we know is that more recent history confirms the big bird officially began as a gift made to the White House by The National Turkey Federation back in 1947. Alas, no details on his outcome.This year, President Biden pardoned two 42-pounders, preventing them from being on the wrong side of the Thanksgiving feast when he gave Liberty and Bell, a pass and a certain cushy future.As mentioned, this fun seasonal practice began in 1947 and over the years tended to be rather on-again/off-again depending on the whims of whichever administration was in place. It wasn’t until the Kennedy era in the early ‘60s that Tom Turkey was formally spared and lived to see another day. Since then, the support to spare this fine feathered fowl has ramped up considerably and his well-being post-pardon was carefully tracked by both the media and animal rights groups throughout the country.Was it just for show? Did he really make his exit from the White House intact versus being basted, carved and covered in gravy?Before I answer, let’s just say that the fun spin on this tradition is how it has evolved. Not only did Liberty and Bell enjoy a stay in a suite at the luxe Willard Intercontinental Hotel the night before their widely shared pardon, but following their moment in the spotlight, they returned home to Minnesota where the state’s College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences will oversee their care.So, yes. Beginning with the Bush administration in 1989, the turkey pardon became a tradition that sees one lucky bird truly pardoned and destined for a life of ease and indulgence.In fact, past White House pardons have typically resulted in said turkey being relocated to a local children’s farm where they can live out their remaining years being adored by the junior crowd and noshing down on kibble from a cone. BTW, did you know that a turkey can live to 10 years of age?Of course, now we’re all feeling warm and sentimental about turkeys, the inevitable question arises: Can a turkey be kept as a pet? The short answer is yes, these highly social critters enjoy the company of humans and can be curious, vocal, and entertaining.  So much so that they’re a top pick for hobby farmers and those who have already ventured into keeping chickens.Just a little food for thought!

Canine Nose Prints Help Reunite Lost Pets with Owners

Faster and more effective than microchips? Time will tell.

Adopter Visits a Dog Every Day for 2 Months to Earn the Pet's Trust

Alva, a fearful dog who spent over 500 days at Austin Pets Alive! shelter has found a loving home thanks to an adopter who believed in her. According to Dr. Ellen Jefferson, a veterinarian and the CEO and president of Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), Alva first arrived at the shelter in 2019, as a puppy. Alva was transferred to APA! from another shelter after it was discovered that she had cerebellar hypoplasia. This congenital neurological condition affects the part of the brain that controls movement, leading to mobility issues. “We’re a shelter that generally takes animals from other shelters when they can’t afford long-term medical treatment,” said Jefferson, according to PEOPLE. The shelter quickly found a home for the young puppy, but problems emerged as Alva grew up.A common issue for dogs with severe mobility problems is that they don’t get out as much as healthy dogs. They spend most of their time inside a loving home with people who take good care of them. Unfortunately, these dogs miss a vital part of socialization as they aren’t exposed to new people, animals, and situations during puppyhood. As the home Alva grew up in became busier, she attempted to bite the people who came over for a visit. This type of fear aggression is common for dogs with mobility issues because they can’t get away. Sadly, Alva ended up back in the shelter because she became territorial, defensive, and fearful. While the shelter looked for a perfect adopter for Alva, the behavioral support team and volunteers worked with the pooch daily. “She got the best care she possibly could, with so many people taking her out every day,” Jefferson shared. “She had a wheelchair made for her.”Although Alva made immense progress with her mobility and behavioral issues, no one showed interest in adopting her for more than 500 days. Luckily, Alva wasn’t destined to stay in the shelter forever! Alva’s future changed when Joe Rotunda saw her on Instagram in July. Although he wasn’t looking for a new pet at that time, he immediately knew that he wanted to give Alva a loving home. “She shined. She had this almost tangible will,” Rotunda said. “I saw all these videos of Alva running, playing, and falling down. And every time she fell, she pulled herself back up. Every time a challenge presented itself, she did not go around it; she went over it. And I was very inspired.”It was love at first sight! Rotunda didn’t hesitate for a second, instead, he drove to APA! to schedule a meeting with Alva. “She was very wary of me. She was very nervous, concerned, and anxious,” said Rotunda about Alva’s initial reaction to him. “But, you could tell she was so loving and affectionate around the people that she knew.”To earn Alva’s trust, Rotunda kept coming back. That meant visiting the shelter every day for two months! “She needed someone who would not give up on her. And I never questioned that decision,” he explained.Over time, Alva who lounged and nipped at him at first, started to approach Rotunda and feel safe in his company. By October the APA! and Rotunda agreed it was time for Alva to spend the night outside the shelter.Before Alva arrived, Rotunda transformed his home to make it inviting and as comfortable as possible. He blocked a large section of the living room to make a private play area and added several crates to give Alva room to decompress.Alva arrived on Friday night, and when the APA! caretaker came to collect her the next day, it was obvious the dog wanted to stay. “She did not want to leave the house. She did not want to go back to APA. And she’s been here ever since.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

The Latest Pet Industry Trends from Global Pet Expo 2024

On March 20-22, 2024, pet industry professionals from across the globe gathered at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, for the Global Pet Expo. Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), the exhibit floor showcased 1,100+ companies, including 300 first-time exhibitors. This included 1,000+ product launches, the latest pet industry news, a packed New Products Showcase, and more! But what did we discover while attending the show? Here are some of the hottest trends in the industry, as seen at this year’s show: Mind the BudgetIn the last decade, we have seen a growing interest in spoiling our pets regardless of the cost. However, following the events of 2020, many pet parents are feeling the pinch that is society’s current financial state. So, how do we reconcile the two? Many brands came into this year’s show with a focus on providing high-quality pet care with a budget-friendly mindset. This included two distinct approaches. Some companies focused on finding ways to keep the price point low. This included changes to production, simplified designs, and sourcing quality supplies at a fraction of the cost. They then transferred these savings directly to the consumer, allowing you to spoil your pets without breaking the bank. The other trend we saw was to create premium products that, while requiring an upfront investment, are designed to last for years to come. By not having to replace them repeatedly, you will save money over the product's lifespan. Overall, we were excited to see so many ways pet parents can improve their pet’s quality of life, even when finances are tight. Sustainability for the Future A growing understanding of the impact of our pets on the environment has put pressure on the pet industry to find ways to prioritize sustainability. Some experts say that caring for a medium-sized dog can have a similar carbon footprint to driving a large SUV. How do we address this without giving up our pets? We saw several brands rising to the challenge! There was a growing number of companies creating adorable and functional toys from recycled materials. Snugarooz had a wide assortment of brightly colored, crinkly, and squeaky plush toys made from recycled water bottles. WestPaw added more products to their popular Seaflex line of 100% recyclable toys made with recycled ocean-bound plastic. We also saw a focus on sustainability in pet food and treats. One company that really stood out was Arch Pet Food. The company previously demonstrated their commitment to eco-friendly pet ownership by introducing alternative proteins in their food and treats. One product that we found very impressive was the Dehydrated Copi treats, made from an invasive species in our waterways. Other shifts towards sustainability included changes in packaging to reduce unnecessary plastics, the use of hemp-based bedding for small animals, and more sustainable decisions being made during production.

UK Insurance Giant Names Pets as Culprit in Over 6,000 Claims

Between 2019 and 2023, dogs and cats identified as cause for missing jewelry, broken electronics, and property damage.

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