Tag Archives: Dental Health

K9 Dental Products: What You Must Know

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As is typical throughout life, not all things are created equal.

Including the dental products being created and advertised for our beloved family dogs; and what you don’t know could hurt your dog!

Over the next few weeks, Cold Noses News is going to reveal the SEVEN ingredients you NEVER want to find in YOUR dog’s dental product; regardless of what the experts, gurus or even professionals may tell you.

We’ll teach you what names and terms to look for on the label for each ingredient as well as the very real and potential effects each can have on your dog.

Don’t be Fooled

As you search for an effective – and safe – product for your dog’s dental health, don’t be fooled by pretty labels, fancy advertising, “healthy” images or even these buzz words below:

  • 100% Natural
  • All-Natural
  • Organic
  • Safe
  • Healthy
  • Non-Toxic
  • Botanical
  • Vet-Approved
  • Recommended by Vets

Your Dog’s Health Depends on You

Always do your research first to ensure any claims are actually true, for your peace of mind and more importantly, for the well-being of your dog.

Note: the researched information we will be presenting over the next few weeks is only a singular look at each of these seven individual ingredients and does not address the potential for compounded negative effects/reactions when one – or more – of these ingredients are combined.

Also keep in mind, the smaller the dog, the greater – and faster -the adverse toxic reaction(s).

And finally, dogs with pre-existing conditions, compromised health or immune systems could face even greater danger from these ingredients.

So, bookmark this page (or better yet, follow us) and learn about the seven ingredients you never want to find in your K9’s dental product.

Toxic Ingredient #1

So, let’s get started. The Number One ingredient you never, ever want to find in your dog’s dental product is … alcohol.

Some K9 dental products contain as much as 25% alcohol

Bottom line, alcohol is toxic to dogs. All dogs. Always. EVEN when the label says “Natural Derived Alcohol” … naturally derived or not, it’s toxic. Period.

So here’s what you should look for and avoid:

Please share this post (and the ones that follow) with friends, neighbors and family who love and own dogs. Keep your dog safe from dental products (or any products) that contain toxic ingredients.

 

Don’t Brush off Your Dog’s Dental Health

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nose-1031559_640It’s Pet Dental Health Month; do you show your dog regular dental love?

Halitosis (bad breath) – whether it’s human or canine – is often the brunt of some really bad jokes and equally rude gestures! But just like humans with bad breath, your dog’s nasty breath could actually be a symptom of something much more serious going on with their health.

An oral bacterial infection (associated with bad breath) can eventually spread to other parts of the body (through the bloodstream) and cause serious – even potentially irreversible – damage to major organs including the kidneys, liver and heart. Left unchecked, this damage could lead to premature death of your dog.

Tooth Decay & Gum Disease Starts Early

The research is shocking; approximately 80% of all dogs begin to show tooth decay and gum disease/inflammation (gingivitis) by the tender age of 3! The steps below will help prevent K9 dental issues.

Preventative Dental Care

Annual Check-ups and dog-toothCleanings: Get your dog’s teeth (and gums) checked – and cleaned (a treatment called prophylaxis) – at least once a year by your regular vet. Annual check-ups can also catch the early signs of dental problems which could cause – or be caused by – other serious health issues.

Recommended Dental Products: Your vet can recommend the best dental products, treats or diets for your dog and their history. Raw bones (size-appropriate) are a great option for your dog (NO cooked or rawhide bones). Raw bones are also rich in calcium (promoting strong teeth), probiotic bacteria (the “good” bacteria) and enzymes. Probiotic bacteria/enzymes work to maintain healthy bacterial flora keeping harmful bacteria (which cause gingivitis) under control. (ALWAYS supervise your dog when they are chewing bones.)

Regular K9 Dental Care Starts at Home

Periodontal disease begins whendentalspray bacteria combines with food particles and forms plaque on the teeth. Left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar (that yucky hard brown stuff you can’t wipe or brush off). Daily cleaning helps remove these food particles; but even cleaning several times a week can help maintain good dental hygiene and reduce potential issues.

Use a child’s toothbrush, finger brush, single-use pet dental wipe or a natural dental spray (like the one made by Bark5.com). Do use human toothpaste; only use pet-specific/formulated products that do not contain alcohol or the artificial sweetener, xylitol (both are very toxic to dogs).

(Sources: AVMA.org, AAHA.org and CVMA.net)