
It's widely accepted that dogs require many of the same things as their human counterparts, when it comes to staying healthy and living a full life. From a safe and loving home, to a healthy diet and active lifestyle, it's crucial that we monitor several key elements of a dog's health and hygiene; especially as they age. For example, when we take Nora to the groomer they always ask if we'd like to have her teeth brushed as part of her grooming package. And for over 95% of the canine pet population that may be the only time, if at all, during the year a dog's teeth is brushed. Even more staggering is the knowledge that the best dental hygiene plan for a canine often includes brushing with a pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste, every day. While the momentary escape to a vision of your pup brushing their teeth at the bathroom sink might solicit a chuckle, there really is little to laugh about.

Not to mention to thought of kissing someone who hasn't brushed their teeth in over a year (or maybe their entire life?) might put a damper on those sloppy puppy kisses!
However, proper dental hygiene in dogs is not just about bad breath- plaque and bacteria buildup (often evident by poor breath in your pup) can result in loose and rotting teeth, infected gums, and even life-threatening health issues. Some breeds of dogs are notorious for being more at risk than others, and small breeds often top the list, while larger breeds can experience broken or cracked teeth. That's why we have Nora's teeth professionally cleaned, at our veterinary office, about every other year- or when it becomes a concern. In addition, we brush her teeth during every bath (it's not the suggested every day, but we work on it,) watch her diet, provide her with plenty of healthy chewing toys, and have recently started a new water additive which will help break down biofilm, where harmful bacteria multiples in the mouth.







D.I.Y Homemade Chew Toy
Supplies:
1 Appropriately Sized Dog 'Tennis' Ball
1 Scrap Fabric Square (Approximately Equal To 15x The Ball Width, In Length)
Scissors
Directions:
1. Place the ball in the center of your fabric. Measure 1/3 up from the bottom, and 1/3 in from the right, and cut an even square of fabric from the corner. Measure 1/3 down from the top, and 1/3 in from the right and cut an even square of fabric from the corner. Repeat on the left side until you are left with a 'cross' of fabric.
2. Cut a small 1/2" slit in the center of the left strip, just where your cuts end, as to create a buttonhole. Repeat with the bottom strip.
3. Pull the top strip through the slit in the bottom strip and tie a knot. Pull the right strip through the left strip and tie a knot.
4. Cut each strip into 3 even strips to about 1/4" from the knot base. Braid each corner to desired length and tie in a knot to fix.
5. Toss around or indulge in a good old-fashioned game of tug-of-war!

bluestem™ with coactiv+™'s water additive formulas are also safe for use with cats. Bonus! Truffles enjoys the benefits in her bowl as well! The Vanilla Mint formulation should only be used with dogs, and is not approved for use with cats.

Nora drinks just as much water a usual with bluestem™ and I honestly can't determine whether she has a preference for chicken flavored or vanilla mint more. Since we use the oral spray in Vanilla Mint, and the Original and Chicken Flavor formulations are cat safe, I think we'll be buying more of those from now on.
What can you expect to notice in just 30 days using bluestem™ with coactiv+™' water additives in your dog's water? An independent study showed that dogs using bluestem™ regularly had up to a 25.4% reduction in tartar, even experiencing visibly cleaner teeth! Where we've noticed the difference? Nora still has 'breath' after all, her mouth is still a mouth, but her breath is more like one would expect a human to experience throughout the day, and far from the repelling 'doggy breath' we're used to around here. Let's just say I no longer cringe when Jay lets her lick his face endlessly with 'kisses'.


bluestem™ products are an alcohol, xylitol, and chlorhexidine free, and a potentially delicious way to help support your dog's good oral hygiene routine. Their products are currently sold at a variety of specialty stores and boutiques nationwide, or online through their website. Learn more about the products and availability, and take the 30 day challenge to see results for yourself! Now, be honest, what do you do to help maintain your pet's oral care?
Enjoy 20% off your order with bluestem™ in September (2016) when you use promo code: TRYBLUESTEM
What Daughter Says: Don't fear puppy kisses, take some simple steps to fight doggy breath and help improve your dog's oral hygiene today.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of bluestem. The opinions and text are all mine.
Mint Parsley Pup Treats
***Click here for printable recipe
Ingredients:
10oz Unsweetened Plain Yogurt
Hand-full of Fresh Parsley Leaves
Hand-full of Fresh Mint Leaves
2 Drops Peppermint Oil (Not Extract)
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well combined. Pour into a silicone mold or ice cube tray until each cavity is 3/4 full. Freeze 2-3 hours. Serve direct from the freezer in a food bowl.
Oh my goodness, so you just add it to the water? That is so awesome... And your dog treats and toy tutorial are both awesome! Love your pup, too!
ReplyDeleteWe have two dogs and we try to keep up with their oral hygiene. Your dog treats are a great idea. I will have to try that.
ReplyDeleteI am totally pinning this! I have been trying to find something that will work well for dogs give them better breath and work with their teeth because I am terrible at brushing them.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! This is the coolest and healthiest! We give Gino treats for his breathe, but this DIY is better indeed! It's a win win!
ReplyDeleteMy pup could definitely use this. I will definitely be making them so that his breath is just a little bit more fresh.
ReplyDeleteDog breath is definitely something to be reckoned with. This looks great for their oral hygiene.
ReplyDeleteIf I had a dog, I would definitely be making these asap! I will be passing these along to my best friend :)
ReplyDeleteI need to make some of these treats and the chew toy for my sisters dog. Unfortunately I don't have any pets.
ReplyDeleteI need to tell my daughter about this. She has two dogs, Elvis and Ringo, and they have terrible breath! The doggie toy is such a cute idea!
ReplyDeleteThese photos are way too cute! My dog has seriously gross breath so I should give this a try.
ReplyDeleteI will have to make a toy and some treats for my Sisters dogs. We are going to visit them this weekend. I like to bring them something special.
ReplyDeleteMy 2 black labs could definitely use these! Thanks for the easy recipe, I'm going to make some this weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of trying a water additive for my two dogs. They have been getting stinky breath and are in need of a cleaning soon. It is so important to clean your pets teeth.
ReplyDeleteI will have to pick up some of this for my dogs. It would be a great way to help keep their teeth clean between vet visits. This is a great treat recipe.
ReplyDeleteThose pup treats are such a great idea for hot summer days! Thanks for sharing about the cat safe products as well- I'll have to get some for my cats :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to check out bluestem. We never brush our dogs' teeth, but their breath is killer and I know they need it. We don't get our pets groomed either, so they really don't have any oral care at all.
ReplyDeleteAn adorable puppy and looks like he gets to have fun treats and toys!
ReplyDeleteWe have two dogs and we try to work on their oral hygiene, because we know how important it is! Your dog treats are a great idea. I can't wait to try it!
ReplyDeleteThis article is a reminder that we need to pay attention to our pet's oral hygiene the way pay attention to our own.
ReplyDeleteAfter my dog had oral surgery, here vet gave her a Blue Stem product that will help with plaque and tartar buildup.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Now I got to think of something creative for my cats!
ReplyDeleteYour pup is so cute!!! I love this, need to share it with my mom. She has 3 doggies!
ReplyDeleteNora is ADORABLE! We're loving the results of using bluestem products too. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
ReplyDelete