Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to showing love and appreciation to those close to our hearts. For pet owners, this includes our furry friends! Here are some ways to spoil your dog on Valentine’s Day and show them how much you love them.
- Pick up a special treat: Treat your dog to something special by baking them a homemade snack or buying them a gourmet treat they don’t usually get. Get them a small frosted cookie to celebrate the special day, or go for a big bag to keep sharing the love all week! You can also pick out a chew treat like a collagen stick or bone to keep them occupied while you’re out at a nice dinner.
- Buy them a new toy: A new toy is always a great way to spoil your dog. Get them a soft plush toy, a chew toy, or an interactive toy that will keep them entertained for hours. When selecting a toy, make sure it is safe for your dog to play with, and check that it is the right size and durability for your pet.
- Take them on a special outing: Take your dog to their favorite place and spend time doing something active with them, such as a hike, a visit to a dog park, or a trip to a local pet store. A change of scenery and a chance to explore new sights, sounds, and smells can be a real treat for your dog.
- Give them a spa day: Give your dog a relaxing spa day by giving them a bath or scheduling a grooming appointment. Grooming not only makes your dog feel pampered, but it also helps to keep their coat and skin healthy. Add a blueberry facial and paw treatment for the five star treatment!
- Have a photo shoot: Capture your dog’s cute and loveable personality with a photo shoot. You can take the photos yourself or have a professional photographer do it. Frame the photos and display them in your home as a keepsake of your furry friend. Show off their seasonal attire.
Remember, the best gift you can give your dog is your love and affection, take time this Valentine’s Day to show your dog how much you care about them.
February is also National Pet Dental Health Month, and as pet owners, it’s important to be aware of the importance of dental care for our furry friends. Good dental health is essential for the overall well-being of our pets and can help prevent serious health problems in the future. Here’s what you need to know about pet dental health and how you can help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy this month and all year round.
- The importance of pet dental health: Just like with human teeth, plaque and tartar buildup on our pet’s teeth can lead to gum disease and other serious health problems. In addition to causing oral pain and discomfort, dental problems can also lead to infections that can spread to other parts of the body, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
- Signs of dental problems: Some common signs of dental issues include bad breath, yellow or brown buildup on the teeth, and a loss of appetite or reluctance to eat. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your pet to the vet for a check-up.
- At-home dental care: In addition to regular vet check-ups, there are several things you can do at home to help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. One of the most effective is to brush your pet’s teeth regularly with a pet-specific toothbrush or finger toothbrush and toothpaste. Introduce your dog to the toothbrush slowly by pairing it with a tasty treat when he sees it. Start with short sessions and do more brushing as your pet is comfortable. You can also provide dental chews and toys to help remove plaque and tartar.
- Professional dental cleanings: Regular professional dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining your pet’s dental health. During a cleaning, your vet will remove plaque and tartar buildup, clean your pet’s teeth including under the gumline, and check for any other oral health problems. Have your vet check your pet’s teeth each time they visit for a routine checkup to stay on top of any issues that may arise.
- Diet and exercise: In addition to dental care, diet and exercise can also play a role in your pet’s dental health. Feeding your pet a balanced diet and providing regular exercise can help keep their teeth and gums healthy by stimulating blood flow to the gums and promoting good oral health.
For those dogs who just don’t tolerate teeth brushing, or for the busy pet parents, there are alternative products. Look for products recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for the best quality product with research behind it. TropiClean has a line of dental health products with this specifically in mind. Add the water additive to their water bowl every time the bowl is refreshed, and let your dog clean their teeth every time they take a drink.
For those dogs who like to chew, there are specially designed dental chews, such as those from TropiClean, Merrick’s Fresh Kisses, or Greenies.
Dogs can also help clean their teeth by chewing on bones, toys, and edible chews. There is a risk of tooth breakage when feeding dogs anything hard, so tough chews like antlers and weight bearing bones should be given with discretion. Remember to supervise your dog when they are chewing something, and to introduce new edible items slowly to avoid stomach upset.
National Pet Dental Health Month is a great time to focus on your pet’s dental health and take steps to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Whether it’s through at-home care, professional cleanings, or a healthy diet and exercise, there are many ways to help prevent dental problems in your pet. By taking care of your pet’s dental health, you can help ensure a happy, healthy, and pain-free life for your furry friend.
