Default Blog

Believe it or not, dental care is one of the most important ways to keep your pets healthy throughout their lives. It’s also something easy to let slide from your calendar and your mind, which can lead to bacteria buildup, plaque, bad breath, and even periodontal disease. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Enzadent® Dental Chews and Dentahex™ Oral Care Chews, your new best friends in the fight for your pet’s oral health.To understand how these chews work, it’s important to understand dental health. After your pets have a meal, tiny food particles and bacteria gather to form plaque – just like with humans. And just like humans, routine dental care can dramatically reduce the chance of tartar buildup, periodontal disease and bad breath. Believe it or not, periodontal diseases is the single greatest cause of health problems in pets, so prevention is crucially important to the quality of life of your pet.Dentahex™ is made of 100% natural beefhide and has an abrasive texture that scrapes away plaque and tartar buildup on teeth and at the gum line. It also contains Chlorhexidine, which works as a natural antiseptic to help reduce bacterial growth that may lead to dental health issues.Enzadent® Dental Chews combine enzymes found naturally in your pet’s saliva and uses the natural abrading action of rawhide chews to help your pet remove food particles before they become a problem. The best part is that Enzadent® tastes great – so your pets will love chewing on them.Better yet, because dogs of all sizes need help with oral care, we’ve made our dental chews in four sizes. Whether your dog is petite, medium, large or extra lovable, there’s an dental chew to help them clean and polish their teeth naturally.Just remember: because these are rawhides, supervise your pet while they chew, and keep plenty of water on hand. We recommend they don’t eat a whole rawhide all at once.Want to know more? Talk to your veterinarian today. They’ll be able to help you create the right plan for protecting your pet’s oral health.

When was the last time you took a good look inside your pet’s mouth? On average, more than 80% of dogs will develop a significant oral health issue, such as infected gums or loose teeth. Periodontal disease is the most common health problem diagnosed in cats.Prevention and treatment of your pet’s oral issues are important for the overall health of your dog or cat. Here are some tips to keep your pet's teeth healthy:Tooth-Friendly Treats: Gnawing on certain treats and bones can actually help scrape away plaque and dirt on pets’ teeth (plus, it’s fun and tasty for your pet!) Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about chews and treats for your dog or cat. There are choices based on size of your pet and their oral health history Brush it Off: Like us, dogs and cats need their teeth brushed regularly. Make sure to use toothpaste specifically formulated for pets (do not use human toothpaste which requires rinsing/spitting out). Vetoquinol’s great-tasting, no-rinse toothpaste comes with a special finger brush and pet-friendly tooth brush in the Enzadent Complete Toothbrush Kit. Ease into Oral Health: If your dog or cat is not amenable to tooth brushing right away, although is open to you touching their mouth, start by getting them used to oral cleaning with a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. Use it to wipe teeth and gums. Once they are used to that, begin to introduce actual teeth brushing with a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. Watch this instructional video: How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth Annual Checkup: Set up your pet’s annual dental check up at the same time you schedule your own. Routine annual checkups and preventative care can actually help prevent more serious issues that can be expensive to treat later on. Fear of the Dentist: If your dog or cat has a general fear of vet trips or dental checkups, consider Zylkene, a natural, non-sedating, calming supplement that can help dogs and cats cope with stressful situations. Start them on it about 4-5 days before the vet/dental visit. The Nose Knows: Bad breath in your pet is often a sign of an underlying oral health issue, such as an infection - pay attention to that smell. It can also be a symptom of broader health problems. If your dog starts developing bad breath, particularly if you are cleaning his teeth regularly, speak to your vet.

The holidays are here and everything is in its place. Well, almost. Chances are in the massive to-do checklist you’ve built yourself you overlooked a simple necessity that can make the holidays more pleasant for you and your guests: bathing your pets.Maybe your cats and dogs love baths or maybe they don’t. Either way, giving them a proper bath can not only make them feel (and smell) better, it can keep their skin healthy and give you a chance to discover any abnormalities you should pay more attention to. Even cats who groom themselves can benefit from a good wash. As always, if you do discover any abnormalities (infections, smelly areas, redness or drying) you should consult your veterinarian.Here’s how to bathe your pet in time for the holidays! First, have the right shampoo for the job, which means no human shampoo! If your cat or dog has normal skin (absent itchiness, scaliness, dry patches or greasiness) we recommend a gentle shampoo for normal skin. If you plan on bathing your pet more than once a month, a soap free shampoo (such as Vetoquinol® Aloe and Oatmeal Shampoo) is recommended to clean your pet’s skin without removing their natural skin oils. If your pet has abnormal skin, consult your veterinarian on what type of shampoo is best for them. Second, choose the right location for the job. Make sure both you and your pet can be comfortable while you bathe them. Having treats on hand (such as Vetoquinol® Pill Wraps) can help with their comfort level and yours, and of course, wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet. Be sure to help your pet feel secure by placing a towel or rubber lining down to create a nonskid surface for your pet to stand on. You don’t want them slipping and sliding around while you’re bathing them!Then, use lukewarm water to wet the coat and skin. No one likes water that’s too cold or too hot, especially your pets. If they have less cause for alarm or discomfort, the process will go smoother for both of you.Rub the shampoo in to clean the skin, and if you’re using medicated shampoo, wear rubber gloves in case your own skin has a reaction to the medication. Some shampoos may be easier to apply if you dilute it in a second bottle first, so check the shampoo instructions before you begin. If you have a shampoo that requires setting for 5-10 minutes before rinsing, distract your pet with a short walk or other activity.Rinse! If your dog or cat needs extra moisture on their skin, you may want to consider a leave-in conditioner (such as Vetoquinol® Aloe and Oatmeal Conditioner).After the bath, brush your pet’s coat to confirm you’ve removed all the shampoo. Chances are they’ll enjoy this, too, which will keep them calm and happy. Then dry them with a towel (and give them a little massage), and brush them out one more time. This way, they’ll have a shiny coat free of tangles and knots.We hope these tips will help you give your pet a bath they’ll love. Happy Holidays!

Taking care of your pet’s teeth is important in keeping your pet healthy: this is how to do it.Like you, your pet needs daily dental care. Just as children are taught to brush their teeth from a very young age it is important to establish a teeth-cleaning routine with your pet. Brushing your pet’s teeth is not impossible and is even easier if started early as puppy or kitten!How To Brush Your Pet's TeethRemember, any new habit is better accepted if integrated little by little. Start dental care as young as possible. Here are three easy steps for brushing your pet’s teeth. Start by placing a small amount of toothpaste for dogs and cats on the end of your finger, then rub your pet’s teeth and gums. After they are used to the taste of toothpaste you can start using a toothbrush or finger toothbrush… You will know right away whether or not your he or she is enjoying it! Start brushing the teeth at the back of the mouth, then gently approach the front teeth, using small circular movements.