Cats need their teeth taken care of at home, just like you do! Taking care of your cat’s teeth regularly will help them lead a healthier and pain-free life. Around 70 percent of cats older than 3 years old have dental disease symptoms.

Each year, you should have your vet take a look at your cat’s teeth and get them professionally cleaned. The cleaning will remove dental plaque and tartar from the teeth. If not removed, these deposits can lead to periodontal disease. Also, make sure to check in with your vet as to what oral hygiene practices you should be doing specifically for you cat, based on their needs, symptoms, and history. Every cat is different, and the veterinarian knows best!

There are a few signs that will tell you if your cat currently has a dental issue. If your cat’s gums are bleeding excessively during/after eating, if he has bad breath or is drooling a lot, this could be a sign that the cat needs its teeth cleaned, or even some serious dental work. Some cats even stop eating due to tooth pain, which is a sign that the problem is incredibly painful.

Besides getting a professional cleaning, there are a few different methods that can help prevent or minimize dental issues in your cat’s mouth.

• Dental prescription or non-prescription oral rinses, gels, and sprays exist that help reduce plaque buildup on teeth.
• Wipe your cat’s teeth with a gauze pad, dental wipe, or even finger. Place cat toothpaste (or even just water) on any of the items to wipe their teeth clean.
• Ask your vet about special toys that are great for your cat’s teeth. These toys are filled with special enzymes that help reduce plaque on a cat’s teeth.
• If your cat will let you, massage his gums; this will help strengthen them.
• Dental products are a good way to supplement your cat’s dental hygiene habits, and can help prevent dental issues. Ark Naturals sells a Breath-Less Plaque-Zapper that is an odorless, colorless and tasteless powder that gets put into your cat’s water bowl. This product helps prevent dental decay, plaque, tartar, and bad breath. Gray Muzzle also offers a dental product called Brushless-Toothpaste. This is a dental, soft chewable that is great for older cats or cats with gum tenderness or missing teeth. It helps control plaque and tartar and helps reduces bad breath.

Your cat’s dental health is important. If you ignore any possible teeth problems, your cat could develop heart or kidney issues. But remember, always have a discussion with your vet before using any of the products or methods above. To purchase Ark Naturals and Gray Muzzle cat dental products, click here.

Just like you, your pup’s oral hygiene is important! This is one aspect of a dog’s health that often gets overlooked, but it is crucial to his overall health.  By the age of 3, 80 percent of dogs show signs of gum disease. Bacteria in a dog’s mouth can cause bad breath, painful teeth, abscesses, and even lead to jaw, heart, kidney, and liver complications.

Thankfully, there are ways you can take care of your dog’s teeth throughout his life to help prevent him from developing a serious health complication. Although not all dental issues can be prevented, there is a lot you can do to keep your dog’s teeth clean.

At Ark Naturals, we take pride in creating products that help keep our pets happy and healthy. Below, we wanted to share some tips on how you can keep your dog’s teeth clean.

1. Get Dental Check Ups and Cleanings at the Vet

Set up a professional dental cleaning appointment and check in with your vet. Not only with the vet clean your dog’s teeth, but he or she will check for dental issues. The vet does know best, and is experienced in this area.  Let you vet know everything you are doing and using on your dog’s teeth like dog dental products, bones, and toys.

2. Use Dog Dental Products

Your dog can take care of his own teeth easily with a dog chewable treat or dental product. At Ark Naturals, we have a few products that reduce plaque and tart build up.

                Breath-Less Chewable Brushless-Toothpaste – This is a dental chew for your dog. It’s a patented toothpaste for plaque, tartar and bacteria control.

                Breath-Less Plaque-Zapper – This is a natural dental product that you just add to water. It helps prevent dental decay, plaque, tartar, and bad breath.

                Gray Muzzle Brushless Toothpaste – These are “senior-friendly” dental chewables. They also help control plaque and tarter. They have dentally-helpful ingredients formulated for older dogs, especially dogs with gum tenderness and/or missing teeth.

3. Purchase a Dog Chew Bone or Toy

Many dog bones and dog chew toys can help strengthen your dog’s teeth and gums. The chewing on the bones and toys help get rid of buildup on teeth.

Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean with Ark Naturals

Pay attention to your dog’s teeth regularly so you can catch any problems that are developing early on. If your dog has bad breath, bleeding gums, inflamed gums, difficult chewing, or paws at his mouth, these are all signs there is something wrong. Remember, vet checkups are important, and talking with you vet about any dental and health decisions regarding your pet is essential to his or her health.

At Ark Naturals, we take pride in creating products that promote pet health so they can live longer and healthier lives. Click the Dog Dental Products page to view and purchase of our dental products for dogs. For other wellness dog products, click  the Dog Wellness Products page.