Thursday, April 18, 2024

πŸ• Tips to help keep your dog's teeth healthy

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."
- Roger Caras

 
Happy Thursday! Here's the scoop: 
  • Meet Ollie, the cutest dental assistant 
  • Five tips to help you keep your dog's teeth healthy 
  • Protect the planet for your pup
  • Make your pup dental treats at home 
Did You Know...?
Joke: Why is a toothless dog like a tree?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)
Dental Dog Helps Patients Stay Calm
Many humans hate going to the dentist and face anxiety and nerves before their appointments. The lucky patients at one Minneapolis dental office have a secret weapon. Ollie is a fluffy, 80-pound goldendoodle who helps patients who come in for teeth cleaning. The dog hops up and cuddles with people while they are in the dentist's chair. Petting a dog helps to reduce stress, so many people enjoy petting and snuggling dogs while cleaning their teeth.

Ollie's owner, April Kline, is a hygienist at the office. She started bringing Ollie to work with her about 12 months ago to help comfort nervous patients. The idea came to her after her husband brought the dog with him to get his teeth cleaned. He's a pretty anxious patient and realized that having Ollie sleeping on his lap was very calming. 

Now, Ollie can provide emotional support to the clients who request him. He gets extra attention and pets while patients get their teeth cleaned.  
Five Tips to Help Keep Your Dog's Teeth Clean
A dog's teeth are an important feature that they use every day to eat. By working to keep their teeth clean, it helps prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other diseases, plus it helps them live longer. To build better habits around your dog's teeth, here are five tips to help you get started:
  • Make brushing a habit. Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in a spot that helps remind you. This is an important habit to create and stick with. 
  • Schedule annual dental exams. At the annual check-up, vets will check the health of your pet's teeth. You can also bring up any questions or concerns you may have.
  • Monitor their teeth at home. You should regularly check your dog for anything unusual. If you notice a change in the smell of their breath, it might be a signal that it's time for a cleaning.
  • Prep yourself for the cost of professional dental cleaning. It's important to budget for the cost of dental cleanings. It should happen annually. Dogs must go under anesthesia, so it might cost more than you think.
  • Don't rely on dental chews, treats, or water additives. These might seem like an easy alternative, but they do not perform the same as regular teeth brushing. You can use these (we have a great DIY recipe below) but only as supplements.
What's good for the planet is good for our pups, too.
Our dogs are not just beloved members of our families; they rely on us to ensure their well-being. That's why it's crucial to consider the impact of our choices on both our pets and the planet we share.

Plastic bottles and aluminum cans are polluting our planet at an alarming rate, while recycling rates continue to decline. Reusable bottles are clearly the best option, but there are situations where carrying one is not an option.

Good news — there's a solution that's BETTER for our planet and EASY for you. Boxed Water cartons, made from renewable materials and 92% plant-based, offer an on-the-go solution with a significantly lower environmental footprint. Available in pure, fresh water or fruit flavors. 

To celebrate Earth Month, Boxed Water™ is shining a light on remarkable nonprofits across the nation that are making a positive impact. Nominate a nonprofit organization that's close to your heart and is dedicated to improving the lives of people, animals, or the environment. Whether it's a local animal shelter, a rescue organization, or a group focused on environmental conservation, Boxed Water wants to hear about it! At the end of the month, one lucky winner and their nonprofit organization will be selected to receive sustainable wellness products (valued over $4,000)! Enter to win here. 
Thank you to Boxed Water for sponsoring The Daily Dig.
DIY Dental Dog Treats
Make your own dental treats to help freshen up your dog's breath and promote clean teeth. This recipe is simple to make, and you can prep a batch as often as needed.

Dental Dog Treats

You'll need: 3 ½ cups of brown rice flour, 1 tbsp of food grade activated charcoal, ½ cup of packed chopped parsley, ½ cup of packed chopped mint leaves, 1 cup of chicken broth or water, 4 tbsp of coconut oil, 2 tbsp of Liquid Chlorophyll, and 1 egg
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Mix brown rice flour and activated charcoal together. Set aside.
  • Use a food processor and mix parsley, mint leaves, chicken broth, coconut oil, and liquid chlorophyll. 
  • Add the egg to the dry mixture and slowly add the wet ingredients while stirring. Mix the dough until it starts to ball up. The dough should be dry to the touch.
  • Flour the work surface and roll out the dough to ⅜ inch thickness. Cut out shapes and place them onto a cookie sheet.
  • Bake the treats for 30 minutes, then flip them over and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Turn the oven off and let the treats sit inside. This will help them dry out completely and give them an extra crunch. 
Now, let your dog taste-test one! If they are fans, you can make these all the time to help keep their breath smelling fresh. 
Final Bark
Before you go, check out our favorite new treat, Boxed Water cartons. These are made from renewable materials and are 92% plant-based, offering an on-the-go solution with a significantly lower environmental footprint. Try out pure, fresh water or fruit flavors today!
A Little Treat:
  • ✅ Did You Know: It has more bark than bite.
  • 🐢 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is dogs in spring. This could be anything from your pup playing in the rain or sun, to your dog modeling some spring-inspired garments. Reply to this email with the best pics of your pooch, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
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