It’s Pet Dental Health Month. Don’t ignore your dog’s REALLY bad breath! This odor could be a sign of some serious teeth or gum problems. Pet Dental Month was started to address the significance of oral health care for pets. It’s important for pet owners to learn how to improve the dental (and overall) health of their pets.

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 tartar build up. Ark Naturals encourages you to build the same oral care regimen with your dog that you do for yourself.  Just like brushing your teeth twice daily, we recommend giving your dog a dental treat twice daily.

                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.

Ark Naturals makes natural products that allow pets to enjoy a better quality of life, which helps owners feel rest assured that they have cared for their pets in the best way possibly by choosing natural alternatives for dental, joint, skin & coat, cognitive, calming, skin, digestion, and overall wellness care. Click here to view and purchase Ark Natural’s dental products for dogs. For other wellness dog products, click here.

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Courtesy of ArkNaturals.com

This article originally appeared on chewy.com.

How to Bring Dogs in the Workplace

If there’s one thing to make the workday go by faster, it’s having your best four-legged friend by your side. Or, in this case, on your lap.

Luckily for many employees across the nation, workplaces are becoming more pet-friendly—and with good reason. According to a study in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, dogs at work can increase job satisfaction and reduce stress.

Before you take your dog to work, there are a few other considerations that should be taken into account. Take a look at our tips below to get your dog workplace-ready.

Are You Ready to Take Your Dog to Work?

“First, ask yourself if your dog is comfortable in new places and with new people, sights and sounds,” says Irith Bloom, certified professional trainer and director of training at TheSophisticatedDog.com. If your dog is territorial or aggressive, he probably won’t do well in an office setting. “Coworkers and customers walk in and out of workplaces on a regular basis, and if your dog gets stressed and behaves aggressively every time someone enters, neither your dog nor your coworkers and customers will be happy,” says Bloom. “Similarly, if he runs away or tries to hide when he sees new people or things, that indicates he is experiencing stress, and he’ll probably feel a lot better at home.”

How to Get Your Pup Workplace Ready

• Housetrain your dog. If your pup is not potty trained, It may be best to leave him at home. If you insist on showing off a new puppy, make sure the proper preventative measures are taken. Consider bringing along some potty pads with a built-in dog attractant. A dog pen can also help to keep your dog (and any messes!) contained.
• Get your pet microchipped. “It’s fairly easy for pets to get lost when they are traveling from one place to another,” says Bloom. Therefore, she recommends investing in a microchip. Microchipping a pet is one of the best ways to get your pet back if you lose him. Before bringing your dog to work, register and update your microchip. In addition to the microchip, Bloom advises that your pooch wear a collar with a tag with your contact information on it. “In a workplace, doors open and shut a lot, and if your dog decides to dash out the door, he could be hard to find. The tags and microchip will make it easier to track down your pet in those situations,” she says.
• Keep him confined. Even if your pup is older, a dog pen may be a good idea. It will keep your dog away from potential dangers, like other dogs that your pup doesn’t get along with. “Dogs can get tangled in cords, trapped behind closed doors or injured by office equipment,” says Bloom. Plus, keeping your pup contained prevents him from begging at your coworkers heels during lunch breaks, and otherwise distracting them from their work (even if it’s welcomed at your dog-friendly office!).

Packing for Your Dog’s Day at Work

Your dog will likely get hungry and thirsty if your shift is more than a few hours long. If this is the case, make sure you come prepared. Pack a bowl for water, a bowl for food and your pup’s food. Bloom recommends an interactive food dispenser, like the Kong Wobbler, that dishes out dog food or treats as your dog plays with the toy. This helps keep your dog entertained and stimulated during quiet days at the office, and reduces the chances of overeating.

Besides food and water, make sure to bring a towel or dog bed when you take your dog to work. It is also helpful to keep plenty of treats handy, like Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Dog Treats, so you can reward your pup for being a quiet and well-behaved employee.

For your morning and evening commute, don’t forget a pet kennel. The Petmate 2-Door Kennel is a sturdy carrier with a modern design ideal for any of your pet travel needs. You can also use a seat belt tether to keep your best friend safe during the ride.

Tips to Keep in Mind When You Take Your Dog to Work

If you are just starting to take your dog to work, Bloom recommends taking him out on walks often. “With frequent walks, it will be easier for your dog to understand that he will get regular opportunities to potty, as well as where he should actually be pottying,” she says. Make sure to keep plenty of poop bags stored at your desk to clean up after your dog.

While dogs at the workplace may be a fun, it is important that your pet is happy and comfortable as well. Bloom says to monitor your pet for signs of any discomfort, stress or anxiety. “If your dog spends the entire day at your workplace showing stress signals, he’s probably not very happy there and should go home,” she says.

Some behavioral symptoms of stress and anxiety include growling, snarling, barking, lunging and biting. Some more subtle signs are repeated lip licking or yawning, excessive panting and a tucked tail. Remember, you and only you are responsible for your pet’s happiness. It is essential that your furry friend is a priority for you during your workday.

Samantha Schwab, Junior Editor
As an aspiring cat mom, Samantha Schwab can be found mining keywords, meticulously editing Pet Central blog posts or standing at her desk (usually all three!). An espresso shot and kitty cuddles are the only things that stand between Samantha and conquering the (pet) world!

Ark Naturals is the preeminent brand of health and wellness products for pets. Ark Naturals has created and produced highly effective formulas for over 20 years. Our products are designed to offer natural remedies for an array of pet care needs including oral care (dental), joint relief, skin & coat remedies, cognitive function, calming, digestion, and overall wellness. All-natural products and revolutionary formulas provide a better, more fulfilling life for your pet.

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