Remember when we used to think that stinky dog breath was just part of being a dog? Thankfully, word’s getting out that good dental health isn’t just for humans – our dogs and cats depend on us to help them keep them free of dental disease too!

This post is sponsored by PetSmart, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. We are being compensated for helping spread the word about Dental Health Month, but Tripawds only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.
It’s National Pet Dental Health Month, and today our mission is to show everypawdy that it’s not only easy to take good care of our pet’s mouths, but it saves money too. It all starts with getting into the habit of regular oral care for our pets. Here are the two ways that we do it:
Step One: Brush, Brush, Brush
When Wyatt Ray came into our life, we vowed to take good care of his teeth. Since his sensitive belly can’t tolerate raw meaty bones to help keep his mouth clean, he gets (almost) regular tooth brushing sessions. It’s not hard to brush choppers in a big mouth like his and he thinks licking his chicken-flavored toothpaste is fun. Because we do it pretty regularly, he tolerates our tooth brushing sessions quite well.

Pet dentists try hard to get the word out about good dental health for our pets, but it seems like many of us aren’t listening. The fact is, by the time the average pet is three years old, over 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats will show signs of dental disease. This is so sad because pet dental disease is a very preventable condition.
By not paying attention to our pet’s mouths, we’re putting them at risk of conditions like heart, kidney and liver damage – not to mention the pain associated with cavities and gum disease!
When it comes to our pack, sometimes we’re really good about brushing Wyatt’s teeth every day, and other times, well, life gets in the way. That’s when it’s so easy for us to turn to Step Two of our dog dental health routine: dental treats to help maintain that clean mouth of his.

Step Two: Tasty Dental Treats
Wyatt doesn’t care if we skip our tooth brushing routine but he sure gets excited when we go shopping at PetSmart® for dental treats. You’ll find a ton of dental treats for cats and dogs in the treats aisle at PetSmart, but our favorite ones we discovered for Wyatt are BLUE® Bones.
These tasty little mouth cleaners are nothing but tasty, good stuff for dogs’ teeth and gums. They’re also healthy:
- NO: chicken or poultry by product meals
- NO corn, wheat, soy, grains or glutens
- The only dental treat with joint, hart and immune system health supplements

We’ll be honest; dental treats aren’t cheap, but every month we budget for them because we know treats like BLUE Bones are an investment in Wyatt’s overall health that pays off – our six year old Tripawd has never needed a professional cleaning by the pet dentist! Every year at his annual wellness exam, his vet is pleased with his mouth health and says we can skip the cleaning – as long as we keep up his dental care routine. We’re happy to do that, because between the tooth brushing and the dental treats, we are saving about $1000 just in teeth cleaning costs!

It’s never too late to start taking good care of your pet’s mouth. Start with these easy dog dental health tips from Dr. Patrick Mahaney, a veterinary dental specialist and you’ll have a dog with pearly whites and fresh breath that makes doggie kisses even sweeter!
Great review! We love Blue Bones too and got to share them with our readers this month! Glad they are helping you out between brushing!
Rene and Jim,
I sure agree with you on dental health. Many years ago I had a border collie who I took very good care of but never touched her teeth. She ended up with 2 bad teeth that had to be pulled and she had a heart murmur. Bad scenario. So ever since then I’ve brushed everyone’s teeth and give dental chews. I even have dental picks and scrape the tartar off teeth but that’s probably not recommended to do. Isn’t there a rinse out there as well? Thanks for reminding all of us of the importance of dental health.
Penny
We do love the BLUE Bones, they’re working so well on his mouth.
Penny I really really applawd you for brushing all the critters, I know that’s not easy when you’ve got more than one. 3-paws up to you my friend.
We never had to brush Spirit Jerry’s teeth because he was a BARF eater and bones did the trick. His vets said his teeth were perfect right up until the end. With Wyatt it’s a whole other matter, he can’t stomach raw bones 🙁
Yes there are a few good dental rinses out there but we haven’t had a chance to try any yet so I’m not sure which ones work better than others. If you try any do let us know.
Love love love your pics! Dogs with bad breathe are the worst! lol
Wyatt says “Woof! Thank you!” And we agree, no more doggy breath for us, we’re regular brushers & dental treat chewers now.
Those do look delicious. I have noticed they sell them in the singles so maybe I will get ma to buy me one to see if they are something we can add in our rotation.
Oooh I didn’t see them in singles, thanks for that tip!
YES to brushing! It is so important to start early. Dental CHEW Treats are pawsome alternative (for some days). Woofs to Blue Bones and PetSmart. Golden Woofs
Agreed. That’s obviously why Sugar looks so fantastic!
We didn’t know we could purchase these in singles either! Definitely will give these a try! Great Review!!
Love your review and the message! Dental health is so important and Wyatt looks super healthy and happy!
Those pictures of Wyatt in PetSmart are priceless.
My baby girl will not let me brush her teeth (something about us not getting her until she was 5) but thankfully she LOVES her dental bones and lets me know when its time each night. She also gets her yearly cleanings and monthly brushing at the groomer.
Thanks Diane! Wyatt is happiest he gets the treats, that’s for sure.
Aww thanks Angie, I’ll tell Wyatt you said so. Glad to hear your pup gets such good dental care. I would definitely think that adopting an older dog poses big challenges when it comes to brushing. But she’s such a lucky girl to have a dedicated Momma like you looking after her dental health. Good job!
BLUE Bones are great, aren’t they? I love ’em!
Oh my gosh totally, Wyatt goes craaaaazy when we get them out! Enjoy 🙂
We try to make brushing happen every day, but regardless we always serve a dental bone!