5 Dog Care Routines to Keep Your Dog Healthy All Year Round

April 14, 2020
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Providing a healthy lifestyle is just as important for your dog as it is for you. One reason it is essential to establish dog care routines to keep your dog happy and healthy all year round.

This post is sponsored by bluestem^TM. I am being compensated to increase awareness of and share my experiences with the bluestem^TM oral care products, but Golden Woofs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

5 Dog Care Routines to Keep Your Dog Healthy All Year Round

1.Vet Visit
In helping your dog to live a long and healthy life, a yearly veterinary wellness exam is essential. Why? A vet exam can determine and diagnose a disease, preventing them from worsening and save you vet bills.

2. Check Your Dog
To stay on top of keeping your dog healthy all year round, give your dog a quick monthly home exam between scheduled veterinary visits. Some of the areas you can check are: plaque and tartar on teeth, excessive odorous wax in ears, and any abnormal lumps under their coat. Early detection is key and increases the chances of successful treatment.

3. Proper Diet
Your dog’s diet plays a vital role in its overall health. Understand the different dog food options especially if your dog has sensitive digestion like KORU BEAR. Always consult your veterinarian and do your own research.

4.Grooming + Dental Care
A well-groomed dog is a healthier and happier dog. Taking care of your dog’s teeth must be part of your daily grooming routine.

It is important to start a dental care routine as early as possible in your dog’s life and you need to stick with it. When we adopted KORU BEAR, we made sure to create a daily dental routine especially since his teeth were not in optimal condition at 6 months old. It took a lot of patience managing KORU BEAR’s dental health but it was worth it. We (and our vet too) are happy with the results. In conjunction with using bluestem^TM Water Additive on a daily basis, we also brush KORU BEAR’s teeth 4x times a week with bluestem^TM Toothpaste and use bluestem^TM Oral Spray on alternate days.

bluestem^TM Oral Dog Care for Dogs
There are several dental pet products on the market. Based on our previous experience caring for SUGAR’s dental health, we choose to use bluestem^TM. Only bluestem^TM oral care products contain coactiv+^TM technology, a unique formulation scientifically formulated to help breakdown plaque where harmful bacteria multiply.

Simplest Way to Prevent Bad Dog Breath

We started using bluestem^TM Water Additive. It’s a simple way to aid your dog’s dental health; improves breath and can help to decrease the chances of plaque biofilm in your dog’s mouth. bluestem^TM Water Additive is convenient to use; simply add 2 capfuls to 2.5 cups of your drinking water. Definitely, this first process eliminated KORU BEAR’s stress and it was very convenient to start his at-home oral care routine.

Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Daily brushing is an ideal way to care for your dog’s dental health. Teaching KORU BEAR to accept brushing took several months. Having him getting accustomed to opening his mouth, the toothbrush texture and toothpaste taste was a process.

It is important to use a dog-safe oral care product like bluestem^TM Toothpaste. Brushing KORU BEAR’s teeth is getting easier. It took a while but it eliminated most of the plaque and tartar.

KORU BEAR’s Favorite At-Home Oral Care

For better results, we also use oral spray and dental chews to care for KORU BEAR’s dental health. The no-startle nozzle on bluestem^TM Oral Spray is a convenient option to freshen breath and reduce plaque. KORU BEAR can’t resist bluestem^TM dental chews. The texture and shape of these dental chews are designed to scrape against and in between dog’s teeth all the way up to the gum line.

Basic at-home dental care for your dog is important.
Create a dog care dental routine that works for you.

5. Exercise – PLAY
Having a dog gives you a great excuse to get out and exercise. A regular exercise routine provides your dog with mental stimulation. Play with your dog. Play is powerful as it influences your dog’s development, motivation, emotions, physiology, and behavior.

Keeping up with your dog care routine is so worthwhile. The more time you spend making sure your dog is healthy all year round means the more time you get to spend bonding; the best part of being a dog parent.

For your dog dental care, learn more about bluestem^TM oral care pet products
at bluestempets.com. Be informed about bluestem^TM oral care on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can find bluestem^TM pet oral care products on Amazon and check your local pet retailers.

Pet Dental Month | At Home Dog Dental Care to Keep Your Pup Smiling

February 27, 2020
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February has been designated National Pet Dental Month by the American Veterinary Medical Society, and the American Veterinary Dental Society. We are sharing at-home dog dental care products featuring bluestem^TM oral care that can help keep your dog’s smile healthy and bright.

It is important to begin a dental care routine as early as possible in your dog’s life so they get used to the process.

At 6 months old, the time we adopted KORU BEAR, we were in awe of the plaque and tartar buildup on his teeth. We noticed it while chew-toy training and play. It was difficult for him to open his mouth. Lots of petting from the vet to check his teeth.

dog teeth plaque tartar — KORU BEAR’s 1st dental check-up June 2017

Did you Know? At six months old, a puppy should have nearly all of their adult teeth in place.

With the guidance of our veterinarian and incorporating a regiment at-home dog dental care, we were able to improve KORU BEAR’s dental health and prevent periodontal disease.

“80% of dogs and cats will have some form of dental disease by three years of age, and bacteria under the gums can travel to the heart, kidneys, and liver. So, dental care is very important to a pet’s health.” – Marc Edwards, Kane Biotech’s Chief Executive Officer

On a previous post Dog Dental Health, we shared five ways to care for your dog’s teeth featuring bluestem^TM oral care products. Three bluestem^TM products we continue to use are 1. Water Additive, 2. Oral Spray and 3. Toothpaste showed significant improvement on KORU BEAR’s teeth and breath.

Dogs can also drink their way to fresh-smelling breath with bluestem^TM Water Additive

Your dog needs adequate water intake each day to stay healthy. Why not add and make your dog drinking water beneficial to his or her dental health. Adding Water Additive such as bluestem^TM can help to decrease the chances of infection in your dog’s mouth, and can help improve his or her breath.

When we adopted KORU BEAR, he was sensitive and not very cooperative in opening his mouth. To eliminate his stress, we started with his home oral care by adding bluestem^TM Water Additive. It’s very convenient to use; simply add 2 capfuls to KB’s 2.5 cups drinking water. There’s no odor and no color change in the water. If there’s a taste change, KORU BEAR did not mind at all. We definitely noticed better pleasant smelling breath.

Spray away bad doggy breath, plaque, and tartar with bluestem^TM Oral Spray

In conjunction with the bluestem^TM Water Additive, we also use the bluestem^TMOral Spray. It’s a handy way to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup especially if toothbrushing is not an option. To spray each side of KORU BEAR’s mouth, we gently lifted his lips. (This process was very helpful because KORU BEAR started to allow us to check his teeth and mouth.) What I love about this spray is the no-startle nozzle. KORU BEAR don’t back away and enjoys the vanilla- mint flavor.

Clean your dog’s teeth by brushing every day with a dog-safe bluestem^TM Toothpaste

The best way to clean your dog’s teeth is by brushing every day. It took months before we were able to brush KORU BEAR’s teeth daily. To make it less stressful, we first used a finger toothbrush. This allowed KORU BEAR to get better acquainted with the toothbrush texture and taste of the toothpaste.

Now that KORU BEAR can open his mouth with less hesitation, we can brush his teeth but it is not always easy to do. We definitely see a notable change to his gums, plaque and tartar buildup.

dog teeth after bluestem oral pet care — *after using bluestem^TM oral pet care products*

Happy to report that from our recent vet visit, we are on the right track. Establishing an at home dog dental care routine is so important.

Make every month National Pet Dental Health Month.
Take time to routinely care for your dog’s oral health to ensure good dental health all year round.

Dog Dental Health – 5 Ways to Care For Your Dog’s Teeth

January 31, 2020
4 Comments

Dog dental health is an extremely important factor in your dog’s overall health. A report shows that by age three approximately 80% of dogs will have some form of dental disease. We can relate to this study as we experienced poor dental health with Koru Bear when we adopted him at the age of 6 months. The good news … with our knowledge and guidance from our veterinarian, we were able to manage and prevent the spread of serious oral disease to Koru Bear’s health.

One of the products we use to care for Koru Bear’s dental health is bluestem^TM, scientifically formulated oral care pet products on the market.

This is a sponsored post by bluestem^TM. I am being compensated for promoting bluestem oral care pet products but Golden Woofs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

It was three years ago when we were introduced to bluestem^TM water additive and oral spray products. We used these products as senior oral dental maintenance for SUGAR. We were very pleased with the results and instantly thought about these products to manage Koru Bear’s dental health.

bluestem^TM was developed by a biotech company Kane Biotech based in Winnipeg that focuses on fighting biofilms. All bluestem^TM pet oral care products are scientifically formulated using their patent-pending coactiv+ technology. bluestem^TM coactiv+ breaks down plaque biofilm and is clinically tested for reducing tartar. It is also safe for daily use.

5 Ways to Care For Your Dog’s Teeth Using bluestem^TM Oral Care Products

1.
Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

One of the best ways to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup which can lead to dental disease, is to brush your dog’s teeth daily. bluestem^TM toothpaste is free of alcohol, xylitol, and chlorhexidine.

2.
Add a Water Additive
Adding a water additive like bluestem^TM is an easy way to freshen your dog’s breath and improve oral hygiene.

When added to your dog’s water, water additives can reduce plaque and tartar. You simply add 2 capfuls of bluestem^TM water additive to your dog’s 2.5 cups drinking water.

3.
Use an Oral Spray
An oral care spray is good for dogs who are sensitive and whose teeth are hard to brush.

It is a convenient option, you simply spray twice on each side of your dog’s mouth by lifting their upper lip to expose teeth and gums. bluestem^TM oral spray comes with a no-startle nozzle.

4.
Daily Dental Wipes
Using a toothbrush to clean your dog’s teeth is not always possible. bluestem^TM dental wipes are a great alternative.

You simply wrap the wipe around your finger and rub your dog’s teeth and gums gently. These wipes provide similar mechanical action of brushing without the frustration of using a toothbrush. Your finger provides you the assurance that you’re able to reach every part of your dog’s tooth. These wipes are safe to use daily.

5.
Treat Your Dog with Dental Chews
Choose a treat that will help clean your dog’s teeth. The shape and texture of bluestem^TM dental chews are designed to scrape against and in between your dog’s teeth all the way up to the gum line; acts as a brushing and flossing motion at the same time.

These low-calorie bluestem dental chews are gluten free, wheat and corn free and have no artificial colors. Your dog will love the chicken flavor.

How often do you care for your dog’s teeth?
What dental care do you use for your dog?

For your dog dental health, we invite you to learn more about bluestem^TM oral care pet products at bluestempets.com.
Be informed about bluestem oral care on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can find bluestem^TM oral care on Amazon and check your local pet retailers.

Incorporate good dog dental health care into your daily routine.

Watch Out for Stagnant Water and Protect Your Dog From Leptospirosis

July 10, 2019

Have you ever been out on a walk or hike with your dog and they stop to drink from a stagnant puddle of pond or puddle of water? Some dog parents may not be aware that this can actually be dangerous because of the risk of a disease called Leptospirosis.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease, which means that it can infect both humans and animals. Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals which can get into the water and live in soil for months. Dogs can catch Leptospirosis by drinking from contaminated water sources, including stagnant puddles or ponds.

Leptospirosis is more common in warm climates. Due to the urbanization of rural areas, wildlife that carry this bacterial disease may be present. Here’s a list of wildlife that can carry Leptospirosis:

Raccoons
Skunks
Squirrels
Deer
Rats
Opossums

Your dog may be more at risk of catching Leptospirosis in warm climates where these wild animals may be present.

If you take your dog camping, hiking, wading, paddle boarding, or any other related activities be aware of Leptospirosis. Also, be aware that cases of Leptospirosis can be more prevalent after floods or hurricanes.

How can I protect my dog from Leptospirosis?

Fortunately, there is a Leptospirosis vaccine available for dogs. Typically given on a yearly basis, the Leptospirosis vaccine is part of the DHLPP vaccine. The “L” in DHLPP stands for Leptospirosis. Ask your veterinarian about the vaccination and ask if Leptospirosis is a threat where you live.

As a dog parent, you can help protect your dog in other ways as well. Do not let your dog drink from standing puddles or bodies of water. Bring a bottle of fresh water and a portable dog water bowl along with you on hikes and walks in case your dog gets thirsty. Take safety measures to prevent rodents from living around your home.

Symptoms of Leptospirosis in dogs can be vague sometimes but include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, inappetence, and muscle pain. If you think your dog may have Leptospirosis, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Tips on How to Manage Dog Shedding #SwifferAtSams

June 17, 2019

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Swiffer at Sam’s Club. The opinions and text are my own.

Dogs Shed! It’s part of dog ownership to deal with dog shedding. Many dogs like golden retriever breeds are heavy shedders. While you cannot stop your dog from normal shedding, there are several ways you can reduce the amount your dog sheds; so you can spend more quality time together instead of cleaning.

This is a sponsored post by Swiffer at Sam’s Club. I am being compensated for promoting Swiffer Sweeper Dry Pad Refills available at Sam’s Club, but Golden Woofs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

Dog Shedding

Dog shedding is normal and vital for the new coats to grow in. Dog fur or hair grows in seasonal cycles. When it reaches a ‘genetically determined length’, it stops growing and falls out; this process is known as shedding. Fur keeps your dog’s body temperature regulated and plays an essential role in helping your dog’s skin from the sun, heat, cold, and more.

Tips to Manage Dog Shedding

1. Brush Routine
Make a habit to brush your dog’s fur on a regular basis especially if you have a dog like a Golden Retriever. It is also important to use the proper brushing tool.

2. Bathe Often
Bathing loosens and removes fur that’s ready to be shed. Regular bathing also keeps your dog’s coat healthy, reduces allergies, lessens the chance of infection and diminishes the spread of dirt and germs in your home.

3. Nutrition + Supplement
With proper nutrition, your dog will have a healthy, shiny coat and minimize shedding. Also, incorporating Omega 3 fatty acids not only reduces shedding, but can contribute to your dog’s overall health.

4. Proper Hydration
Dehydration will cause your dog’s fur to be more brittle which will leads to excessive shedding. It is important that your dog always has access to fresh drinking water.

Reduce Pet Hair in Your Home

5. Clean Home = Happy Dog
If you live with a dog, it’s unavoidable not to have fur in your home. Cleaning your dog’s fur should not be frustrating. Remember your dog “emits fibers of joy and love.”

We have hardwood flooring. For a quick and easy clean up, my must-have favorite cleaning products are Swiffer. I often use Swiffer Sweeper Dry Pads and has been an essential tool for everyday cleaning especially it can be used in multi-ways. It’s a great tool to use for hard to reach areas like corners where most dog hair assembles.

With 86 pads of Swiffer Sweeper Dry Pads from Sam’s Club, I am all set to tackle fur balls, muddy paw prints, and other messes. These Sam’s Club of Swiffer Sweeper Dry Pads have thick grooves and ridges perfect for picking up dirt, dust and pet hair. Cleaning will be a breeze and will give me more free time to spend time with my family and of course with KORU BEAR.

Are you a member of Sam’s Club? If you are, it’s time to stock up for the coming months and be prepared for all the dog messes coming your way. Visit Sam’s Club and samsclub.com to stock up on Swiffer Sweeper Dry Pad Refills and keep your house clean and manage dog shedding.

5 Dog Care Routines to Keep Your Dog Healthy All Year Round