Two 'New' At-Home Health Preventives for Dogs

EverythingDogBlog #82: Keep Rover's Pearly Whites, White, and Spot's Ears Clean and Dry!

Recently, I attended GroomExpo which is held every year just north of us in Hershey, PA, and, no, it is not 'just for groomers.' I am not a groomer but always find loads of good deals, great information, and new products for dogs - to write about for people, that is. (www.groomexpo.com) (Another excellent expo is the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo in Baltimore in early November, http://www.barkleigh.com/pbd/expo.html)

1. I have noticed the growing number of dog owners taking care of their dog's teeth at home. This is super since a professional veterinary teeth-cleaning (tooth-cleaning?) is usually carried out under anesthesia (with its own complications) and can cost a few hundred dollars. Good home care for your dog's teeth can spread out these visits.

Products that are now on the market include gel that 'cleans' your dog's teeth between cleanings, 'stuff' to put in his drinking water to help dissolve yucky film on the surface of his teeth, and wipes to accustom your dog to having you brush his teeth.

More about these products later, after I have had some time to try them.

In addition, new 'certified' anesthesia-free teeth-cleaning services cost much less than having a cleaning done in a veterinarian's office and may be available at your groomers or upscale pet store.

2. And secondly, and newer (for the dog person), are the ear drops and ear powders that you can make part of your dog's health routine at home - especially helpful for dogs who swim in lakes or the ocean, and for long-eared dogs. (photo credit: SBrown)

Again, more about teeth and ears later, and, as always, consult your veterinarian first!