The Chew

We’re thrilled to share that BetterBone has been featured in Modern Dog Magazine’s “Body & Soul” Editors’ Choice for dental health! Our innovative chews, available in Soft, Classic, and Hard densities, are designed to promote cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and safer chewing for dogs of every size and age. Learn how BetterBone helps support your pup’s oral and overall wellness—naturally and sustainably.

Dogs are man's best friend and deserve all the love and care we can give them. As dog owners, we want our pets to be happy and healthy, but often, their oral hygiene goes overlooked. Like humans, dogs require proper oral care to maintain their overall health and prevent serious health issues such as periodontal disease, kidney and heart problems.  As a responsible pet owner, it is essential to prioritize your dog's dental health.  This blog post will outline the ultimate guide to providing your precious dog with the best oral health care. Why is it important to give your dog oral health care? Neglecting your dog's oral care can lead to serious health issues and not to mention downright stinky breath. Let's discuss why giving your dog oral health care is important and the signs to look out for. #1 Prevents dental diseases and infections Like humans, dogs can suffer from dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and conditions. Without proper oral health care, bacteria can build up in your dog's mouth, leading to painful and costly procedures.  #2 Improves overall health Your dog's oral health can affect its well-being. Bacteria from gum disease can travel through the bloodstream and potentially cause infections in other body parts, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.  By keeping your dog's teeth clean and healthy, you can help prevent these issues from occurring. #3 Increases the bond between you and your dog Bonding with your dog during brushing sessions can be a great way to strengthen your relationship with them. It's an opportunity for one-on-one time and can help establish trust between you and your furry companion. #4 Saves you money Neglecting your dog's oral health can lead to costly procedures like root canals or extractions. You can save money in the long run by practicing good oral hygiene with your dog. The ultimate guide to giving your dog the best oral health care #1 Use dental chews and treats Dental chews and treats keep your dog's mouth busy and are an excellent way to combat plaque and tartar buildup. Look for dental chews like the Betterbone. It is made from plant-based materials and designed with dual dental-enrichment textures that help massage gums and gently clean teeth through natural chewing action.  #2 Brushing your dog’s teeth The easiest way to prevent dental problems in your dog is by brushing their teeth regularly. Dogs can be trained to accept this activity if introduced early and rewarded. Use a specially designed toothbrush and toothpaste that is safe for dogs, as human toothpaste is unsuitable due to its high fluoride content.  This is important to remember, as fluoride can harm your dog if swallowed. Make sure to use gentle circular motions and focus along the gum line. Start by doing small brushing sessions through regular interaction with your dog so they become comfortable with the process. You can gradually increase this to daily brushing as they get older. Reward your pet for their cooperation with treats or other rewards. #3 Schedule regular vet checkups  Regular vet checkups are essential to maintaining your dog's oral hygiene, just like humans. During checkups, your vet will examine your dog's teeth and gums. If necessary, they will recommend professional teeth cleaning or other dental treatments. #4 Maintain a healthy diet  A healthy diet is an essential part of your dog's overall health. A well-balanced diet can help keep dental disease at bay. Wet or canned food should be avoided as it contains high amounts of sugar. This can lead to tartar buildup on your dog's teeth. Instead, consider food made to keep your dog's teeth healthy and strong, available in most pet stores.  You can also choose fresh fruits and vegetables to maintain good dental hygiene. Give them an apple, carrot, or regular chews that you can buy from supermarkets. #5 Observe any signs of dental problems  Knowing any signs of dental problems in your dog is essential for a pet owner.  These signs include bad breath, drooling, swollen gums, bleeding, and yellow or brown teeth. You should schedule a vet appointment immediately if you notice these symptoms. Giving Your Pup a Reason to Smile Prioritizing your dog's oral health is integral to being a responsible and caring pet owner. By implementing the tips and tricks we've discussed, you can significantly impact your dog's overall well-being. It's crucial to remember that prevention is always better than cure regarding oral health. Taking a proactive approach and dedicating a small investment of time and effort now can save your furry friend from unnecessary pain and discomfort in the future. So, let's commit to giving our dogs the best oral health care possible. Your furry friend will thank you for it, and you can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you're doing everything you can to keep them happy and healthy.

Did you know that Pet Dental Health Month is every February? The opportunity to learn more for our furry friends, more in particular about how we can better care for our dog's smile is definitely NOW! Better yet, did you also know that creating a routine for dog dental care can extend your dog's life by 3-5 years? That’s amazing, right? Of course, we want longer lives for our pets–so let’s make it an active choice to care for their well-being. While many pet owners use dental chews to aid with the problem, it is advisable to first and foremost conduct thorough research. If you’re looking for the best way to keep your pup’s choppers sparkling clean, dental bones might be the way to go. But not all dental bones are created equal—so how do you know which ones are right for your pup? 3 Things to Watch Out for When Using Dental Chews Let us not solely rely on dental chews since they vary in the range of quality, thus not they are not always safe. But do not fret, we’re here to help and guide you with three things to watch out for when using dental chews! Here’s what you need to look out for when buying dental bones for dogs: #1 The wrong size When it comes to buying dental bones, picking the right size is important! First, make sure that the bone is sized appropriately for your dog; if it’s too small, they may swallow it whole and choke on it, and if it’s too big, they won’t be able to properly chew on it and a chunk could break off and get lodged in their throats. Both scenarios create a choking hazard. You’ll want to look for chews that break into Goldilocks-approved “just right” pieces as your dog munches, ‘er, greedily gobbles, at the chew. The bone should also have a texture that encourages chewing; softer bones may get gobbled up in one bite, whereas harder bones can help remove plaque buildup from their teeth and gums.  #2 Dangerous Ingredients  Not all dental bones are made with natural ingredients—some may contain artificial flavors or preservatives that can be harmful to your pup over time. Before selecting a bone for your pup, make sure the ingredients list carefully and check if there are no added chemicals or fillers that could cause stomach upset or other health issues down the road. Additionally, avoid bones with sugar or corn syrup as these can cause tooth decay if consumed in large quantities. Although they are the most common chew treat for pets, rawhide chews derived from animal skins can actually be rather harmful so be careful! A piece of rawhide that your dog ingests might become lodged in their esophagus or result in a blockage in their digestive tract (more likely to occur with small breed dogs, according to the ASPCA). Dogs with sensitive stomachs could also not tolerate rawhide well; you'll be able to tell by the carpet! It's advisable to avoid rawhide completely to be on the safe side. #3 Pay Attention to Labels  When shopping for dog treats and chews of any kind, always read the label carefully before making a purchase! Look out for labels such as “made in USA” or “organic” which indicate that only high-quality ingredients were used in the manufacturing process. Although it is in their nature to chew, dogs should not be given hard chews like cow hooves, elk or deer antlers, DIY chews like ice cubes, or Nylabones since they are just too hard and can fracture teeth, even in those with good teeth. You should especially avoid giving your dog hard chews if they already have gum disease, which weakens the bones that support their teeth. Additionally, some brands may use terms like “grain-free” or “gluten-free” which can help keep your pup healthy by avoiding allergens like wheat and corn products. It's also important to look at reviews from other pet owners who have purchased and used these products before deciding what type of dental bone is best for your dog.   Knowing Which One to Select for Safe Dental Bones for Dogs Choosing the right dental bone isn't an easy task but taking some time to research and compare different options will ensure that you pick one that's safe and effective for your pup! Remember to pay attention to size, ingredients list, labels, and reviews so you can determine which product is best suited for your pup's needs.