Take Johann's Toofer Challenge!

It's challenge time!

This month, February, is National Pet Dental Health Month - a great time to remember how important it is to take care of our teeth - or as I like to call them toofers - because our teeth are very important to us pups!

Did you know that "more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they're three years old. This can lead to serious health problems," explained Dr. Brook Niemiec, a board certified specialist in veterinary dentistry. Dr. Brook recommends to, "make sure every veterinary checkup includes a thorough inspection of your pet's teeth and gums, and a discussion on how to keep them healthy and clean between visits."

So what's the challenge? Well, we know how it can be difficult for our pawrents to remember to brush our teeth. My Mum is pretty good about it, but even she forgets now and then. So here's the challenge....

I challenge you to make sure that your pawrent brushes your teeth every day during the month of February.

That's it!

What will this do? It will help your pawrents and you get in the good habit of brushing your teeth often, and cut down on that stupid oral disease stuff that our Docs talk about! And I bet we'll all have much better breath too - and be able to give lots more kisses to our Moms and Dads.

And what will I do? If you decide to sign up for Johann's Toofers Challenge, leave a comment on this post to let me know you're participating. We'll post your pic, your name and link back to your blog - so we can show everyone your pearly whites!

And be sure and grab one of these buttons to add to your blog (and link back to my blog) to show your support for healthy toofers for all! We'll have lots of updates throughout the month with pics, and all kinds of info, so stay tuned!


So whata ya say? You up for a challenge? Get started and leave me a comment today!

Here's some great website, tips and information on brushing us pup's teeth:

The AVMA offers tips and information on how to keep your pet's teeth healthy:

• Look for signs of tooth decay and oral disease by inspecting your pet's teeth regularly. Bad breath, discoloration and tartar are all indications of problems that could lead to serious health risks with the potential for not only damaging teeth and gums but internal organs.
• Regular visits to your veterinarian should include a complete checkup of your pet's teeth. Your veterinarian should clean plaque and tartar off your pet's teeth if necessary. When tartar—created by the mixture of food debris, saliva and bacteria in the mouth—is allowed to build up it can accumulate between teeth and gums causing tooth loss, and result in an infection that could enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart or other internal organs.
• Brush your pet's teeth daily or at least weekly. While most dogs or cats will not immediately accept a dental hygiene regimen, it can be successfully introduced with patience, particularly if you start when the pet is young.
• To acclimate your pet to dental health, start slowly using plenty of praise and treats. Begin at a time when your pet is relaxed and massage the outside of their mouth with your finger. Then give them a taste of pet toothpaste—poultry-flavored is the most popular—and then slowly introduce a toothbrush to their teeth. Begin brushing in short intervals, working up to about 30 seconds a side.
• Dogs don't accumulate as much tartar on the outside of their teeth as they do the inside, so focus your dental hygiene attention there.
• Chew toys for dogs and rope toys that cats can chew are not only immensely entertaining for your pet, but also keep teeth clean and breath smelling fresh.

Here's a video on how to brush your dog's teeth from Reesa. Nice job Reesa!


Here are some great resources to keep your dog's and your cat's teeth looking their very best:

CET Toothpaste for Dogs and Cats
ProDen PlaqueOff

Duel Ended Toothbrushes
Triple Pet All Natural Breath Freshener
Triple Pet All Natural Toothpaste
Triple Pet Toothbrush
Triple Pet Plaque Off Fresh Breath

Looking for more great info on keeping your dog's teeth looking and chewing their best? Visit my Squidoo Lens!