PROTECT YOUR PET’S SMILE
Because, they are your reason to smile
Happy, smiling dogs
This post is sponsored by bluestem™ and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to increase awareness of and share my experiences with the bluestem™ oral care products, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Bluestem™ is not responsible for the content of this article.
The Parker Pack (that’s us), includes three puppy mill rescues and a formerly neglected cat. In previous posts, I have shared with you the dire conditions in which the mill dogs are kept. In most cases, these dogs are not provided with basic veterinarian care, never mind having their teeth cleaned.
When mill dogs are rescued, a large number of them are sedated, for their comfort, before having their teeth cleaned. They are in agony from their poor state of health and injuries. Signs of neglect in dental health care include bad breath -in part due to poor nutrition and a buildup of plaque, inflamed, swollen, red gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth or complete loss of teeth. In some cases upon rescue, mill dogs will have teeth surgically removed.
The stench of rotting teeth and flesh due to infection is all too familiar to volunteers, rescue workers and veterinarians who work to treat these dogs.
Reese was missing several teeth when we rescued her. Regular upkeep of oral care is an absolute must for these dogs. Pet oral health should be routine for all pet parents. To preserve Reese’s remaining teeth, and prevent further anesthesia, we have been vigilant with teeth cleaning. At nearly eleven years old, with a grade four heart murmur, surgery is more of a risk.
Even with the best intentions, and regular handling to familiarize our companions with teeth cleaning, the process can be a challenge. Especially, accessing the back teeth. OUCH! Reese may be missing teeth but the ones she does have work exceptionally well. We’ve tried soft-bristled baby tooth brushes, and finger brushes, and sterile wipes. Nothing removed the plaque, and everyone ended up frustrated. I was frustrated, the pups were annoyed. But, I made every effort. We even tried another topical product which required no food or toys in mouths twenty minutes before or after application. THAT, WAS IMPOSSIBLE! Henry carries his fluffy hippos everywhere, all-the-time.
I was grateful for the opportunity to review the bluestem™ oral care product line.
Reese demonstrates how easy it is to care for her teeth
About bluestem oral care:
The product line includes an Oral Care Spray, available in Vanilla Mint Flavor, and an Oral Care Water Additive, available in a selection of four flavors: Chicken Flavor, Original Flavor, and Vanilla Mint Flavor
Most of the product line is safe for both dogs and cats, however,
VANILLA MINT FLAVOR IS NOT FOR CATS – according to Health Canada’s Veterinary arm, products with natural mint ingredients can cause upset stomach in cats.
Vanilla Mint is NOT for cats
Bluestem oral care is available as both a water additive and oral spray. All bluestem products contain coactiv+™ technology – a unique formulation of food-grade ingredients that are scientifically developed to break down biofilm, where harmful bacteria multiply. Clinically proven safe and effective for daily use in cats and dogs.
As per instruction, we gradually introduced the additive to the water bowls. They did seem to notice it was a bit different but were not put off.
-day one, add ¼ cap of bluestem to 2.5 cups of water
-day two, add ½ cap. If your pet objects, keep the dose low for a few more days and don’t let them see you ‘mess with their water.’
-slowly work up to 2 capfuls per 2.5 cups of water
Water Additive
Because we have four furries drinking out of two water bowls, I empty and refresh each bowl at least twice daily (depending on the murkiness of the water). In this regard, we experienced some wastage of the additive.
The spray works well for Henry and Reese – I love that it doesn’t have that ‘startling’ hiss sound. It does still surprise them a bit when it makes contact, but they go to licking their teeth, spreading the coactiv+™ and freshening their breath.
Oral Spray
Each visit to our vet would result in the same somewhat optimistic comment regarding Henry and Reese’s oral health. “They don’t look any worse.” He would say. And, (indicating the stubborn yellow areas), “keep up with the routine and especially try to wipe these teeth.”
I was absolutely over the moon when we visited last week.
Dr. M. noticed the difference in Henry’s teeth immediately and asked what we had been doing differently. I told him ‘we have been using the bluestem oral care water additive for just over three weeks.’
Bluestem oral care products are approved by Health Canada’s Low Risk Veterinary Health Products (LRVHP). The products are Xylitol-free, alcohol-free and chlorhexidine-free, made with 100% food-grade ingredients suitable for daily use.
As you can see, Henry’s oral health has improved dramatically! Healthy teeth and gums are less swollen, and inflamed.
Try bluestem oral care water additive or oral spray for 30 days to see the results for yourself!
Receive 20% off throughout the month of September!
Use Promotion Code: TRYBLUESTEM
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of bluestem. The opinions and text are all mine.
We’ve been trying bluestem for about a month and have the same results! I was skeptical, but it does seem to make a difference. I am going to stick with it.
Beth | Daily Dog Tag recently posted…Focus: Chewie the Goldendoodle Puppy
I’m so happy to have been introduced to this product! I’m glad you’re enjoying the results too. Thanks for sharing.
Bluestem..It is my first time hearing about it. I guess it is a good option to explore! Thank you for writing this article.
My pleasure. For the month of September, bluestem are offering 20% off! See promo code in post.
We use Healthy Mouth which does have VOHC acceptance and they claim it reduces plaque by 71-76% (depending on which of 2 studies are cited). Bluestem suggests a 25% reduction.
Thanks for sharing. I haven’t heard of Healthy Mouth.
We’ve read a few posts about this lately and are intrigued. We’ll have to check it out soon!
It works for our crew.
I’m always on the lookout for things that will improve Mr. N’s dental health! He had to have two extracted last year.
Ouch! Poor Mr. N.
Dental care is crucial for our fur kids, for their smiles and their health!
One of the most important components of their health, for sure.
I am so glad you are proactive about dental care for your pets. Dental disease is awful!
Thanks Tonya. Yes, it is awful.
Dental health and hygiene is so important. Thanks for mentioning that one of the product’s isn’t suitable for cats, pet owners often use dog and cat products interchangeable and it can be dangerous, especially for our kitties.
Pawesome Cats recently posted…Living with a Deaf Cat
We are a multi-species home so have to be aware.
Nice point about acknowledging felines needed oral care too!
Equally important.
This sounds like a great product and something my dog would definitely benefit from.
I love how easy it is to use!
I love that this is safe for kitties too! Anything that makes dental health a little easier to achieve (safely) is a good thing. This seems like a very simple and effective product to use.
Robin recently posted…Labor Day for Cats Word Search
…SO EASY!
Thank you for sharing this useful post. It is good to care about dental heath for pets. Many people do not care enough about this. That is so awful.
Thanks Dianna. Yes, people overlook oral health for some reason.
Wow, what a difference! Those teefers look great!!
Thanks Rochelle!
Great post and there is nothing like pearly white teeth as our vet says. Once I am finished what I am using am gonna check into this product, thanks for bringing it to my attention
My pleasure. I know you’ll be impressed.
Thanks for such a well researched & informative post. Actions speaker louder than words… and so do your pets’ smiles!
Thank you Annette.
Thanks for such a great review. I really like the idea of the spray. I’ll have to check it out for my Huskies!
FiveSibesMom recently posted…It’s Back-to-School Time! Is Your Dog Ready?
Thank you. Yes, the spray is great too and doesn’t have that scary ‘hiss’ sound.
Wow! Your results are great! We’re so glad it worked for you. Now that we know kitties can use it, we’ll check it out.
Lola The Rescued Cat recently posted…Purrfect Together: Celebrate the Bond Between You and Your Kitty This September
I still can’t believe the difference it has made in so little time!
Kilo HATES me trying to clean his teeth and I hate doing it. He is only 4 and gets chews and kibble which seems to help a bit. I do not want him to have anesthetic to clean them. I will have to try this product as it certainly looks like it makes a difference.
Talent Hounds recently posted…Moving tribute to the amazing Bocker Labradoodle
It’s not fun! This is so easy and will save the trauma and risk of anesthetic.
Glad to hear this is working. I may need to check into this product because I haven’t brushed Truffle and Brulee’s teeth.
Sweet Purrfections recently posted…Labor Day
Cats can be even more of a challenge. This works perfectly!
I need to invest in some of this for my crew! My dog Jessie had bad dental problems, don’t want a replay of that! Thanks for sharing.
It is a good investment!
This sounds interesting, I’ve read a few posts about this recently. I might give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
Maureen recently posted…Incredible Positive Training Tips For Dogs!
I’m sure you will love the results too.
This is my very first time to be introduced about the product but I might give it a try due to those amazing pics. Can’t wait to see the result. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you David. I hope you have similar results!
Thanks for introducing these great products! I used to wonder if there are any kinds of exclusive products for my puppy and now I know the way. Btw, your pics are so sweet!
After I saw your post, then I bought the product for my pet, the results are fantastic, I din’t expect that the results are good like this. Thank you for sharing the product. I’m really appreciated. Thank you for your post again.
Diana recently posted…Solid Gold Cat Food Review
I’m so glad it is working for you!
Wow. I did not know that vanilla mint isn’t good for cat’s stomach at all. Currently i’m not using bluestem product for my cats but your review is so good that i really want to try out. Thank you for sharing this post!
Diana recently posted…Wellness Core Cat Food Review
Thanks, Diana. I’m sure you will notice a big difference using this product!
We are having real issues with our Dog, Toffees teeth at the moment https://spanielking.com/toffee it looks like something like this would really help improve his teeth.
It really has made a huge difference for us!
With bigger dogs, the use of toothbrushes can be a little difficult because lots of them do not take kindly to something being thurst in their mouth. I have got a very calm and docile pet pug, who does not mind his teeth being cleaned but plaque is definitely a problem. If this product solves this problem easily then it will be a huge blessing.
Aca Baranton recently posted…How to remove tick from dog with alcohol
Honestly, it made a huge difference for my guys.