Cleaning your dogs’ teeth is a task that precisely nobody looks forward to, but that you’ll undoubtedly notice if you put it off. After all, we’ve all leaned in for a cuddle with our four-legged friend, only to be met with an eye-watering odour when they flash their chompers.
Naturally, looking after our pooch’s dental health isn’t just important for our own comfort, either. Research shows that 80 per cent of dogs will develop gum and dental disease by the age of three due to plaque build-up, which can lead to serious inflammatory health issues.
The good news is, there’s an easy and convenient way you can keep their teeth in tip-top condition, without having to wrestle to pry their mouth open. Bell and Bone is an Aussie, vet-endorsed pet brand that creates natural and effective dental sticks and treats for dogs. The clever products provide mechanical cleaning of the teeth through gentle abrasion, and have been clinically proven to reduce plaque and bad bacteria.
Bell and Bone was created by Melbourne local Arianne Sackville when she couldn’t find a dental chew that was good enough for her beloved dog, Louie. While there were some options at the supermarket, she found they didn’t work effectively, or were loaded with nasty ingredients. So, she set out to create her own, which would help give Louie (and, dogs all over Australia) the best life possible.
The result was a protein-first range of dental sticks that are completely natural and free from grain, fillers, salt or sugar. In addition to its wholesome nutritional profile, its active ingredients like sodium tripolyphosphate and zinc sulphate are what have helped Bell and Bone secure the tick of approval from dentist, Dr Kelly Halls. The sticks also feature a unique, three-pronged shape that encourages the dogs to stick their teeth in more deeply, promoting chewing to activate these ingredients.
The range is designed to reduce bad breath and plaque build-up with just one stick a day, in between more thorough brushing sessions. And, featuring a range of appealing flavour combinations like kangaroo, mint and turmeric, you shouldn’t have any trouble convincing your canine companion to cooperate.
Just like us, our furry friends’ dental needs change throughout their lifetimes. As anyone who has ever owned an enthusiastic, cord-chewing puppy can attest, they’re teething in the first year and need dental treats that encourage good bite habits. Meanwhile, older dogs need a softer option that provides additional joint and mobility support. Bell and Bone has them covered through every stage of their journey, with chews that are specifically designed for puppies, big puppies, adults and seniors.
The brand also has a popular range of Healthy Treats for dogs, which have been developed by experts to address common concerns.
The best part is, you can easily find your dogs’ new favourite by buying the entire range of sticks and treats in a bundle — and save yourself 10 per cent in the process. With a portion of every purchase going towards RSPCA Victoria’s animal welfare causes, it’s a purchase that’s good for you, your pet and the wider community.
You can shop the full Bell and Bone range here.