Good Teeth, Yummy Treat

Being a doting pet owner, I have often attempted to brush Axel's teeth as part of his daily health regimen. I say "attempted" because it is almost impossible to get him to cooperate. They don't call them fox terrors, I mean terriers, for nothing! I usually have to chase him around the house, tempt him with treats and then enlist my husband to hold him while I try to get him to show me his pearly whites.

I am thus immensely grateful for a reasonably new product on the market called Bright Bites - "fun daily dental treats." These star-shaped treats are the fun way to help keep your dog's teeth free of plaque and tartar. Developed by veterinarians, Bright Bites are the first step in promoting good oral hygiene, prevent gum disease, ensure whiter teeth and what most of us dog owners really appreciate - freshen dog breath!

The American Veterinary Medical Association has found that more than 80 percent of dogs show signs of oral disease before they reach their third birthday. What is most frightening is that plaque and tartar build-up can contribute to two serious health issues — heart disease and kidney disease. We as dog owners, need to take note, and ensure we take care of our best friend's dental health! Bright Bites give us a convenient way to improve our dog’s oral health.

Axel, my faithful product tester (pictured), tried a cinnamon, peppermint and spearmint Bright Bite treat (over 2 days) and gave it a big paws up! He liked the taste and ate them with relish - I think he really enjoyed the chewy texture. After getting a whiff of his breath after he'd finished his treat, I did detect an improvement as well.

Bright Bites are available in three different sizes for dogs who weigh up to 15 pounds, 15 to 40 pounds and more than 40 pounds. What I also like about them is that they are wheat gluten free, low in fat (3%), and highly digestible. They start at a measly 62c and can be found in pet stores around the country. Visit their website.