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At least once or twice in our journey as dog parents, especially in the beginning, we’ve all stopped and wondered, why has nobody told me about this before? From unexpected trips to the vet because your dog got into something they weren’t supposed to have their nose in, to dealing with pest infestations, and random happenings in between, sometimes figuring things out the hard way just feels like a normal part of being a dog parent. Though it’s hard to be prepared for every little situation that can go wrong with our beests, we thought it would be helpful to put together 5 common but important topics that every dog parent should know about.

1. Dental Hygiene 

Taking care of your dog’s teeth and gums as early as possible will prevent a lot of health complications as your dog gets older. Dental disease is one of the most common illnesses in dogs which can cause other health complications such as organ failure, eye issues and tooth loss. It’s recommended that you begin taking care of your pups’ teeth early on or as early as possible. If not taken care of regularly, early signs of dental disease are bad breath, excessive drooling, discolored teeth, or inflamed / bleeding gums and can be seen as early as 2-3 years of age in your dog. As your dog gets to their senior years, dental hygiene becomes one of the key factors attributing to life span and health complications. Most dog parents wished they would have been more proactive and educated on preventive action in their dog’s early years. Our doggy dental guide has more information and tips on ways you can start taking action.

2. Foxtail

Foxtail is small sharp prickly clusters of grass that pops up once Spring hits, and it can linger around up until Summer. It is found in tall grass areas, hiking trails, open fields / parks, alongside the road and also sidewalks. Little pieces of foxtail can get stuck on pup’s skin or in their paws and sometimes be inhaled through their nose while they’re sniffing around, triggering sneezing or coughing fits later on. Foxtail can cause serious pain, discomfort, and sometimes bleeding or infection so we recommend inspecting your pup, even if they have no symptoms at all, after every walk / adventure. Check your pup’s face, ears and paws first, then inspect large fur areas such as neck, stomach, and hips. If you suspect foxtail injuries in your dog, look up how to remove or treat them safely (combing it out or using tweezers or your fingers) or call your vet for advice. But some precautions you can take are avoiding tall grass areas or protecting your pup with paw booties or face mask. No one ever tells you about Foxtail injuries and some of us unfortunately have had to learn the hard way. It’s important to remember that educating ourselves (and fellow pet parents) can help prevent these stressful situations and keep our dogs safe. Remember to curb your pup during these warmer seasons and check your neighborhood / hiking trails for any Foxtails as the seasons start to change.

3. Emergency Bag & Plan

Harsh weather changes, the global pandemic and natural disasters like wildfires or floods are more common now than ever. Most of us have some sort of plan for ourselves or family put into place for those emergency situations, but a lot of us forget that we also need one specifically for our pups. Emergency situations can be overwhelming and chaotic for a dog at any age, so making sure you have an action plan and an emergency bag ready will prevent a stress filled environment for everyone. Do research on evacuation locations and pet hospitals in your area that are dog safe. Also put together a “go bag” or emergency bag kit just for your pet, including extra food, medication, a first-aid kit and extra gear. Our guide to making your own Emergency Kit lists what important things should be in your kit to help prepare for any situation.

4. Senior Care & Preventatives

As humans, most of us take a lot of early prevention so we can live a longer and healthier life and same goes for your beests. Being a dog owner is a lifelong commitment which means that we are also responsible for our pup’s when they get to their senior years. We may not be experienced enough or completely prepared to care for a senior dog but taking precautions and practicing good habits can steer us away from serious health complications later on. Feeding a healthy diet, giving supplements and proper vitamins, keeping a strong immune system and scheduling regular vet visits are some ways to keep beests healthy. Once your dog hits the senior age (as early as 6-7) making sure you make adjustments to accommodate their needs is important, such as taking shorter walks / exercises often so as not to physically overexert your dog, avoiding hard foods / treats that their stomach might not be able to digest anymore, or using steps / ramps to help them get on and off the couch or car as their joints and muscles are not as strong as they used to be. Our senior care guide lists more helpful tips on how to better take care of your senior beesties and what you can start implementing early on.

5. Fleas & Ticks

Warmer weather seasons are great for adventures but it also means pests like fleas and ticks are out looking for hosts like your pups to feed off of. 1 in 7 dogs can carry fleas which are tiny insects that feed off your dog’s blood and cause them to intensely scratch and cause severe discomfort. Fleas can also carry bacteria and dirt that can cause your dog to get other health complications. Some signs that your dog might have fleas are if they are scratching, licking, or biting. Another sign might be if you see red bumps on the skin under their fur or if you have small red itchy bites. If not taken care of, fleas can quickly reproduce and infest your home and dog which can take several months to get rid of. We recommend researching a preventative that works for your budget and can be easily added to your routine. Topical and oral medications are available which you can give your dog regularly, along with natural remedies such as lavender plants and apple cider vinegar spray to keep pests away.

Ticks are similar to fleas but are mainly found outdoors and they prefer to latch onto humans and pets. They are typically bigger than fleas and can carry more bacteria than fleas when they latch on to a host. The best way to remove a tick is with tweezers in an upward and steady motion, it's also important to clean the area and the tools you are using. Once the tick is removed dispose of it in alcohol or a sealed container, or flush it down the toilet, and remember to never crush it with your fingers.

If you do believe your dog has a flea infestation or is suffering from excessive tick bites ask your vet about a plan of action that is safe for your dog.

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There is no handbook for being the perfect dog owner, but sharing first hand experiences and constantly educating ourselves is a step in the right direction in making sure we give our pups the happiest & healthiest life. You can never be prepared enough for situations like a flea infestation or a natural disaster but as long as you make a quick plan of action, stay calm and ensure your dog knows they'll be okay…you’ll be able to get through any situation together. 

P.S. Please share this post with a fellow dog parent !!

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your beest. We want to be there every step of the way, with our gear & pom pom’s in tow, supporting you & beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship. 
SHOP OUR GEAR >>>

When you think about spring cleaning most of us think about deep cleaning our homes, decluttering junk and old clothes, and making our spaces feel fresh to welcome the new season. But what about spring cleaning for our furry family members?

As much as we love our pets, having them in our homes exposes us and them to dirt, pests, and unwanted bacteria. We may not always think about cleaning as a preventative care method for our pups, but doing so will help keep everyone happy and healthy. So here are some easy spring cleaning to-do’s for you! 

SORT

The best time to say goodbye to the toys & gear that have been destroyed – or shall we say, well-loved! – that you have been avoiding to throw out is now. Go through your pup's gear box and sort through stuff that can be disposed of, stuff that can be donated that you or pup no longer want, and stuff that need to be washed.

If you have any Wildebeest gear that are outgrown, worn & torn, or damaged, email us about our Wild4Life Warranty to see how we can help replace or repair it.

WASH

It’s always a good idea to wash your dog's essentials once every season or two but especially important when transitioning from winter to spring as the warmer weather brings out the pests we aren’t very fond of – fleas and ticks. Gather all your dog’s washable items such as the bed, blankets, towels, toys, gear (collar, leash, harness), clothes + accessories to prevent any pests from invading your home. If possible, use pet safe and toxic-free detergent when washing your dogs belongings. For toys, avoid using dryer sheets in the dryer and hand wash any non-plush toys. Most silicone based toys and dog bowls made out of silicone, ceramic or stainless steel are dishwasher safe. You can also clean toys & dog bowls by hand with baking soda, white vinegar, and warm water if you rather not throw them in the washing machine.

DONATE

Just like us, our pups grow out of styles and sizes in their gear or clothing. Sort through it and make a donation bag of clean things they no longer wear or fit into that are still in good condition. A great place to donate these items are to your local animal shelters / organizations who are always in need of extra gear. Another option is to hand them down to friends or family members who might be welcoming a new pup.

DEEP CLEAN

Clean the areas where your pet hangs out the most – sofa, rugs + carpets, yard, crate, food corner, doggy doors etc. Vacuum and/or mop these areas to start. Use lint rollers, a broom, or damp disposable gloves for removing any pet hair. For deodorizing carpets or sofas, sprinkle baking soda in the area, let sit for 10-15 mins then vacuum. Baking soda is a powerful alkaline solution that effectively removes stains and odor. Any other hang out areas can be cleaned with warm water, soap, and white vinegar or with pet safe cleaning products. For anything plastic like a crate tray or food bowls, use warm soapy water and then let them air dry. 

WATCH FOR EXPIRY

Treats, canned food / kibble, and medications do have expiration dates. It’s important to go through these as they accumulate over time and get rid of anything that is expired. Make sure to properly dispose of them so your dog doesn’t get into it resulting in a trip to the vet. Products like shampoos, flea treatments, cleansers can also expire so make sure to double check those as well.

DECLUTTER + REORGANIZE

Keeping your dog's stuff tidy and organized is a big time saver and a good feeling to have but we are often guilty of saying “I’ll do it later '' or holding onto things you no longer use. Take time to declutter anything no longer used and reorganize the space where you keep pup’s stuff. Make it a fun project to spruce up that area and channel your inner Marie Kondo. Having a clean and organized space will help keep the clutter away until next Spring Cleaning!

GROOM

The most important tip of all, a clean pooch! After cleaning their space and toys, your pup wants to feel fresh and clean too. Set some time aside afterwards to give them a good grooming session. If you decide to groom them yourself make sure to trim their nails, clean up the hair around their paw pads, give them a haircut, and a good puppy bath. It’s also the perfect time to start or refill on any flea and tick prevention. 
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You’ll be surprised how much healthy and happier your pups will be after a good spring cleaning. Keep in mind that a fresh feeling home should be kept up with all year round, so implement a routine that works best for you and your family. We suggest sorting toys & gear, washing bedding, and checking for any expired food & medications as often as possible. Deep cleaning furniture, grooming your dog, and decluttering can be done less often, yet making regular cleaning habits will save you time when next spring rolls around, allowing more time to enjoy with Beest!

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your beest. We want to be there every step of the way, with our gear & pom pom’s in tow, supporting you & beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship. SHOP OUR GEAR >>>

We are all guilty of getting a little too busy or distracted with work and personal life that we sometimes forget how important setting one-on-one time aside for our pets can be.

In the spirit of “Love Your Pet Day” (Feb 20th) we want to share 5 things you can do to make your pup feel extra special and unconditionally loved to bring your bond closer together.

1. DIY DOG TREATS

Homemade goodies are a great way to any’s heart, especially your dog’s. Find some recipes with ingredients that your pup likes or that they could benefit from. There are also so many easy homemade treat options if baking isn’t for you such as frozen or dehydrating recipes. Start with your pup’s top favorite ingredient, remember to have fun with it and don’t be afraid to get your pup involved. Try letting them watch you put the ingredients together or lick the bowl / spoon in between ingredients for a little taste test! Check out our DIY treat guides (frozen OR baked) to get you started on some easy ideas.

2. DATE NIGHT

Set up a doggie date night and treat your dog to some quality time with you and your family. :) Switch up their usual dinner food to something they only get for special occasions like a fresh food meal or frozen dog patties. Then after dinner pick a movie / show / background music and get cozied up for some relaxing time together. 

3. UNINTERRUPTED QUALITY TIME

Stepping away from our devices isn’t always easy and getting side-tracked when we bring them with us doesn’t help either. Make sure to set aside your smart devices from time to time and truly be present with your dog when you are taking them out for a walk or playing with them at the park. Having your undivided attention will strengthen your bond with your beest and you may be surprised how it changes your relationship for the better. Check out our guide on what you can do to build a stronger bond with your dog HERE.

4. A NEW ADVENTURE

Nothing can be more exciting for your pup than getting to see / smell something new with their favorite person… you! Take them to somewhere they (or neither of you) have never been before such as a new neighborhood or hiking trail. If you bring your pup out to social gatherings like outdoor cafes or beer gardens, try going somewhere new. Checking out the new pet store that opened near your area or taking a trip to a new city. Experiencing new adventures together will really make your pup feel special.

5. A NEW TOY + TREAT

Every dog has a favorite toy or treat that makes the world a little brighter in their eyes. Whether it’s a new squeaky toy, something new to wear, or a delicious type of treat, you’ll see their immediate excitement with a waggy tail and a big smile! Splurge on something they love like a new squeaky toy or interactive game. Or try putting away an old favorite toy for a couple of months and bringing it back out – it’s like a brand new toy! :D 

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There are so many different ways that we show our love to our beests on a daily basis. But we encourage you to mix in some special activities or days where you take the time and effort with an intention. Every pup’s unique so find out what your pup’s “love language” is and treat them to that every now and then. This will help strengthen your bond with beest and make them feel special and loved unconditionally, just like they do for us.

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your beest. We want to be there every step of the way, with our gear & pom pom’s in tow, supporting you & beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship. SHOP OUR GEAR >>>

Temps are falling, days are shortening, & the spookiest day of the year is right around the corner! While a sharp All Weather Jacket is the essential fall staple, it wouldn’t be Halloween without doggie costumes.

Whether you’re going to a puppy Halloween party or just taking an extra long walk around the block, these DIY costumes are easy to make, comfortable for pup, & sure to get the neighborhood talking.

1. Ghost Dog

A classic costume that's also perfect if your short on time. But what if you want to take your boo-thang to the next level. Transform your pup into one of the cutest and iconic ghost dogs of all time.

2. Pup Witch / Wizard

Another good old classic you can never go wrong with: a Witches & Wizards! The main item is of course the hat, and you can get creative with the rest - a cape, dress or just a piece of tulle scarf around the neck will get you in the spooky mood!

3. Squid Gamer

Who hasn't watched the Netflix series "Squid Games" Yet? This show's been wildly popular since it came out this Fall (2021) and has been trending all over social media and is sure to be a hot new Halloween costume option this year. Why not dress up your pup as a player or worker -- they'll definitely be the talk of the block!

4. Dinosaur / Dragon Dog

Dinosaur or dragon? Either way, it’s adorable. Combining a small hoodie with felt scales makes for pups that are festive and cozy as you trick or treat into the evening.

5. Sushi Roll

This tasty looking costume just uses velcro and felt, so it's inexpensive and easy to create. It's the perfect costume for any size doggo and is great if you need costumes for multiple pups in your pack... the more the sushi the better!

6. S’more Treats, Please

You already know your pup is the sweetest, so why not show them off? This s’mores costume comes together easily with some basics and will harken the cozy memories of autumn nights around the fire.

7. Pup-kin Latte

What could be cuter? Your dog dressed up as your favorite sweet treat! This is a fun creative costume that requires minimal supplies to put together and can be customized to your favorite coffee shop.

8. Mummy Dog

Possibly the most simple costume you can throw together last minute. But a solid option nonetheless! Prepare ample about of rolled gauze or bandage (some elasticity may help keep it on pup) to cover your pup sufficiently. Stay clear of their face / snout and private parts so they can breath + go potty conveniently. If you want to spookify this costume even more, add some fake blood to the bandage!

Whatever you end up dressing up as, be safe out there this Halloween and most importantly -- HAVE FUN, Beesties!

Wildebeest creates durable, stylish dog gear. Equipping your best friend for all of your adventures while providing a Wild4Life guarantee, we’re committed to creating products the entire family will love.

Taking care of your dog is a lifelong commitment. As pet parents we want to give our dogs a happy and healthy life throughout their time with us. Just like us humans, getting older for dogs can mean physical challenges such as loss of sight, hearing and smell, and a decrease in energy level and sometimes health issues.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, your dog, depending on the breed, would be considered a senior as early as age 6 or 7 which is about 40-50 years in human years and can benefit from a lifestyle shifted to meet their needs as older pets.

In this blog article, we want to highlight the importance of taking early health precautions and list a few things that you can start implementing to maintain your senior pup’s wellbeing and maximize their lifespan as the years go on.
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1. A HEALTHY DIET

What you feed your pup is basically what they’re made of. You may want to or need to consider changing up their diet as they grow older and based on specific health needs that may arise.

Daily diets that incorporate above-average protein, below-average calories, and no high-risk preservatives are generally good anti-aging formulas to look for. Depending on your dog’s specific dietary needs, you may consider adding supplements (more on that topic later), probiotics, pumpkin for increased fiber intake, and steamed dark green veggies (ex. Kale, broccoli, spinach) for calcium, antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients to their current or senior catered diet.

There are many great food options out there today so we encourage you to do some research to find the option that best serves you & your senior pup. And remember to feed your dog proper portions according to their size, weight and exercise levels. 

@huskymax_pugmolly

2. A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM

Just like humans, taking care of your dog’s immune system can help prevent more severe illnesses or diseases. Dog parks, vet offices, city streets and many other places that you visit on the daily can expose your dog to harmful bacteria or parasites. A strong immune system helps fight these harmful elements and keeps your dogs healthy. A compromised immune system can cause diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, joint pain, and much worse and senior dogs are much more vulnerable. Some ways to keep the immune system strong are:

• Proper hygiene - bathe your dog regularly to eliminate bad bacteria / parasites that your dog may pick up
• An ideal weight for their size and age - consult a veterinarian on what a healthy weight looks like for your dog and how many calories they should be consuming
• Rich antioxidant foods that are safe for dogs - like beans, apples, berries, cooked potatoes, cabbage, and broccoli can be fed safely and in moderation
• Clean toys and bowls - these are germ magnets as your dog touches everything with their mouth / nose after being outside, clean these with non-toxic cleaners
• Keep them stress free - avoid situations and environments that cause your dog to get anxious and remember that they can pick up on your stress as well
• Ask your vet - next time you go in for a comprehensive exam, ask your vet what other ways you can help boost your dog’s immune system

3. SUPPLEMENTS

Increasing your pup’s intake of nutrients can be easily achieved with the help of supplements. You can find most options in treat forms or easily add to your dog's meals. Consult with your vet to see what supplements your senior dog would benefit from. Some general supplements beneficial for senior dogs are:

• Omega-3 / fish oils - helps with brain activity, eyesight, heart and kidney function, immune system and keeping skin and coat smooth and shiny
• Senior chewable formula - contains vitamins and minerals to support overall health
• Hip & Joint - supports hips and joints against pain and deteriorating range of motion with active ingredients like omega-3 and glucosamine.
• Bladder Control - supports normal bladder control and immune system function 
• Heart Health - increases nutrients of L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 (older dogs don’t have enough in their bodies) and supports cardiovascular health 

4. DAILY EXERCISE

No matter what age your dog happens to be, giving them daily exercise is always important. Although senior dogs may not be able to be as active like they were as a pup, make sure to maintain that daily exercise and slow things down for them. A leisurely stroll around your neighborhood, initiating play time, or swimming (hydrotherapy) are great exercises for senior pets. Daily exercise can also lessen the chances of joint problems as consistent movement of muscles will support joints and keep them limber.

For more activity ideas, check out our “Guide to staying active indoors & out”

5. MENTAL STIMULATION & PLAY

Dogs crave for both mental and physical stimulation, but once your dog starts to get older you should increase the amount of mental stimulation especially as they start to encounter challenges with getting enough physical stimulation. Keeping their minds stimulated will increase their happiness and health.

Consider getting your dog puzzle toys / mats or planting treats in a room of the house for them to smell out. Any fun and creative activity that gets them using their brains will keep them sharp and focused as they get older.

For more indoor activity ideas, check out the Exercise + Activity section from our blog article “Guide to staying at home with your dog in a pandemic”, or “Guide to staying active indoors & out”

6. REGULAR VET VISITS

Vets recommend scheduling a visit every 6 months for senior dogs. These are wellness exams to keep a closer eye on your dog’s health so that they can catch any developing conditions early and provide treatment as soon as possible. Ask your vet about scheduling routine checkups for your senior dog.
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If given the opportunity to stop time and keep our furry friends around forever, we probably wouldn’t hesitate to do so. But growing older is a natural progression that happens to all of us and the best we can do as caretakers of our beests is to provide them with a healthy, happy life full of love and special moments that they so deserve.

We’re most certain that staying proactive and conscious of your dog’s basic needs -- both physical and mental -- and remembering to venture out together and build your bond with them along the way... will bring about a truly fulfilling life and companionship that we all dream about.

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your beest. We want to be there every step of the way, with our gear & pom pom’s in tow, supporting you & beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship. SHOP OUR GEAR

It doesn’t matter what kind of person you are or what kind of dog they are… the bottom line is, we all yearn to discover that special connection with the beest in our life all the same. Building a bond, nurturing that relationship and finding meaningful moments along the way is ultimately what animal companionship is all about. And we can all agree that animal companionship makes life more wholesome, fulfilling and happier. Research shows that bonding with your pet improves health such as lowering blood pressure, strengthening your immune system, reducing stress and anxiety and much more. 

Bonding with your dog can start as early as the day you bring them home as a puppy, full grown adults or even senior dogs. Bonding is not complicated, it’s actually quite simple if you think about what makes you both happy. And it doesn’t stop when your dog’s a certain age, you can continue nurturing your connection as long as we live. Here are 5 easy ways you can start incorporating into your daily routine.

1. TAKE A WALK

Taking a walk together is one of the most basic but powerful activities you can do with your dog to create a bond. Even if you have a yard or fresh grass for pup to go potty in, consider leashing pup up and going for a short stroll once a day. If you get tired of taking the same route, switch it up by taking a different street or setting off to somewhere new with no time limit. Take the time to be present with your pup as you both walk side by side in the same direction… bonding over taking in the scenery and new sounds and smells together.

2. TRAIN 1:1

Dogs like to be mentally, physically, and emotionally stimulated, and of course, be rewarded! Set aside 5-10 mins of 1:1 training in your day where pup is challenged to learn a new trick and you reward them with their favorite treats when they nail it! This dynamic interaction not only builds a stronger relationship between you both, it will also make your dog happier and more obedient. Training can be as basic or complex as you want it to be as long as you remain focused on them without distractions during your 1:1 time.

3. CREATE PLAY TIME

Dogs love to PLAY! Grabbing your pup's favorite toy and engaging for some intimate playtime is a fun way to build a stronger bond with your dog. Whether it’s an indoor game of tug or heading outside for a few minutes of fetch, it doesn’t take much more than a small object like an old sock or a ball to create quality play time. It’s more about the energy and attention you bring to the table that your dog will love and appreciate! :)

4. PET WITH PURPOSE

This one sounds simple but the key is to pet your pup with your full attention. Figure out what they LOVE… a belly rub, a good behind the ears scratch, making eye contact or hearing your sweet-talk to them... whatever it is, let them know you love them and are taking the time to be present with them.

5. CUDDLE UP

Exercising and staying active is important in building a strong relationship with your pup, but so is slowing down and relaxing together. There’s not really a “best” time or place for a good snuggle to take effect, however at the end of your day on a comfy couch sounds pretty perfect for enjoying some quality down time together. This creates a sense of safety / comfort in your dog (and you too!). You may also work in #4 right here. :)

These are just some really easy basic -- but effective -- bonding activities that you can do together to show your beest how much you care for them and what they mean to you. But spending all of your day together everyday isn’t so healthy either. It actually helps your bond to have some separation for a portion of the day. So give your dog some space to unwind and destress in between their interactions with you. Consider setting up a crate or a pup-only nook in their favorite part of the house where they can be alone. Remember, creating these boundaries between you and your dog is an essential part of building a stronger bond also.

As you get to know your beest and yourself as their companion better, we’re sure you’ll discover new bonding activities and some favorites that work for just you. The beauty of the human-dog companionship is that every bond is unique and there’s no limit to what it can be. So let’s go find our special bond with beest. Happy Bonding! :D

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your beest. We want to be there every step of the way, with our gear & pom pom’s in tow, supporting you & beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship. SHOP OUR GEAR

Let’s be honest. Dental health is not the first thing we think about when getting a dog, especially a puppy… with those tiny perfect teeth and milky breath and all! However, it’s also really easy to neglect oral health and if you’ve been around dogs enough, you probably know what “not-so-great dog breath” can smell like.
With a lot of new dog parents lately and us getting to spend more time with our pups than ever, we wanted to share more info on the important topic of oral health and how you can start taking action.

The truth is, dental disease is quite prevalent in dogs. Signs of periodontal disease in dogs are commonly seen by the age of three, beginning with bad breath and tartar build up. It’s recommended that dogs get their first teeth cleaning right around 2-3 years of age. If not taken care of regularly or treated properly, these early signs can eventually lead to gum infections, tooth loss or more serious health issues that can cause prolonged pain and discomfort for your dog.

Here are a few different at-home dental disease prevention methods that you can practice to keep pup’s teeth healthy. Find a method or two that work best for you and your pup and build it into your routine.

Dental Chews

These are treats that can be given daily that helps stimulate the production of saliva to prevent plaque and tooth decay 

Teeth Cleaning Toys

A type of chew toys that help clean pup’s teeth and soothe their gums while entertaining them

Dental Wipes

An alternative to tooth brushing that helps prevent tooth decay by removing harmful oral bacteria in your pup’s mouth

Oral Care Solutions

Oral care additives can be mixed to your pup’s water to reduce plaque and provide fresh breath

Dental Supplements or Diets

Certain probiotics, fatty acids and antioxidants are beneficial for your dog's immunity and overall wellbeing as well as oral health

Tooth Brushing

This is the most effective method as daily tooth brushing keeps gums clean and plaque free. Here's how to brush your dog's teeth step-by-step. If it takes time moving on to the next step, be patient and don't force it. Keep it short and sweet

1. Introduce pup to a pet safe toothpaste by letting them smell and lick it. Most dog toothpastes are flavored to their liking.

2. Apply the toothpaste to pup's gums and teeth using your fingers while gently lifting their lips or keeping the mouth open.

3. Once pup gets used to step 1 & 2, introduce a tooth brush with toothpaste on it. Find a soft brush with the right size head for your pup or a rubber brush that fits around your finger.

4. Start brushing work your way from one side to the other in circular motion and with bristles angled up towards gum line. give any built-up tartar extra attention if possible.>

5. Praise and reward pup during brushing -- it's ok to stop to reward and resume -- and also when you're done!

After finding a method that works, the first step is getting your pup comfortable with it. Let them get used to being around it and practicing it by gradually and consistently exposing and desensitizing them to the chosen method. Develop a routine for it, for example brush their teeth in the morning before a morning walk or reward them with a dental chew after their afternoon potty break. As your dog ages, you may want to try out different methods to adapt best to their needs and conditions. 

Also consider scheduling regular teeth cleanings / examinations with your vet. At least one teeth cleaning a year is generally recommended. Note that most dental care by the vet requires anesthesia. The risk of anesthesia for dogs is low but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned. Your vet should perform a thorough physical exam and review your dog’s medical history and discuss any risk factors. You can ask them about how they monitor their anesthetized patients and what their safety record is for reassurance. If you have an older dog or dogs with other health issues, talk to your vet about a plan that is specific and will work best for them in treating their dental concerns.

photo credit: @stormi_doodle

Whichever methods you decide to use for your pup’s dental health, the key is to keep them up by implementing them into your daily routine. If you are trying to introduce a new method to your routine, make sure to take a few minutes each day working towards desensitizing those tools until pup feels comfortable. And don’t forget to keep your Treat Pouch nearby as well to reward them easily during your training.

Your dog’s dental health is just as important as your own. And it’s never too late to start taking care of it. If you don't have a doggy dental routine already, use our guide to get one started or to further your research today. Remember, a healthy pup is a happy pup! :)

Wildebeest is committed to creating quality everyday products that keep you & your beest ready for all your adventures. Show us how you enjoy our gear — tag us on @wildebeest_co or use #mywildebeest!

Let’s talk about poop bags. We know it's a topic not a lot of people put a whole lot of thought into. Your dog needs to go out and you bring along a roll of poop bags to clean up after them, you pick it up, toss it and you don’t have to think about it again, simple right? Well being in the dog world as a dog products company, we started to see things a little differently. Taking into account things like where does your bag of poo end up after you throw it away, how does it affect our planet, does biodegradable really mean it breaks down all the way, and are most poop bags biodegradable? 

We did a little bit of research and found out that one regular plastic poop bag can take about 500 years to break down in a landfill. And in 2019, approximately 500 million plastic poop bags were used throughout the world. Let's just say a dog's life lasts 10 years and he poops 2 times a day (that's pretty conservative) -- do the math and you're looking at picking up and throwing away poop 7300 times in his lifetime -- which also gives you a bit of perspective on how many poop bags you're responsible for sending to the landfill.

We all know that plastic bags are not great for our planet, yet we still use and discard plastic poop bags daily, thinking that they will break down like compost. Truth is that poop bags that claim to be biodegradable may not be as biodegradable as you think. For a poop bag to actually decompose and be biodegradable it can’t have any plastic in it. Most of the biodegradable bags that a lot of dog owners purchase contain an oxo-biodegradable material, which actually can be more harmful than a plastic bag as it breaks down into smaller pieces that doesn’t completely degrade, making it more difficult to pick up. 

On a similar note, we also want to address the plastic holders that hold your plastic poop bags. The major change our planet is experiencing is the amount and accumulation of plastics. It’s a long-lived material and takes decades to breakdown, yet seconds to throw out. As of 2020, more than one-third of all plastic was disposable packaging like bottles and bags. So what kind of damage is plastic actually causing you may ask?

• Plastics in landfills can leak chemicals and spread into groundwater
• Chemicals that are in plastics can be absorbed into the bloodstream
• Plastic particles / debris can be ingested by marine animals and cause a lot of harm
• If made to the ocean, plastic can float into wildlife habitats and cause disruption

According to the Environmental Health News, “most of these (plastic) materials are unlikely to degrade quickly in natural habitats”. How does this tie into your plastic poop bag holder ? Well when you think about it, the average plastic poop bag holder lasts about 1-2 years depending on how it wears and tears. When it’s time to replace your plastic holder, most dog owners settle for the cheaper replacement… another plastic holder to last another year or so. As you start to add that up over your dog's lifetime, that’s a lot of plastic holders and poop bags that will take many years to break down or it might not even break down at all.

This is why we designed a solution to help lessen the impact on our planet as dog owners. Even though our 100% Biodegradable Poop Bags are not zero-impact, they're by far one of the most earth-friendly poop bag options out there. It’s made of a plant starch formula which breaks down completely and harmlessly, just like those compost bags you use for food waste (just don't put your dog's poop bag in the compost!). These poop bags are unscented and gentle on sensitive humans and rolled on a cardboard core which you can recycle when you get to the end of the poop bag roll. Combined with our Funston Baggie made from nylon fabric, which is far more compact and efficient than a bulky plastic poop bag dispenser, you can go about your doggy duties knowing that you’ve made solid purchasing decisions by choosing Wildebeest and won’t have to spend more money replacing under-serving gear over time.

As dog lovers, we believe that all of us can and should make the effort to minimize our impact on the planet as much as possible. Doing some research, educating ourselves, and choosing dog gear with more earth-friendly options are all it takes to start making a positive impact today.

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!