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.
We were invited to try bluestem™ Oral Care for dogs (and cats) for 30 days. While most of us love puppy breath, dog breath is a lot less desirable. Having three middle-aged to senior dogs and a senior cat, I was a little skeptical but also hopeful. Thanks to Alice G Patterson for the photos with the exception of the “before” photo.
From bluestem: “According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, 80% of cats and dogs will show signs of poor dental health including red and swollen gums, bad breath, pain, and tooth loss. Small and mid-sized dog breeds are especially susceptible. If left untreated, these conditions can progress to plaque build-up, gum recession, loosened teeth, bad breath, inflammation and bleeding of the gums, and eventually loss of teeth, oral infections, and even poor overall health.”
While Theo has all of his teeth, I am sad to say, that Sophie had two loose teeth pulled this spring. The surprising part is Sophie is possibly the youngest of my dogs, but her teeth were by far the worst. I need to be more vigilant in taking care of my pets’ mouths. Of course, bad breath can be a sign of gum disease and other dental issues. I know that good oral hygiene is important for a dog’s overall health.
Using bluestem is easy. Simply add one capful per 1.25 cups of water or two capfuls for 2.5 cups of water. I added the full amount of bluestem to my pets’ water dish the first day and everyone drank it without issue. If your pet is more sensitive to change, simply start at a smaller amount of the water additive and then gradually increase it. Bluestem recommends starting with a quarter capful of additive to 2.5 cups of water on the first day. Increase the additive to half a capful the second day, and gradually increase until you are using the ratio of 2 capfuls per 2.5 cups. There are three flavors of bluestem water additive: original, chicken and vanilla mint. Cats should not use the vanilla mint as it may cause an upset stomach. There is also a vanilla mint spray suitable to use with dogs.
I like the fact that bluestem™ oral care products are made with 100% food-grade ingredients and are suitable for daily use. They are Xylitol-free, alcohol-free, and chlorhexidine-free. All bluestem products are powered by coactiv+™ technology which is scientifically formulated to break down biofilm where harmful bacteria multiply. By removing the food source bacteria needed to form plaque and tartar, it has been proven to reduce tartar by 23% when used daily as directed. Research has stated that 9 out of 10 dogs using bluestem™ oral care with coactiv+™ showed significant improvement in their oral hygiene.
So the big question is does bluestem oral care work for my dogs?
The answer is yes. Because I just had Sophie into the vet for a dental cleaning (and her teeth pulled), her teeth and gums are now in great shape. However, now all my three of my dogs have fresher breath. Just as importantly, Theo and Nelly’s gums are looking healthier and they have less tartar.
Hopefully, we will see more improvement with continued use. Try bluestem products for 30 days and see the difference it makes for your pets! Use the promo code TRYBLUESTEM for 20%!
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About Alice G Patterson Photography: Based in Syracuse, Alice specializes in dog photography, senior portraits, and commercial photography. Follow her on Instagram.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of bluestem. The opinions and text are all mine.
I so wish this had worked for us. But my boy is just ridiculously picky and only drinks water coming fresh out of the shower not the bowl. We did try but no matter how little we put in – he knew. So we brush his teeth twice a day and twice a year he gets anesthetic free dental.
It sounds like he’s getting great dental care which is the most important thing. I am not vigilant enough to brush all of my pets’ teeth twice a day, heck, some days I am lucky to just do my own, so a water additive is a great way to help take care of their teeth.
I’ll have to try this! My dog hates having her teeth brushed and her breath is awful right now!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Sounds like a great additive to help with dental care. We’ll have to check it out. Great photos btw!
Thanks, Nichole, Alice is my favorite photographer!
Those are some pretty nice looking teeth. Keep up the doggie dental hygiene. Thanks for sharing.
I like the before and after picture – this shows how effective the treatment is. Well done Bluestem for making something healthy and user friendly!
This product sounds wonderful! I especially worry about Keira being a senior dog even though she still has great teeth. I found it really interesting that biofilm also affects dog’s teeth. I wrote a post about biofilm being left in water bowls not too long ago.
As always – I love your pictures! We may have to give this a try because it’s so hard to do a good job on their teeth with the dogs act like I’m torturing them when I break out the toothbrushes 😉
I didn’t see a difference until about the third week, but we noticed that their breath improved much faster. Even if you are able to brush your dogs’ teeth, I think this would be helpful!
I’m glad to hear you are seeing a difference with this product.
I wonder if Mr. N would notice the different water. Right now we brush his teeth daily.
I used the chicken flavor first thinking my dogs would like it best. They didn’t seem to mind when we switched to the original flavor.
Layla has two bottom teeth missing, they fell out but otherwise her teeth are good, vet happy so I am happy. Great post thanks
Definitely think we need to try this! Our pups have all of their teeth, and we take them to a pet endodontist (yes, they have them) – so every bit of good dental care will help!
This sure sounds like a great product! Love your pics, too!
Oh I am glad to hear that it is working for your dogs as was planning to try with Kilo. He will drink anything with food and I hate cleaning teeth. Kibble and Bully sticks do seem to help a little.
I hope you give it a try, just like we are supposed to brush, floss and rinse, the more ways you can take care of your dog’s teeth, the better for them.
Thanks for sharing! Once I no longer have a mastiff that drools up the water bowl almost hourly, we’re going to give an additive a whirl. With the little pups, every little bit helps!
I would love to try this! Pippa has already 3 missing teeth, 1 large canine and 2 small incisors. We had her teeth cleaned professionally! There was a lot of work. She was a stray dog and because she was malnourished, her teeth are not so strong!
I hope you can find it in Belguim, it seems to be doing a good job. Every little bit helps.
Love the photos and the close up of the pearly white teeth – the product seems to be doing some good.
Seems like Bluestem is an awesome product for the white teeth!
Your teeth are looking nice and white! I’ve been reading lots of these post and I really need to try it!
I was a little skeptical at the beginning, but it is making a difference!
This sounds like a great product for a pet’s oral health. I have such trouble brushing my dogs teeth. This would really help, thanks!
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
I will definitely have to check this out!
Great article. Oral care is so important for our fur kids!
Nice post! Pet parents need to realize how important pet oral care is.
Great review! It sounds like my dog could definitely benefit from this.
Wow! There is quite a difference in the before and after photos. I like that this is such a simple way to do daily dental maintenance. I also like that cats can use it too! 🙂
I’m glad you’re seeing a difference too. I love how easy AND effective this product is. No wrestling to clean teeth. Even the holistic vet was fine with us using this product (he is very selective). Fabulous photos – as always.
Those photos are awesome! Henry hates to have his teeth brushed and we’ve tried similar products with little luck. We’ll have to give Bluestem a try!
Thanks for such an informative & realistic post. With rescue pets oral care is always a challenge. I’ll be stepping up my focus on this with Finn & hope to get similar results to you.
This sounds like a great product for dogs, and easy to use, too. We’re glad it worked so well for you. (Your pics are great!)
I used to use a dental rinse (different brand) but it didn’t seem to help much. I will have to check this one out. Thanks for sharing this post!
I really struggle with dental care with my dogs. My little rat terrier had to get a bunch of teeth pulled last summer. I wish they would drink more water (they maybe take a few laps a day) so I could try this!