Digestive Health
A healthy gut is key to your dog’s overall well-being. In fact, about 70% of a dog’s immune system lives in the digestive tract. When the gut is out of balance, issues like gas, diarrhea, constipation, and even itchy skin can appear. Probiotics and prebiotics help restore healthy gut flora, improving digestion and nutrient absorption while supporting immune function.
Recommended Product:
Bark & Spark Advanced Dog Probiotics – These tasty bacon-flavored chews combine a five-strain probiotic + prebiotic blend, digestive enzymes, and pumpkin fiber for all-in-one gut support. They’re designed to help with common digestive issues (soft stool, gas, upset stomach) while also easing itchy skin and allergies. Suitable for all ages and breeds, they’re a simple daily way to keep your dog’s digestion — and overall health — on track.
Joint Health
Just like humans, dogs can experience stiff or aching joints as they age — and larger breeds often feel it sooner. Supporting your dog’s mobility early helps prevent discomfort and keeps them active longer.
Key Facts About Dog Joint Health
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Breed & Size Matter: Large dogs, like Malamutes, Labs, and German Shepherds, are more prone to hip and elbow issues.
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Weight Plays a Role: Extra pounds put added stress on joints, making arthritis worse over time.
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Movement Helps: Regular, low-impact exercise (like walks and swimming) keeps joints flexible and muscles strong.
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Prevention Is Key: Supporting joints before problems appear can help delay or reduce future issues.
Suggested Products for Joint Support
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Glucosamine & Chondroitin Supplements – Support cartilage and reduce inflammation. (Examples: Cosequin, Dasuquin)
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) – Natural anti-inflammatory that helps joint flexibility. (Example: Grizzly Salmon Oil)
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Orthopedic Dog Beds – Cushion joints and provide proper support during rest. (Example: Big Barker Orthopedic Bed)
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Joint-Friendly Treats – Healthy snacks fortified with glucosamine. (Example: Zuke’s Hip & Joint Treats)
Bottom Line
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A healthy weight, consistent exercise, and the right joint-support products can make a huge difference in your dog’s comfort and mobility as they age. Starting early is the best way to keep your pup active, happy, and pain-free.
Dental Health
How Common is Dental Disease in Dogs?
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According to Banfield Pet Hospital data from 2023, 73% of dogs seen at their clinics were diagnosed with oral health–related issues.
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The VCA Animal Hospitals report that over 80% of dogs older than three have active dental disease.
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The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation cites that about 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age two.
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Other sources similarly report that the vast majority of dogs will develop some form of periodontal disease or dental issues if preventive dental care is not taken.
Can Dental Disease Be Fatal?
Yes — dental disease can, directly or indirectly, contribute to serious health issues in dogs, and in some cases it can be life-threatening. Here’s how:
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Pain, Infection, and Eating Difficulties
When dental disease becomes severe (advanced periodontal disease, infected sockets, loose teeth), dogs may experience pain and have trouble eating. If a dog stops eating sufficiently, malnutrition or secondary complications can result. Spread of Bacteria / Systemic Infection
The bacteria in a diseased mouth can enter the bloodstream (a condition called bacteremia) and affect other organs, such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. This can lead to serious diseases like endocarditis (infection of the heart lining), kidney disease, or other systemic inflammatory issues. -
Reduced Quality of Life and Lifespan
Chronic dental disease puts stress on the body: inflammation, ongoing infection, decreased appetite, pain. Over time this reduces quality of life and can shorten lifespan. -
Incidentally Fatal Situations
In some situations, dental infections may lead to abscesses, or severe infection that becomes overwhelming. Though deaths solely from dental disease aren’t super commonly documented, they are possible especially in older dogs or those with compromised immune systems. Also, if dental disease causes heart or kidney disease (which carry their own risks), that increases mortality risk.
Healthy Paws & Noses
Protecting your dog’s paws and nose is just as important as caring for their coat — here’s how FlyDog Wax Beans keeps them soft, healthy, and adventure-ready.
Our dogs go everywhere with us — through snow, ice, dirt, and on sidewalks — and their paws take the brunt of it all. While we spend plenty of time thinking about their food and shiny coats, it’s easy to overlook their paw pads and noses until they become dry or cracked.
I started using FlyDog Wax Beans to give my dogs’ paws a little extra love. This all-natural, fragrance-free balm is made with plant-based ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and avocado oil that deeply hydrate and soothe rough spots. It absorbs quickly, isn’t greasy, and best of all — it’s completely safe if your pup licks it. After just a few weeks, I noticed a huge difference. Their paws feel softer, their noses look healthier, and they seem more comfortable on all our outdoor adventures.
If your dog spends a lot of time outside, this is an easy way to help protect and care for their hardworking paws year-round.
