Pet Product News Editorial Blog:
February 14, 2013
It's National Pet Dental Health Month: Time to Shine Those Pearly Whites
By Julie Jacobs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February is National Pet Dental Health Month. This is a great time to promote pet toothbrushes and other oral care products.
We all know dental care is an important part of keeping pets healthy, and it's an ever-growing business for us retailers. Periodontal disease is quite common in dogs especially. Bad breath, bleeding gums and discolored teeth are some of the symptoms that alert dog owners to a potential problem. If not addressed, more serious situations can occur. Even young dogs are subject to these problems, so it is best to educate your customers about starting a dental program early on.
 |
Unfortunately, many pet owners think it can be difficult to start a dental routine, so they shy away from even trying. Many of your customers will think brushing a pet's teeth is not an easy task and will make excuses. Reality is, it's not hard at all! All you need is a toothbrush designed to fit a pet's mouth and pet toothpaste. The toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors, such as mint, poultry or beef flavored. I find that dogs love the chicken flavor and actually look forward to getting their teeth brushed as they view it as a treat.
Of course there are some pets and/or owners who just cannot deal with the actual teeth brushing. No worries here! Some companies such as PetzLife offer alternatives, including oral sprays and gels. There are also a host of treats and chews you can stock that help dogs with tarter, such as Greenies and Nylabone. My pup loves the chew bones. Some foods even offer special teeth-cleaning boosters. Read more about dog dental products by clicking here.
This also is a great time of year to tie into the discounts many vets offer their customers if they schedule a cleaning during February. Work with your local vets to see if you can offer free seminars in conjunction with them, sell some of your dental products at their office at a discount to their patients or distribute discount coupons for them to give their clients after the cleaning.
Take advantage of this national observance. Use it as a way to educate your consumer and build some extra ongoing business at the same time. Once your customers start a dental care program, they will become loyal buyers looking for plaque-fighting products to keep their furry loved ones out of the dental chair. As always, feel free to write me at Julie@dogandfriends.com
« All Editorial Blogs
Give us your opinion on
It's National Pet Dental Health Month: Time to Shine Those Pearly Whites
Industry Professional Site: Comments from non-industry professionals will be removed.