Facts and Fixes for Bad Dog Breath
How many times have you wanted to snuggle up close to your dog, only to wince in horror over the halitosis? You know what I’m referring to! It’s that pungent, foul odor that can make you gag and likely never accept a smooch from your pup again. Let’s dive into some facts and fixes for this “dog breath”.
1. Awful Dog Breath Is Not Normal
It could have been caused by something they have eaten, such as a treat they managed to steal from the garbage, a rodent from the back yard, or maybe it is the digestion of their daily food. Most instances of halitosis are linked to periodontal disease. Plaque and Tartar contribute to tooth decay and if this goes unchecked, it leads to gum irritation, infection, pain, and eventually tooth loss. This dental disease can contribute to cardiovascular problems. It is never ‘too soon’ to begin taking preventative measures.
2. A Visit To The Vet
Most, if not all, veterinarians offer dental cleaning. This is the most efficient way to achieve a fresh, clean mouth. A visit to the vet is much different than your normal brushing routine. Your vet will remove the tartar build up and disinfect the mouth in the process to achieve a healthy mouth for your canine. You want to stay on top of routine visits to the vet for early detection of tooth decay. Tooth decay under the gum line is reason enough to require pulling teeth.
3. Routine Brushing Habits
Truth be told, most of us do not brush our dog’s teeth. Kudos to you if you do…no, seriously, this is the most important aspect of maintaining dental hygiene. Take it from me, your dog will not comply. So start off with short brushes, even if it’s only for 20 seconds at first. As your dog gets more and more used to the concept, you can gradually increase the length of time. Do some basic research on the best toothpaste for dogs and make the purchase. If you pick out a good flavor, that should increase the cooperation from your pet.
4. Dental Chews For The Win
The easiest way to assist in dental health is by treating your pup to chew bones that are specifically for oral health. Caution should be taken when giving your dog a rawhide or other chew bone, as they do not all come recommended. Some dogs are too excited for their treat and do not take their time while chewing and end up swallowing large chunks. As long as you supervise while your dog takes his/her time to chew these types of bones, they should help remove plaque build up and improve that Dog Breath!
Easy Bad Dog Breath Remedies:
- Brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis.
- Safe Dental Chews that contain breath-freshening chlorophyll, cinnamon, and clove.
- Coconut Oil (similar to oil pulling) will also boost digestive, immune system, and metabolic functions.
- Consider an annual professional cleaning by your vet.
Disclaimer: This information is educational in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for medical prevention or treatment.
