We’re all aware that bad breath is one of the worst things a dog can have, and most all of us dog owners experience stinky kisses from our pets every now and then. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by excessive build-up of odor-producing bacteria inside of your dog’s mouth, lungs or even stomach.
Here are 5 ways to improve bad dog breath:
- Brush your dog’s teeth at least once a day. Do not use human toothpaste as it can make your dog sick, only use toothpaste that’s formulated for pets. The best time to start brushing your dog’s teeth is when he’s young because they’ll get used to it. If you aren’t currently brushing your dog’s teeth, there’s no better time to start than right now.
- If brushing is not an option, then buy a hard rubber toy with grooves. These chew toys are designed to help improve dental hygiene. Smear some yummy dog flavor toothpaste on the chew toy and you may even train your dog to brush his or her own teeth.
- Carrots make a great snack for dogs and they have a mild scrubbing affect on the teeth.
- Try using products that contain chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is a chemical antiseptic that can be found in chews and sprays, and it’ll help keep odor-causing bacteria from your dog’s mouth.
- A rawhide chew also helps reduce the plaque build up. Keep a close eye on the bone and make sure you throw it away immediately once it becomes easy to swallow.
Keep in mind, even if the cause of your dog’s bad breath is caused by something minor such as dental disease, gum disease, or tartar, on-going bad breath could be a hint that your pet may be experiencing greater medical problems.
Your dog’s vet is the best person to determine the exact cause of your pet’s bad breath. When the vet examines your dog, they may want to do a complete physical examination, as well as lab work. They will also ask you questions regarding your dog’s diet, oral hygiene and general behavior – so be prepared to answer those questions.