Everyone knows that dog breath can be pretty formidable and although it might go unnoticed for some time, it’s usually a sign that there is something unhealthy going on in your pup’s mouth. Bad breath is a symptom of tooth and gum disease, and a large number of dog owners don’t enforce any oral care in their dogs. Since our pups can’t take themselves to the dentist, it’s up to us to make sure they’re getting proper dental hygiene. There are several things you can do to keep your pooch’s teeth clean and breath fresh and we’ll go over them here.
#1 – Yearly Dentals
Your veterinarian will know best when your dog needs a dental, but you should definitely consider having one done once a year. During your dog’s annual check up, your veterinarian will check your pup’s teeth and gums to make sure they’re healthy. An anesthetic dental is the best option for oral hygiene because, just like your dentist, your veterinarian can do a much more thorough cleaning than you can at home.
#2 – Brush Teeth
It sounds crazy to brush your dog’s teeth, but it’s something that will keep their breath at a reasonable odor. Bad breath comes from plaque and tartar build up, so a weekly brushing will make a big difference. You’ll have to start slowly and work your way up to brushing your dog’s teeth with ease, but it’s definitely something to look into. Many owners find that their dogs actually end up love getting a good brushing!
Yes, we know brushing can be a huge pain and the demands of daily life can easily get in the way. (Which is part of the reason we developed these convenient brushing chews) At least strive to brush as much as possible, and you’ll be rewarded by your dog’s pleasant breath! 🙂
#3 – Water Additives
There are water additives you can put in your dog’s drinking water to help with plaque build up and breath freshening. It’s more difficult to control how much your pooch consumes than the other alternatives, but it can help keep your dog’s breath odor free.
#4 – Chew Toys & Treats
There are countless numbers of treats and toys available for dogs to chew on. Edible treat chews like bully sticks, marrow bones and knuckles are a great way for your dog to clean the plaque and tartar off their teeth. Hard rubber or nylon chew toys often do the same trick. There are also treats made with enzymes to help clean teeth, and you can look for dental health chews at your local pet supply store. Dogs love treats and toys, so you’re guaranteed to find something you both like.
We’re a bit biased, but we think our grain free and gluten free dental chews rival just about anything else out there. 🙂
Keeping your dog’s mouth healthy is important. Tooth and gum disease is not only painful, it can lead to more dangerous systemic illnesses if left untreated. Prevention is the best medicine, so work towards brushing teeth or offering dental treats and definitely consider a professional dental cleaning once a year. Your veterinarian will help you determine which regime is best for your pup. Even if you start slowly and work up to daily or biweekly cleanings, you’ll notice you have a happier dog with breath that is fresher than ever!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
