Tips to Keep Your Dog’s Breath Fresh

Dogs like to be affectionate and will often try to hug you or shower you with kisses. A lot of pet owners appreciate this, but if your dog’s breath smells unpleasant, you will want to do something about it.

There can be several reasons for bad breath, the most common one being poor oral hygiene. Just like humans need to take care of their teeth, dogs also need special care to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar, which are the leading causes of bad breath. Another common cause of unpleasant breath is dietary habits. Some dogs like to play around in garbage and any unsupervised snacking can lead to unhygienic and smelly conditions.

If your dog’s breath has started to smell even more unpleasant than normal, this could be a sign of deeper, more serious problems. These include diseases related to the liver and kidneys and even diabetes. In order to counter these issues, you can follow the tips mentioned below.

Annual Veterinarian Visits

Your dog’s vet is also their dentist, so make sure that you visit the vet annually to keep a check on your pup’s dental hygiene. Periodontal diseases are not only the cause of bad breath, but they can also be very uncomfortable and painful for your pup. If your dog is diagnosed with such a disease, your vet will perform a professional cleaning process, which will remove the build-up of plaque and tartar. This can have a huge impact on your dog’s breath. Make sure you get any compromised teeth removed or treated properly so that bacteria growth can be minimized and your dog’s breath can stay fresh and clean.

Take Care of Dental Hygiene

Professional cleaning should only be done when regular brushing cannot be effective against the buildup of plaque. An annual clean is definitely not enough because bacteria can start growing back in less than 24 hours. For this reason, it is important that you brush your puppy’s teeth regularly using a toothbrush and toothpaste that are designed specifically for dogs. Do not make the mistake of using human toothpaste as it is not suitable for them. Another alternative is using dog mouthwash regularly, which is easier than brushing their teeth. You can do both as well, but if your dog shows a special disliking for a toothbrush, you can stick to dog mouthwash. This can help clean hard-to-reach places as well.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is just as important as taking care of your dog’s dental hygiene. Make sure their diet includes plenty of water and includes all the important nutrients like vitamins that will keep them healthy. Before introducing anything new in their diet, make sure you consult your vet first and get your dog checked annually for common diseases. If your dog is showing signs of discomfort and their breath is smelling unnaturally unpleasant, visit the doctor immediately. Try to avoid foods like cow milk if your dog is lactose intolerant or tends to get allergic reactions easily. Keep the age and weight of your dog in mind before you plan their regular meals.

Keep a Check on Your Dog

Last but not least, if your dog tends to roam around in your backyard and has access to the garbage bin, you will need to take some precautionary measures. No matter how trained a dog is, when presented with an opportunity to consume unpleasant items like feces or garbage, there is a rare chance that your pup will resist. This can lead to very smelly breath and also poses some health risks. In order to prevent this, make sure that your dog is always kept on a lead during their walk time. Also, make sure that your yard is fully clean at all times, and try to keep the garbage bin in a place that is not accessible to your pup.