Is there anything better than puppy love? Getting kisses and happy tail wags from your pet is the best part of so many peoples’ days. But there’s one thing that gets in the way of your daily love fest with your pet...bad breath. If your dog’s breath stinks and it’s got you keeping your distance, don’t panic! There’s plenty you can do to support your pet and his dental health to help improve that stinky mouth and have you happily accepting dog smooches again soon.
Why Dog Dental Health Matters
Of course, smelling your dog’s bad breath isn’t pleasant. But, that’s something that’s bothersome to you...not your dog! It matters to your pet, though, because bad breath often signifies your dog is experiencing some type of dental issue and that can be a serious cause for concern. Dental wellness is an important part of your pet’s overall health. It should be taken seriously and you should discuss any oral health concerns with your Vet ASAP!
The most common cause of bad dog breath is periodontal issues. It’s an oral health issue that can escalate and cause problems for your pup if it goes untouched. Of course, this isn’t the only reason your pup might be experiencing bad breath, but it’s most often the reason behind the smell.
The good news for you, as a pet parent, is that there are many changes you can make to your dog’s diet and lifestyle that can better support his oral health. This works two-fold, to improve the bad breath he’s breathing on you now, and to help prevent future dental issues from developing.
A Balanced Diet Is The First Step To Help With Bad Dog Breath
Ready to address the smell in the room? Start with your dog’s diet. The best way to improve your pet’s health, including his oral wellness, is to feed a complete and balanced diet that is formulated with the optimal ratio of protein, fat, carbs, and fiber. Sounds easy, right?
With so many pet food options on the market, it can be hard to sift through the labels and jargon to determine which diets are truly nutritional and are best for your pet. That’s exactly why it’s a good idea to ask for professional help where diet is concerned! Discuss Fido and his dental health with your Vet or animal nutritionist. They can help you choose food and make recommendations based on your individual dog’s needs.
Avoid Processed Foods When Possible
Fresh foods and plenty of protein are ideal when it comes to your dog’s diet and his dental health. But, not everyone is able to feed whole foods. If that’s the case, look for a diet that’s minimally processed and doesn't include filler ingredients or additives. Why? Because these ingredients are more likely to build up on your pup’s teeth and lead to dental issues that cause bad breath.
Hydration Is Key When It Comes To Fresh Breath
If a foul odor has you steering clear of your dog’s face, he may not be getting enough water. Hydration is so important to your dog’s health, but it’s especially key for oral health. Your dog needs plenty of water every day to keep his teeth and gums healthy. If you notice your dog isn’t drinking as much as he should, consider soaking his food in water before feeding. Or, switch to a moisture-rich diet. It’s a great way to help your pet consume more H₂O without him even knowing it!
Add Some Oral Support To His Water
There are countless products out there designed to help your pet with bad breath. But, one of the most effective ways you can support his oral wellness is by adding a targeted supplement to his water bowl. Look for one that contains ingredients like grape seed extract to help fight bacteria, cinnamon to help manage odor, Zinc to help with plaque buildup, and chlorophyllin to help with a healthy inflammatory response.
Chew Toys And Bones Are Good For Oral Wellness
Did you know that chomping and chewing is your dog’s natural way to keep his teeth clean? It’s true! And that’s exactly why it’s important to support your pup and his oral wellness with chews and bones he can clean his teeth on. There are also many dental sticks on the market that are specifically designed with your dog’s dental health in mind. They’re often made with textured material and grooves that will reach all the nooks and crannies in your pet’s mouth. And, they’re made with freshening ingredients that’ll leave your dog’s mouth smelling a whole lot better than it did before he started chewing!
Brush Your Dog's Teeth To Prevent Bad Breath
Brushing your teeth is an essential part of your daily routine, right? The same should be true for your pet. It’s a great way to care for his dental health and it’s relatively easy to pull off when you get into an oral hygiene routine.
Pick up a pet-friendly toothbrush. They’re often double-sided and angled just right to effectively brush your pet’s teeth. And make sure you choose dog-safe toothpaste. Whatever you do, do not squirt a dollop of your own minty-fresh paste onto your pet’s toothbrush. It contains ingredients he absolutely shouldn’t consume! Instead, head to your local pet store or pop online to order some doggie toothpaste. Plus, he'll prefer the taste! Most of them are flavored with ‘chicken,’ bacon,’ and other drool-worthy ingredients.
PetHonesty Dental Support To Help With Your Dog’s Bad Breath
For really bad dog breath, consider adding oral support to your dog’s water, too. Pethonesty Oral Hygiene Dental Water is tasteless and odorless, so your pet won’t even know you’ve added it to his dog dish. It’s packed with oral support from ingredients like Bromelain, Cinnamon, Zinc, and more.
Sources:
http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products.htm
https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/remedies-for-bad-dog-breath
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/get-rid-of-stinky-dog-breath/
