Tips For Preventing Stinky Dog Breath

Some dogs may have an unpleasant mouth odor from something they have eaten from the backyard, trash can, or even a tasty treat.  Most long lasting cases of doggy breath stem from periodontal disease, which is a bacteria (plaque) that develops into a mineralized layer of debris (tartar) on the teeth. These bacteria often contain substances toxic to gum tissue. It can lead to gum irritation, infection, pain, and eventually tooth loss. Long-term dental disease also can contribute to cardiovascular disease. By the time you can small bad breath, periodontal disease has already started!

Tips to Prevent Stinky Dog Breath

• A thorough dental cleaning by a vet to remove all built up plaque and tartar.
• Brush your own dog’s teeth! We encourage pet parents to brush their dog’s teeth on a regular basis with a small pediatric or finger toothbrush. Do not use human toothpaste! The fluoride in human toothpaste can be toxic to pets. Dog-friendly toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors.
• Choose safe dental chews. The easiest way to augment teeth brushing for dental health is by providing chew bones designed for oral health. While rawhide chews and bones are great at scraping the teeth as a dog chews, caution must be used. Some dogs don’t take the time to chew properly and swallow large, undigestible hunks. Be careful and watch for when the bone gets too small for them to chew.

With a little at-home care, stinky dog breath can be taken care of in no time! What are your dog’s favorite dental chews? We would love to hear from you.