It starts with the basics. Dogs love to chew, and nature has provided them with some little known benefit whenever they go about this behavior to which they are so inclined. Chewing rawhide or raw bones can greatly decrease the occurrence of bad dog breath. The reason being, that chewing on this surface acts as a sort of makeshift toothbrush, cleaning up all the plaques build-up as they chomp away. If these are too small, and your dog tends to eat them whole, you will have to purchase the larger mutton type bones that are too big to swallow.
If your dog just isn’t interested in chewing, or you just prefer the more personal touch then brushing your dog’s teeth is always an option. If you do this, make sure to focus most of your efforts on the top row of teeth. That area is the most prone to tartar build-up.
Another very simple solution is the water additive: Biotene. This is a dental hygiene product that has multiple uses. Veterinarians most often use it as an additive which inhibits plaque growth as well as the bacterial growth responsible for bad dog breath, whenever it’s added to a dog’s daily water supply. It’s non-toxic and completely safe for your dog to ingest daily. It’s an effective and easy method for daily teeth cleanings without relying on brushing.
Though to really keep your dog’s teeth in top condition, a healthy diet is always the best dental protection. Refer back to this older blog post: /blog/57838/dog-nutrition-puts-you-in-an-awkward-position.html to help you decide which dog food best suits your pup. Or perhaps consider your own homemade recipe, which is often the best method to keep track of exactly what kind of nutrition is going into your dog’s diet.
Finally, veterinarians are always the ones that are most qualified to make dental determinations on your pet’s health. You should schedule regular visits to ensure overall health, and make certain to inquire about any dog dental problems you might have encountered between visits. Bad dog breath is enough to deal with, but it can often be a symptom of a bigger problem, so be sure to consult your vet regularly. It’s also important to note that these visits need to become more frequent as your dog ages, as plaque and bacterial infections build up quicker in older dogs with weaker immune systems.
If you try all that and the breath still stinks, you might need to feed them a steady diet of Altoids!
