It’s a stinky topic… does your dog have bad breath?
You may notice it when they’re sitting right next to you or when they jump up for a cuddle. I’m sure we have all experienced the whiff of bad-dog-breath. There are many reasons your dog may have bad breath, including diet and disease, so it is best to talk to your vet first to rule out any underlying issues. Assuming the bad breath isn't health related, there are many products available to pet parents to maintain your dogs oral health and rid the stinky dog breath for good - yay for more puppy kisses!
If your dog isn’t a chewer or doesn’t regularly chew vigorously on bones or toys, then the chances are, your dog probably has plaque build-up! A build-up of plaque on the teeth is often what causes bad breath. So how do we stop plaque from accumulating on our dogs’ teeth and gums?
Firstly, start by introducing some new chewing toys or treats. Our pet experts highly recommend Greenies. Greenies are put to work as soon as your dog takes a bite into the tasty treat, the chewy texture brushes your dog’s teeth with each chew, effectively breaking down plaque and tartar. If introducing fresh bones to your dog, whilst they are effective in breaking down plaque, we recommend you supervise your dog at all times when they’re chewing.
According to the American Kennel Club, the simplest way to prevent bad dog breath is to brush your dogs teeth regularly. This method is also useful when you have a fussy dog who won't take to those funny looking green treats! Find a toothbrush that is suitable to the size of the dog. Dog toothbrushes come in a range of sizes and you can even get finger brushes which are less invasive for your pooch! This will help reduce plaque and promote better oral hygiene. With some training, you can even train your dog to enjoy the routine teeth brush!
Aside from brushing, dental specific foods are one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to maintain your dogs oral health and keep their breath fresh. Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin and Advance are just some of the foods that offer dental health food options, with kibble specifically designed to clean your dogs teeth.
But wait, there is more! Water additives, such as the TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive is effective in defending against the formulation of new plaque and tartar. To use, simply add a cap fill to your dog’s water bowl each time you fill it! The TropiClean Oral Care Gel can be applied to your dog’s teeth daily and will help break down existing plaque and tartar. The gel does not require any brushing, so it is not invasive or stressful for your dog!
If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email at georgia@woononapetfoods.com.au
