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  • Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell So Bad? (And How to Fix It!)

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    We all love our dogs. They snuggle with us, greet us like rock stars when we come home, and always seem to know when we need a little comfort. But let’s be honest—sometimes they open their mouths and… yikes. That breath could knock you over!

    If you’ve ever leaned in for a kiss and changed your mind, you’re not alone. Bad breath in dogs is super common, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. In fact, stinky breath is often a sign that your pup’s mouth needs some help.

    What Causes Bad Breath?

    Most of the time, doggy halitosis is caused by plaque and tartar buildup, just like in humans. Bacteria collect along the gum line and, if left unchecked, can lead to dental disease. And while kibble alone doesn’t cut it when it comes to oral hygiene, the good news is there are some easy, dog-approved ways to help freshen things up.

    3 Easy Ways to Freshen Your Dog’s Breath (That They’ll Actually Enjoy)

    Here are a few tried-and-true products that can help reduce plaque, improve oral health, and make those puppy kisses much more pleasant:

    1. Bully Sticks

    Not just a tasty treat—bully sticks are great for your dog’s teeth. These all-natural chews help scrape away plaque as your dog gnaws, sort of like a toothbrush made of deliciousness. They’re also fully digestible, which makes them safer than some synthetic chews. Just be sure to supervise and choose the right size for your pup.

    2. Milk Bone Brushing Chews

    These clever little chews are shaped like a toothbrush for a reason. Milk Bone Brushing Chews are designed to clean like a brush and freshen like a mint. With daily use, they can help reduce tartar buildup and keep that doggy mouth a little less dragon-y. And dogs love the taste, so it feels like a treat, not a chore.

    Product Available on Amazon

    3. ProDen PlaqueOff

    This one’s a little different—it’s a powder made from seaweed that you sprinkle on your dog’s food. Sounds weird, right? But it works. ProDen PlaqueOff helps break down existing plaque and prevents new buildup by tackling it at the source: your dog’s saliva. It’s odorless, tasteless (to dogs, anyway), and super easy to add to their daily routine.

    Product Available on Amazon

    A Happier, Fresher-Mouthed Pup

    You don’t have to dread your dog’s kisses or avoid those close-up cuddles. With a few small changes—and some tasty additions to their day—you can help improve your pup’s oral health and keep their breath smelling a lot sweeter.

    So why not give one (or all!) of these options a try? Your nose—and your dog—will thank you.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Dental Care In Animals

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    Unfortunately, the truth is that over eighty percent of pets over the age of three struggle with some form of dental disease. And to make matters worse, this disease is entirely preventable! That being said, the best way to ensure your pets have healthy teeth and gums is to know and understand as much as possible about the disease.

    The first thing that all owners need to know is what signs they need to look out for. These signs will alert owners to the need for immediate veterinary attention for their pet.

    The common signs of dental disease include:

    Bad breath. 

    You may no longer want to get too close to your pet because of his or her breath.

    Pawing and rubbing at the mouth. 

    This is often due to the pain and discomfort your pet may be experiencing.

    Red and swollen gums. 

    You may also notice that your pet’s gums are really red. They may be so red that his or her gums are swollen.

    Not eating as well. 

    Your pet may not be able to eat because his or her mouth is sore.

    Doesn’t want to play with hard toys. 

    He or she may also avoid playing with hard toys or chewing on rawhide chews due to a sore mouth.

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    If you notice any of these signs, consider consulting your veterinarian for a thorough dental examination. He or she will check for:

    • Pain
    • Bad breath
    • Drooling
    • Trouble swallowing
    • Changes in teeth. We look for signs of teeth resorption, missing teeth, fractured teeth, and other dental issues.
    • Inflammation
    • Bleeding

    That being said, many pet owners are unaware of the importance of good dental care. Even if they notice the signs of disease, they may not take any action about it. However, that could be a mistake.

    Good dental care is so essential for many reasons. If left untreated, dental disease can do the following:

    Weight loss. 

    Struggle to eat enough to get the nutrition that your pet needs.

    Pain and inflammation. 

    Dental disease can really affect your pet’s overall health and wellness.

    Resorptive lesions. 

    These lesions are quite painful and are found in twenty-eight percent of cats.

    Lost teeth. 

    Gingivitis and tartar can build up and cause your pet’s teeth to get loose and fall out.

    Damage to your pet’s vital organs. 

    Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause damage to your pet’s heart, kidneys, and liver.

    As per the AHAA guidelines, “dental care is necessary to provide optimum health and optimize the quality of life.”

    So, what can you do at home for your pet’s dental care? Here are some things that you can do now to improve the health of your pet’s mouth.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    Brush your pet’s teeth at home regularly. 

    Although it is best to do it daily, if you can do it several times a week, you will still notice a difference.

    Use special treats and chew toys to help maintain good oral care. 

    There are many treats and chew toys out there to help your pet maintain good oral care.

    Our clients have had great success with these chews. They are available on Amazon and Chewy.

    Product Available on Amazon and Chewy.

    If your dog is a chewer, you may also want to consider trying Bully Sticks. Bully sticks are a great alternative to rawhide chews. 

    If your dog is not a chewer, you may want to try this food additive. We have seen many dogs’ mouths look significantly better after using this product. 

    They are available on Amazon and Chewy.

    Product Available on Amazon and Chewy.

    Visit your veterinarian regularly to ensure your pet’s oral health is optimal. 

    Your pet should be examined at least once a year to ensure its mouth is healthy.

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    If you notice signs of dental disease, take note. You should schedule an examination with your veterinarian as soon as you can. You may be able to do better with your home care, though your pet may need a dental. Once they are professionally cleaned, all you have to do is maintain them that way.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.