What to do if your Dog has Smelly Breath

One of the best things you can do for your dog is to provide what he needs for good dental hygiene, which will make his breath smell better and his teeth last longer. Strong teeth are very important for dogs. It is essential to keep them as clean as possible, to prevent holes and infections. Food that gets stucks between their teeth can result in oral bacteria and plaque. This in turn can lead to inflammation, pain, bad breath and even tooth loss.

Chews and bones are an excellent way to keep your dog’s teeth in good condition. They help to increase saliva production, and also remove plaque and tartar. Good dental care should always include frequent use of dog chews and an annual visit to your local vet. Knotted ropes are also a brilliant way of getting rid of plaque and tartar. The fine threads gently clean their gums and teeth efficiently – dental flossing for dogs!

You can of course brush your dogs teeth yourself. One thing to note is that you can’t use human toothpaste because it would upset your pet’s stomach. There are quite a range of toothbrushes and toothpastes suitable for cats and dogs, which allow you to clean in between the teeth, and get those hard-to-reach places that chews don’t reach!

One good way to make sure your pet has good strong teeth and bones is to supplement his or her food with cod liver oil capsules, or a multi vitamin supplement, which is carefully balanced to help promote strong teeth and aid in bone development.

Bad breath is a result of poor dental care. It is usually caused by the formation of tartar. Your pet’s diet should include roughage and crunchy material to help keep tartar levels down. However, bad breath is not just caused by dental problems – it can also result from digestive upsets, constipation and worm infestation – so it would be advisable to visit your vet if your pet is experiencing discomfort whilst doing his business.