Ways to Control Canine Halitosis

Although a dog's breath usually doesn't smell like roses, it's not supposed to smell awful either. Canine Halitosis is when a dog has a problem of extremely unpleasant breath. Taking steps to control it shouldn't start when there's a problem - the earlier you start, ideally from when you first get the dog, the better it can be for both you and your pet.

Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Some dog owners worry about having to brush their dog's teeth, but many find that it's not as bad as they thought. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) suggests to brush your dogs teeth every day. Only use dog toothpaste to brush your dog's teeth. Ask your vet which toothbrush is best according to your dog's specific needs. Feeling a bit nervous at first about brushing your dog's teeth is normal. To feel more confident, ask your vet to show you the proper way to do it.

I find that it's easier to not try to handle every dog the same way while brushing his teeth. Some dogs are more tolerant to it while others are squirmy. Discussing the best options with your vet according to your dog's temperament can help make the process easier for both you and your dog.

Plaque build-up can cause Periodontitis, which in turn can cause bad breath and tooth loss among a host of other problems. Brushing your dog's teeth daily is a way to prevent and control canine Halitosis.

Take Your Dog For Dental Cleanings

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends annual dental cleanings starting at age one for small-breed dogs and age two for larger dogs. Your vet will do an oral exam as well. It's also a good opportunity for your dog to get a full body check-up while he's there.

Check Daily for Stuck Material

At the end of every day, check your dog's mouth for any particles, particularly food, that are stuck in or around the teeth. As the particles break down, they can cause a build-up of plaque and bacteria that can cause canine Halitosis. Also, just like with humans, stuck food can also be irritating and could cause tooth and gum discomfort until it's removed.

Give Your Dog Specific Treats and Bones

There are quite a few treats and bones on the market that help dogs reduce the amount of plaque in their mouth, remove small pieces of stuck food and prevent bad breath. The texture of the treats range from chewy to crunchy and the bones come in a variety of shapes - some of which can even double as toys. Your vet can recommend which product is best according to your dog's mouth size and teeth condition. Personally, the treats have worked well for all of my dogs in terms of reducing build-up and freshening stinky doggie breath. Regarding the taste, even my pickiest dogs enjoyed the treats.

Taking steps to control canine Halitosis can do wonders for your dog's health. Problems in the dog's mouth can often lead to problems throughout the rest of the body so investing time to make sure it's in great condition is well worth it.

Sources:

American Animal Hospital Association

HealthyPet.com: AAHA Dental Care Guidelines

HealthyPet.com: "Brushing Your Pet's Teeth"

PetPlace.com: "Periodontitis in Dogs"

PetPlace.com: "Halitosis (Bad Breath) in Dogs"

Vet Info: "Understanding Canine Halitosis-Dog Bad Breath"