How Can I Eliminate My Dog’s Bad Breath in Granger, IN?

If you’re a dog owner, chances are good that you’ve experienced your dog’s bad breath once or twice. Although infrequent bad breath is nothing to worry about and is typically related to something your pet ate, regular bad breath may be a different matter.

In the article below, you’ll find more information about treating and eliminating bad breath in dogs, regardless of the cause. Read through this list and see which options may work best for your pet based on the root problem contributing to their bad breath.

Dog Teeth Brushing

Dogs with bad breath that isn’t caused by a health issue may just need to have their teeth brushed. If you don’t regularly brush your dog’s teeth, it’s never too late to get started! By keeping up with regular teeth brushing for your pet, you can help them enjoy better dental health and hygiene as well as fresher breath, too.

If you’re unsure how to brush your dog’s teeth, you can ask your veterinarian for a demonstration. Be sure to only use dog-friendly toothpaste and a dog toothbrush for best results.

Try Dental Chews

Dental chews and dental hygiene treats are good ways to freshen your dog’s breath quickly and easily at home. If your dog’s bad breath is not caused by an underlying health problem and is just part of them being a dog, then you can use these types of chews and treats to resolve the problem.

These items typically contain mint or other fresh smells that come from natural flavors. They are usually made of a harder substance that encourages plenty of chewing, which helps reduce plaque on your dog’s teeth and can help cut down on bad breath a little bit, too.

Provide Chew Toys

Chew toys with a variety of textures and materials are great ways to help your dog keep their teeth clean and her breath fresh. Pick chew toys made from natural ingredients like bone or antler if you have a heavy-duty chewer and stick to ribbed plastic chew toys for those who are less likely to destroy their toys quickly.

Make sure you always supervise your dog when playing with chew toys, to prevent the risk of choking. Chew toys are good for dogs physically as well as mentally and should be part of your dog’s everyday routine.

Feed High-Quality Food

Although your dog’s food may not be the sole underlying problem when it comes to bad breath, it can still make a difference. Be sure to feed your dog high-quality dog food made with good, healthy ingredients to improve overall wellness, including dental health.

Additionally, your dog should be given dry food as much as possible to keep their teeth cleaner. The act of chewing on dry food scraps plaque off of teeth and reduces the buildup of tartar. You can mix in some wet food too but be sure at least some of the food every day is dry for best results.

Regular Professional Teeth Cleaning

Regular teeth cleanings can do wonders for a dog with bad breath. Sometimes, you only need to take your dog to the groomer for a surface-level clean. However, in other situations, you may need to go to the vet to have your dog’s teeth deep cleaned instead.

If your dog has a heart condition or is very old, they may be unable to go under anesthesia for a dental cleaning at the vet. However, in most other situations, dogs are good candidates for this type of cleaning procedure and will respond well to it, too.

Treat Underlying Dental Issues

If your dog has an underlying dental health problem, such as a broken tooth, a gum abscess, or an infection, then they need to have this problem treated to remedy the bad breath they are experiencing.

Only a qualified veterinarian can treat dental health problems in dogs. Talk to your vet about the procedure beforehand to decide whether this type of work is right for your dog, depending on their age and underlying health issues.

Kryder + Harr Veterinary Clinic Can Help with Bad Dog Breath

If your dog’s bad breath doesn’t get better with the help of some of these solutions, or if you’re sure the bad breath is related to a dental health issue, talk to your vet for more information. Your vet can help you narrow down the problem and find the right solution for your pet based on their age, health, and other needs too.

Remember that many cases of bad breath in dogs can be managed with the help of regular teeth brushing at home. Keep up with your dog’s dental hygiene needs to prevent them from having unsavory breath and to reduce the risk of dental disease later in life, too.

Ready to talk with your Kryder + Harr Veterinary Clinic vet about your dog’s bad breath? Call (574) 277-6533 today!