Bad dog breath is not normal. It is an indicator that something may be wrong. The major cause of bad dog breath is periodontal disease (gum disease), which about 80-85% of dogs develop by the age of three.
Bacteria in the mouth causes the gums to become inflamed (red and swollen) and may even bleed. Teeth become discolored, loose, and eventually fall out. Pus between the gums and teeth may form and persistent bad breath is quite noticeable.
Brushing your dog's teeth is the best way to eliminate bad dog breath and promote healthy gums and teeth. Dental care for dogs should be started when they are puppies. However, you can begin a brushing routine at any age. Older dogs may take longer with the introductory process.
Brushing dog teeth once a day is recommended, but once a week is better than not at all.
Tips for Brushing Dog Teeth
• Use dog toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste or baking soda. Dogs will swallow and both can upset their stomach.
• Start out slowly and gradually:
- First, dip your finger in some beef bouillon and gently rub their gums and teeth (keep doing this until they become comfortable).
- Then, wrap some gauze around your finger and rub their gums and teeth in a circular motion.
- Slowly introduce a toothbrush that is specially designed for dogs and begin adding dog toothpaste which is flavored with meat (making dental care for dogs a little easier).
• When brushing dog teeth, keep sessions short (about 1-2 minutes) and positive (avoid forceful restraint).
• Afterwards, give a lot of praise and reward them with a fun walk or a good rub on the belly.
Other natural dental care for dogs with bad breath include:
• Carrots. Chewing on raw carrots stimulate saliva which helps wash away food particles and also helps remove plaque.
• Parsley tea. Steep parsley in hot water for 10-15 minutes, strain, let it cool down, and let your dog drink it. If they refuse to drink, you can spray some in their mouth.
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