Bad breath has to be one of the biggest pet peeves that (pretty much) all of us have. And it gets much worse when we’re talking about that of a dog. Now besides the discomfort that it might be causing to you as a dog owner, it might be an indication of a much more serious deep-rooted problem.
Add bad breath to tartar-covered teeth and you have a recipe for disaster. So, as a responsible dog owner, it’s important for you to take action as soon as possible, as bad breath is the number one symptom of dental disease in dogs, according to the American Animal Health Association.
Whatever your dog puts in his mouth affects his overall health in one way or another. “Over 80% of dogs over the age of 3 have gum disease,” says Dr. Werber explaining the gravity of the situation. A simple bacteria infection in your dog’s mouth could then lead to much more intense issues and even death, in some cases.
Dental hygiene is something of great importance to humans. We tend to brush our teeth after every meal especially before bed, and this is a great way to prevent endless dental diseases that usually start off as a bacteria infection caused by leftovers of food and whatnot.
Now, this isn’t the case with dogs (or pets in general). Most dog owners (up to 70%) have never brushed their dog’s teeth, which is a dilemma if we think about the potential long-term repercussions. But it remains difficult to do and maintain because dogs aren’t usually on board with things that they’re not comfortable with. And having someone shove a toothbrush inside your mouth doesn’t sound all that appealing.
One way to go about the situation is to resort to a healthy dental hygiene routine that is suitable for your own dog. Get them used to brushing their teeth by creating a calm atmosphere and introducing them to the toothbrush and the toothpaste before proceeding in the process. Be gentle to ease their anxiety, and make sure to reward and praise them along the way.
Provide them with as many chew toys as they need. Not only does this keep them entertained and satisfied but it’s also a great way for your dog to clean his teeth. The chewing action can help scrape off the plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth. And voilà! Your dog is all set and ready to go.
Another way to handle the situation is to seek medical help from your local vet in order to choose the right diet for your dog. If the plaque buildup continues to grow and spread over your dog’s teeth, it might be time to consult a professional to hopefully get rid of the problem for good.
And finally, supplements are also a great option if nothing else seems to work. Something easy and on the go but still effective and does the job. They are all the rage right now due to their miraculous abilities and healing powers.
They’re easy to use. You can simply sprinkle some over your dog’s food and he wouldn’t even notice thanks to their non-existent flavor that makes them almost untraceable. They’re also infused with vitamins and minerals that have the ability to improve your dog’s health and quality of life in a matter of weeks.
If your dog seems to be struggling and you can’t seem to find the optimal treatment for the problem, opting for the right supplement might be the answer to your prayers. So rush to your local drugstore and grab a bottle or two. Believe me, they’re worth the extra bucks.