freshen your dog’s breath

How to freshen your dog’s breath

Does your dog have bad breath? It can be tough to keep the smell at bay, especially if you have a larger breed or one that isn’t used to regular brushing and teeth cleaning. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help freshen your dog’s breath from toothpaste made specially for dogs to special treats and toys designed to eliminate any lingering odors in your pup’s mouth. This article explains how to find what works best for your dog’s particular needs.

Get A Veterinary Check Up

The first step to freshening your dog’s breath is to rule out any underlying health issues like digestive problems, ulcers, tumors, or chronic inflammatory diseases. If your veterinarian has found nothing wrong, then the next step is brushing their teeth with an enzymatic toothpaste or by using a pet toothbrush and finger-brushing underneath the gums. You should also try feeding them biscuits and rawhide chews that are specifically made for dental hygiene and teach them tricks like brushing their teeth with a chew toy.

Try Over The Counter Solutions

One way to freshen your dog’s breath is by using an antiseptic oral rinse like Listerine. Use about one ounce of Listerine for every ten pounds of your pet’s weight, then squirt the rinse into their mouth, holding them in a headlock if necessary so they don’t spit it out. You may want to let it sit for a minute before rinsing it off and making sure they don’t lick any excess liquid off their fur.

Consider Brushing Their Teeth

Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the best ways to keep their breath fresh and maintain oral health. Consider brushing a dog’s teeth once or twice a week, depending on the frequency with which they are brushed by you. You may have to do some training ahead of time if your dog isn’t used to tooth brushing, but it will be worth it in the end.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one of the best remedies for getting rid of bad breath. It can be mixed with water, fresh lemon juice, and a bit of coconut oil. Mix it all and pour it into your dog’s dish. After brushing your teeth, mix equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a cup or small bowl. Apply this solution to your dog’s teeth by either adding some of the mixtures onto their toothbrush or putting some in their mouth. Make sure you don’t rinse off their teeth afterward as this will kill the bacteria that we are trying to eliminate.