It’s perfectly acceptable for your dog’s breath to smell like dog food or a treat they recently ate, but what about when it smells like old food or worse? Since dogs don’t brush their teeth or chew gum like we do, it’s up to us to make sure they have healthy gums and teeth.
Depending how passive and well-adjusted your dog is, you may be able to brush their teeth regularly to help remove food stuck between their teeth and give them treats that help prevent plaque build up. However, if your dog isn’t ok with sitting still and having their teeth brushed, you may have to opt for a vet to do a cleaning.
Maintenance of your dog’s diet is important for bad breath. If your dog eats wet food, try tossing in some kibble to help eliminate the possibility that it’s old food stuck between teeth. Some dog foods even contain ingredients that help control bad breath. You may even want to try switching to a higher quality brand that has no fillers. Sometimes too much meat can create unnecessary deposits of food in their mouth. Look for a food or if you cook for your dog, try adding more vegetables and make sure the food bowl is clean between each meal so there is no spoiled food that your dog is eating. Spoiled food not only can give them bad breath but also a bad butt!
Some dog treats contain parsley and mint which not only can help with bad breath but also improve their digestive tract. Sometimes bad breath is a result of poor digestion, talk to your vet about changing brands and if there are any other signs of poor digestion or a diet that needs improving such as looking at their coat, skin, and if they have normal eliminations. Regular exercise can also help your dog maintain a good digestive tract and drinking water can help loosen up particles of food stuck in their teeth. However, if are noticing red or swollen gums, brown or stained teeth, and other signs that your dog may need some dental work, make that appointment and you’ll be happy you did.