Bad dog breadth can be embarrassing, but in most cases, it would be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition that can affect your pet’s health. Also known as canine halitosis, bad dog breath is usually a sign of periodontal and dental disease, a condition that makes chewing painful. In the long run, your dog can lose its teeth. Dental problems can affect your dog’s organs in the long term and are likely to cause liver, heart, and kidney diseases. Therefore, preventing the issue of bad breath is better than cure. Here are three clever ways to fix a dog’s breath.
Brushing
One of the most effective ways of fixing your dog’s bad breath is brushing its teeth. This option not only addresses the problem of bad breath but also reduces the symptoms of halitosis. Most dogs experience oral health issues as they grow old, which can be costly in the long run. Looking after your canine’s oral health helps reduce plaque buildup, your dog’s bad breath, and teeth decay.
Following a teeth-brushing routine can go a long way in minimizing the chances of the development of halitosis and extending your dog’s lifespan. You should consult your vet first if you’re not sure about how you can brush your dog’s teeth.
To begin the journey of brushing your dog’s teeth, you must get her used to regular checking of teeth. With your pup sitting in your lap, gently lift her lips so you can see her teeth without an issue. After checking the teeth, always reward your dog with a nice treat. Repeat this process for a few days until your pup gets used to the process.
Gently rub your dog’s gums with your fingers and offer her a treat again. Keep the procedure short and gentle. You’ll soon realize that your pup will quickly get accustomed to the routine, and you can check her teeth any time without an issue. Always stay positive when you inspect your dog so that she does not become aggressive.
The next move is to put some dog toothpaste on your fingers and let the pup lick it off. Reward her for leaking the paste and repeat the process for a few more days. Begin rubbing your dog’s gums and teeth gently with a finger to spread the toothpaste. This procedure is comfortable and your pup will enjoy every moment. When you’re satisfied with the progress, switch to a toothbrush. Put some toothpaste on the toothbrush and then allow the dog to leak it off first and reward her.
When your dog gets used to the toothbrush, begin slowly to brush its teeth. Start with small sections of the mouth and reward it when you accomplish your first stage. Let your pup loose when you finish, and try to play with it. You can fix your dog’s breath within a short period once it gets accustomed to the routine of teeth brushing. Consult your vet about the frequency of brushing your pup’s teeth.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another effective natural remedy that can improve the breath of your dog. The good thing about this product is that it consists of natural remedies that are also good for your dog’s health. Add controlled quantities of coconut oil to your pup’s food, and everything is set. As the dog eats the food with this natural remedy, its breath will significantly improve.
Additionally, coconut oil is good for your pet because it boosts its metabolism and enhances regular digestion. Indigestion is another factor that contributes to your dog’s bad breath. Therefore, you can address this problem by adding a few drops of coconut oil to your dog’s meal.
Apart from improving your dog’s breath, coconut oil is also good for your pet’s skin. It keeps your pet’s coat lush and skin healthy. Use coconut oil moderately to avoid side effects that can impact negatively on your pup’s health.
Lemon juice is another natural remedy that can improve your dog’s breath. Just add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the pet’s water bowl, and the issue of foul breath will be solved within a short period. A lemon is a natural deodorizer since it produces a fresh scent. Moreover, lemon juice is acidic, which helps neutralize bacteria that contribute to bad breath. The acidity in this juice also helps fight plaque buildup, which contributes to the production of odor in the mouth.
Diet
What your dog eats contributes to the quality of its breath. For example, bad breath can be a sign of gastrointestinal problems that should be addressed before it’s too late. This challenge is mainly caused by the quality of food your pup eats. Therefore, you should evaluate the ingredients in your pet’s current food and check if they do not contribute to potential allergens.
It is essential to consider high-quality food with natural ingredients and fewer additives to improve your dog’s breath. Ensure the dog gets sufficient protein since this component can affect its breath if it is too little or too much. Before switching to another diet, you must consult your veterinarian first so that you do not harm your dog’s digestive system.
Your dog’s breath can be caused by different factors and it often degenerates into serious health problems if left unattended. By following these tips, you can improve your pup’s breath and extend its lifespan by preventing diseases like periodontics.