Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Bad Breath in Dogs

“Dog breath” is so common that it’s probably seen in most cases as a dismissible quirk. Dogs don’t prioritize their health like we do, so it’s up to us to go the extra mile and provide them with necessary care. Brushing your dog’s teeth even just three times a week could extend their life by as much as five years.

Developing a New Hygiene Routine for your Pet
Brushing your teeth is a common practice. We know we have to brush our teeth in order to maintain our health, and because we’d like to prevent bad breath in most social situations. Bad breath is usually synonymous with bad health and hygiene, so why is bad breath tolerated in dogs?

If your dog is over thirty pounds, a regular toothbrush should work well to effectively clean teeth. For smaller dogs, buy a specialized finger brush. In both cases, you will need edible toothpaste as well; the regular toothpaste you use can be harmful to your pet’s digestion. It’s important to be calm and reassuring during the teeth cleaning process. If your dog appears anxious, and calming him or her down doesn’t work, save the cleaning for another day; you don’t want your pet to form a negative association with brushings.

The main target of teeth cleanings is removing plaque build-up, which typically requires working on the outside of the teeth. Don’t be too thorough, but do work slowly; the cleaning shouldn’t last more than two minutes. Afterward, consider giving your dog a treat, so that they look forward to the next cleaning!

It’s important to remember that while brushing your dog’s teeth can improve his or her life, the practice is not necessarily a cure-all. Sometimes bad breath can serve as a red flag of a more serious problem.

The Benefits of Regular Pet Teeth Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings can help avoid:
· Gingivitis
· Periodontitis
· Pyorrhea
· Caries
· Plaque
· Calculus (Tartar)

If your dog’s bad breath persists, you should consider a visit to your veterinarian for a check-up. It’s important to take any bothersome symptoms seriously when it comes to the health and well-being of your best friend.

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