Effective Tips to Prevent Dog Bad Breath

Unmaintained dental hygiene in dogs can lead to a variety of harmful consequences:

1. Food particles left unchecked can accumulate over time, fostering plaque and tartar buildup, which can trigger gingivitis and other gum inflammation.

2. Bad breath resulting from bacteria and dental calculus can strain the bond between your furry friend and you, affecting the intimacy of your relationship.

3. Periodontal ligament damage can lead to bone loss in the jaw, potentially causing more serious dental diseases. It's advisable to consider regular dental cleaning for your pet.

Dental brushing is a fundamental and direct method for maintaining your dog's oral health:

What to Use: Pet owners can purchase dogspecific toothpaste and toothbrushes from pet stores or veterinary clinics. These brushes have softer bristles and are designed to fit the contours of a dog's mouth more comfortably. For small dogs at home, a finger brush might be suitable, while medium to large dogs may benefit from a brush with a handle for better grip.

How to Do It: Hold the brush at a 45degree angle to the teeth, similar to the BASS brushing technique, and gently move in circular motions while applying light pressure. This method is effective in removing plaque. It's normal for the gums to bleed slightly during brushing, much like when humans brush their teeth. However, if bleeding is excessive, it may indicate that you're brushing too roughly or that your dog has gum issues, and a veterinary checkup is recommended.

Tip: Start by brushing just a few teeth to allow your dog to get accustomed to the process. Gradually increase the duration, but avoid brushing for more than 2 minutes to prevent fatigue.

Purina Dental Sticks: The Dentist in a Treat! These dental sticks are a familiar and convenient option for pet owners. Dogs tend to accept them well, making them a more enjoyable part of their daily routine.

Choosing the right dental stick is an art. Here's what to consider:

Dental sticks should not be too hard to avoid damaging your dog's teeth or scratching the enamel (dogs' teeth are more delicate than ours).

They must also have sufficient flexibility to effectively scrub the teeth and not just break apart without providing any cleaning benefit.

The size of the dental stick should not be onesizefitsall. Large dogs and small dogs have vastly different sizes, and their mouths and teeth vary accordingly, requiring sticks of different sizes for proper cleaning.