Does Your Dog Have Bad Breath?

What is Bad Breath Telling You About Your Dog’s Health?
Your dog comes to greet you at the door, and you bend down to scratch that furry mug. As you are doing so, your dog exhales, peeeewww… doggy breath. Doggy breath may be more than just an unpleasant smell, but an indication of your dog’s dental health. Bad breath is often a sign of excess bacteria in the mouth, which causes unpleasant odor to increase. Bacterial issues in the mouth are often difficult to detect as it often begins below the gums where it can’t be seen. Do not ignore this unpleasant smell. Instead, address it, as it could prevent major health issues later on.

Other Signs of Dental Issues
In addition to bad breath, here are some other signs that may be an indication of dental issues….
– red gums                                                – inflamed gums
– loose teeth                                             – broken teeth
– teeth discoloration                               – oral sensitivity
– drooling                                                  – dropping food
– poor appetite                                         – oral bleeding
– brownish or greenish plaque

How to Improve Your Dogs Dental Health
There are a number of things you can do at home to improve and keep your dog’s teeth healthy….

1. Raw Diet– feed your dog a raw diet containing food-grade bonemeal. Bonemeal is abrasive and helps to remove plaque and tartar.
2. Raw Bone– allow your dog to chew on a raw bone. A true raw bone should be bought frozen. In between chewings, put the bone in the refrigerator.
3. Brush Your Dogs Teeth– a daily brushing of your dogs teeth can greatly impact the health of their teeth. Use a toothpaste specifically made for dogs or create your own using coconut oil and baking soda.
4. Probiotic– give your dog a daily probiotic. While probiotics are excellent for the gut, they are also beneficial for oral health.
5. Examination– check your dog’s teeth on a regular basis. Feel for bumps, cracked teeth, or loose teeth. Don’t forget to check the teeth, gums, cheeks, roof of mouth, tongue, and below the tongue. Also, have your veterinarian check your dog’s mouth annually.

Concerned about your dog’s oral health? Contact PetMedella at info@petmedella.com or call us at 612-812-9121 and ask about our Pet Wellness Kit.