Things to Look for in a Dog Treat for Bad Breath
When you’re looking for a dog treat to tackle your pup’s bad breath, it’s important you keep a few things in mind:
Quality Ingredients
Just like human food, dog treats can be made of healthy, natural ingredients or be more like ‘junk food’. Choosing a treat with natural ingredients ensures that your dog is getting the best quality possible.
Ingredients to Freshen Breath
Of course, you’re going to want the treat to contain ingredients that can freshen your dog’s breath. Most dental treats will clearly state which ingredients they’ve included to promote fresh breath.
Ability to Clean Teeth
It’s not just the ingredients that are important; the shape, strength, and texture of the treat are vital, as this is what will help to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. Look for treats that have a raised texture or uneven texture specifically.
Correct Size for Your Dog
When feeding your dog any treat, it must be the right size for your dog. This ensures they can fit in their mouth comfortably and chew it safely.
Number of Calories Per Treat
Just like human food, dog treats contain calories. It’s important to note how many calories each treat contains to avoid overfeeding and weight gain, particularly with a dental treat you’re planning on giving to your dog regularly.
Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs
Lots of dogs have bad breath, but this isn’t how a dog’s breath should be. Just like us, dog’s teeth need to be cleaned regularly, or it can lead to problems. Most cases of bad breath are caused by poor oral hygiene or periodontal disease.
Sometimes dogs like to eat things that are, shall we say, unpleasant. This can easily lead to stinky breath for a short time. There are some other, more serious causes of bad breath which require a vet visit.
- Diabetes: Breath that smells sweet or ‘fruity’.
- Liver disease: Really foul-smelling breath, yellowish gums, and vomiting.
- Kidney disease: Breath that smells of urine.
If your dog has smelly breath, it’s always best to get them checked by their vet. They may require professional cleaning to help you get things back on track.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene for Your Dog
It’s just as important to have good oral hygiene for your dog as it is for you. This should involve regularly brushing your dog’s teeth, along with other methods such as using dental treats. Without this routine, not only will your dog have smelly breath, but they will also have oral diseases which can cause discomfort, tooth loss, and other more severe health issues such as heart disease.
Other Ways to Tackle Bad Breath
Aside from the methods we’ve mentioned, there are other ways you can tackle bad breath, including:
- Sprays: Some dental sprays on the market are designed specifically to help freshen your dog’s breath and clean their teeth. You simply spray them on your dog’s gums and teeth, and you’re done; no need to rinse.
- Wipes: Dental wipes are an alternative to brushing your dog’s teeth. Many contain ingredients to help freshen your dog’s breath. Simply wipe them along your dog’s teeth.
- Water additives: Many water additives have ingredients designed to freshen your dog’s breath as well as clean their teeth. You simply add a small amount to your dog’s water bowl.
- Chew toys: Some chew toys are designed to help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew, helping to remove plaque and tartar as well as freshening your dog’s breath.
General Treat Safety Advice
You should always supervise your dog when they’re munching a treat, especially if it’s their first time trying it. This ensures they’re safe and don’t choke. Treats made from high-quality, dog-safe ingredients which are the right size for your dog also ensures their safety.
Dog Treats for Bad Breath FAQ
Can you give your dog a dental treat every day?
Yes, most dental treats can be given every day. It’s essential to check the instructions on the package to ensure you’re not overfeeding your dog. You may need to adjust their meals to be sure they maintain a healthy weight.
Will a treat fix your dog’s bad breath?
A dental treat on its own won’t fix your dog’s bad breath, but it can be beneficial. It’s a good idea to get your dog checked by a vet and implement an oral hygiene routine.
Are dental treats as good as brushing?
Dental treats shouldn’t be used as a replacement for brushing your dog’s teeth. They are a helpful addition alongside brushing.
Conclusion
The right treat can help you tackle your pup’s bad breath, making snuggle time far more pleasant! Before you know it, you’ll be getting minty fresh kisses from your beloved pal.
