There are many causes of halitosis in dogs, including gum disease, bacterial infection and digestive problems. Identifying the cause of bad breath is the first step in tackling it, and there are no universal cures, as some cases of halitosis may originate in the stomach, whilst others originate from the tongue or throat. There are, however, a few simple steps that you can take to reduce bad breath in your pup, but remember, if bad breath persists or becomes even more foul-smelling, consult your veterinarian.
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Water
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The most basic and abundant natural remedy for halitosis is water. Quite often, bad breath is caused by dehydration. Saliva contains enzymes that break down bacteria, if a dog gets a dry mouth, there is less saliva and more bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Access to clean, fresh water is essential for all dogs.
Chew Toy
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Some chew toys are designed to have a pleasant smell, but this is for our benefit rather than our dog’s benefit. The friction of chewing on a natural chew toy, such as a raw hide is where the real benefit lies, as this can dislodge bits of food that may be stuck between teeth. Decomposing food in in-between teeth can cause extremely unpleasant breath, quickly. Therefore, a good dental health regime is essential to preventing halitosis.
Tooth Brushing
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Commercial dog food is often soft and does not provide the friction that a dog would get from eating a carcass in the wild. This often means that extra measures are needed to ensure a dog’s teeth are as clean as they would be if they were living outdoors and fending for themselves. Natural canine tooth paste will certainly help eliminate the causes of bad breath, according to Dog Health Guide. It may take some time to get your dog used to having his or her teeth brushed, but starting your dog out while it is a puppy, often helps. Never use human tooth paste, as it foams up, and dogs are incapable of spitting it out.
Natural Fiber Supplement
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Bad breath is often caused by poor digestion, suggests Pet Place. Dogs that have waste sitting in their intestines for a long time are likely to have unpleasant breath. Adding fiber to your dog’s diet can aid in digestion and remove the cause of halitosis. Sprinkling some bran over your dog’s food, is a great way to increase fiber intake. Chopped apples, brown rice and pumpkin also are good sources of fiber that can be easily added to your dog’s meal.
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