Dog Breath-It Doesnt HAVE to Be SO Bad!

While your friends and family are amazed that you'reraising such an amazing dog, you notice that they flinchwhen the dog gets too close. They may shrug away or notbend down to pet him as they once did. While they may notsay so directly, it could be due to your dog's killer breath.While this situation is all too common, hopefully you'venoticed your pooch's halitosis before anyone says or doesanything to cause you (or your poor dog) embarrassment.As stated, your dog cannot tell you that he has a sticky,plaque taste in his mouth that won't stop. It's your job tounderstand that he, like you, needs his teeth brushed and hisgums attended to regularly.

Bad breath can make being around any dog a terribleexperience. Sometimes the bad breath is so strong that itpermeates an entire room. Bad breath can be blamed on anumber of culprits. A couple of the most common are dentalor periodontal disease. This can all be associated to yourdog not properly chewing his food (i.e. not allowing saliva todo its job), having a broken tooth or dental plaque and tartar.Also, your dog could be suffering an internal problem that iscausing his bad breath. He could be having problems withkidney or liver function. The best thing to do in extremecases is to consult with your vet.

So, in order to keep everyone in awe at your amazing dog,you'll want to be sure to take care of three of the majorcomponents that will not only help your dog's overall health,but will help prevent and/or control his bad breath. Thesedeal with regular home dental care, diet and professionalcleanings.

It is estimated that 80 percent of dogs over the age of threesuffer from the periodontal disease - a serious deteriorationof the gums and supporting bones of the teeth. Yes, it willgive your pet bad breath, but left unchecked, the bacteriathat cause this disease can enter the bloodstream, causinginfection to vital organs. Research indicates that proper oralhealth may extend the life of your pet by two to five years!

By the way, the exact same statistic holds true for adulthumans. And 80% is a conservative estimate. Periodontaldisease is painless, insidious, offensive (except to theoffending party, who has no idea about their halitosis), andentirely preventable.

At home, you'll need to brush your dog's teeth everyday. Itwill take a valiant effort until it becomes habitual for youand your dog. It's best to acclimate your dog to thisprocedure when he's a puppy. If not, older dogs will put upmore of a fuss. Brush your dog's teeth for at least thirtyseconds using special dogtooth brush and dog toothpaste.Never ever use human toothpaste. If swallowed it couldhave dangerous side effects. Reward your puppy or dogafter each brushing. Every few days, after meals, you maywant to give your dog a rawhide chew. Monitor your dogwhen giving such treats as choking can occur.

Next, you'll want to be sure that you are meeting your dog'snutritional needs. Do not feed your dog table scraps-ever.And, never feed your puppy or dog candy or especiallychocolate. Give your dog the best food designed for hisbody type and breed.

Finally, you'll want to be sure to have your dog's teethbrushed and professionally treated by a veterinarian everysix to twenty-four months. After your first consultation, askyour vet what schedule he believes is best. It can varydependent upon breed and lifestyle. You dog will have toundergo a general anesthesia in the vet's office before thebrushing. For older dogs, talk to your vet, especially if it'sbeen awhile (up to a few years) since your dog's lastcleaning. Some vets will not put older dogs underanesthesia for regular cleanings.

Your pet's breath, if all the abovementioned elements arecombined, should be just fine. If your pet's bad breathcontinues after one or two months of regular monitoring,then consult your veterinarian. It could be something else.Once the problem is solved, your awe-inspiring dog will beable to give you and anyone else all the doggie-kisses that hetruly wants to share!

About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

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