Picture it: morning. You’re laying in bed nice and comfy when you are blasted in the face by a lovingly hideous smell: dog breath! We all know it and love our pups despite it. What if we can get that smell to disappear? In addition to good oral hygiene practices for your pup, dog treats for bad breath can help to combat it.
This post will look at what dog treats for bad breath are, what ingredients to look for when choosing the best treat for your dog, and examples of dog treats for bad breath available.
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Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Causes Bad Breath In Dogs?
Your dog’s oral health is important, impacting their overall well-being. Bad breath is often an indicator of dental issues.
There are several factors that may contribute to your dog’s bad breath, among them diet, poor oral hygiene, health issues, and periodontal disease.
Diet
What your dog eats significantly impacts their breath. Certain foods can increase the risk of plaque and tartar build-up, leading to bad breath.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Without regular brushing, harmful bacteria can accumulate in your dog’s mouth, causing odor.
Health Issues
Chronic bad breath can also signal underlying health problems, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or liver problems.
Periodontal Disease
This is the most common cause of bad breath in dogs and is a result of plaque buildup. In severe cases, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues.
Why Is Dental Hygiene Important For My Dog?
It is important to maintain your dog’s oral health to help keep them free of disease and improve their overall health.
Prevention Of Disease
Regular dental care can prevent periodontal disease and other oral health issues.
Overall Health
Good oral hygiene is linked to your dog’s overall health. Dental problems can lead to systemic health issues.
Quality Of Life
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean can prevent discomfort and pain, improving their quality of life.
Ignoring your dog’s oral health can lead to serious complications, but proper care can ensure a happy, healthy life for your best friend.
What Are Dog Treats For Bad Breath?
Dog treats for bad breath are treats that are specifically designed to combat bad breath in dogs. They are made to freshen your dog’s breath while providing dental care benefits.
Some treats contain natural additives like spearmint which can freshen breath, alongside other active ingredients that promote dental health.
Not only do these treats help keep your dog’s mouth clean, but they also encourage chewing which can naturally help clean their teeth.
It’s a win-win situation—your dog enjoys a tasty snack, and you enjoy their fresher breath and a healthier mouth.
How Do I Choose The Right Dog Treats To Freshen My Dog’s Breath?
When selecting treats for your dog to combat bad breath, it’s important to look beyond just masking the smell.
Choose products that have a dual function—freshening breath while also reducing plaque and tartar build-up.
When selecting dog treats for bad breath, it’s important to assess the ingredients for dental health benefits while ensuring no harmful components are included.
What Ingredients Should I Look For When Selecting Dog Treats For Bad Breath?
When choosing dog treats for bad breath, look for treats that contain natural breath fresheners like parsley, spearmint, or eucalyptus oil.
Zinc also helps in reducing tartar build-up and bad breath.
Treats designed with ridges or nubs can mechanically help to reduce dental debris by the action of chewing. They rub up against your dog’s teeth as they chew, in turn, helping to clean the teeth of tartar and plaque.
When Choosing Dog Treats For Bad Breath, What Ingredients Should I Avoid?
It’s important to avoid treats with artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, as these may be detrimental to your dog’s health.
Be on the lookout for xylitol, an artificial sweetener toxic to dogs, and excessive salt or sugar, which don’t contribute to dental health.
High-quality treats will typically advertise that they are free from these harmful ingredients. Always confirm that the treats do not contain any components to which your dog is allergic or intolerant.
When in doubt, talk to your veterinarian about which dog treats for bad breath are best for your pup and their teeth.
Dog Treats For Bad Breath
Here are a few examples of dog tests for bad breath available. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Bocce’s Bakery Brushy Bites
- Soft and chewy.
- Apple and mint.
- Wheat free.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Old Mother Hubbard Minty Fresh Dog Treats
- Crunchy treats.
- No artificial preservatives.
- Oven baked.
- Includes spearmint, parsley, and fennel.
- Made in Canada.
Benefit Fresh Breath Treats
- Contains mint and rosemary.
- Wheat free.
- Plant based.
- Non-GMO.
- Soy free.
- Corn free.
- No artificial preservatives.
- Made in the USA.
Winnie Lou Minty Breath Bones
- Preservative free.
- Salt free.
- Sugar free.
- Includes spearmint and parsley.
- Crunchy.
- Contains organic ingredients.
- Made in the USA.
Feeding Practices And Oral Care Tips
Maintaining your dog’s oral health involves consistent feeding practices and regular dental care routines.
Regular Oral Care Routine
- Daily Teeth Cleaning: Brush your dog’s teeth daily using a canine toothbrush and toothpaste. Human toothpaste is not suitable for dogs and can be harmful to them.
- Dental Treats: Supplement your dog’s oral hygiene with dental chews designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
- Quality Diet: Feed your dog high-quality, easily digestible food to minimize the risk of dental problems.
Professional Dental Check-Ups
- Annual Check-Ups: Schedule an annual dental check-up with your veterinarian to catch any oral health issues early.
- Professional Cleaning: Your veterinarian may recommend a professional dental cleaning, which typically includes scaling and polishing to thoroughly clean the teeth.
By adhering to these feeding and oral care practices, you can play an important role in your dog’s dental health.
Dog treats for bad breath contain specific ingredients to help combat bad breath in your dog. While they are not a substitute for proper oral hygiene, they can contribute to your dog’s overall oral health by helping to clean tartar and plaque off their teeth while promoting fresher breath.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.