Does your dog greet you with smelly breath?
Bad breath is not a normal condition. In the long run, this can lead to painful inflammation or worse. But luckily, as a dog owner, you can do a lot to keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
A common belief among us humans is that it is normal for dogs to have bad breath, but a healthy dog should not have bad breath. A healthy dog’s breath can smell like the food the dog eats, a scent that we humans do not always appreciate. But there is a difference between smelling dog food and how a dog smells from their mouth when their dental and oral health is poor.
Bad breath is often a sign of plaque, but it can also be due to oral tumours, nutritional deficiencies, and organ diseases such as kidney & liver disease. However, the most common cause is plaque formation, which in the long run can lead to painful gingivitis and more serious diseases. Plaque forms every day in the dog’s mouth, therefore daily routines of tooth brushing and food supplements are important.
Although bad breath is the most common sign of plaque, it’s also good to keep an eye out if your dog loses weight, has red and/or swollen gums, a poor appetite or seems sensitive around their teeth. The sooner you take care of plaque, the better. When plaque is mineralized and calcified by saliva, it develops into tartar. Tartar can lead to inflammation in the dog’s gums, which can be very painful.
By brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, you can prevent plaque, tartar and bad breath. A flavoured toothpaste on a microfiber cloth can help. It is important that you use toothpaste specially developed for dogs, never use one designed for humans. Brush gradually and increase slowly if your dog is a beginner at brushing teeth, and let it keep its mouth closed if it wants to and instead just lift the lip. Remember to reward and encourage!
In combination with tooth brushing, veterinarians often recommend supplements to prevent plaque. Keep an eye out for the VOHC Seal on packaging when looking for oral hygiene products. VOHC stands for Veterinary Oral Health Council, and they approve anti-plaque and calculus products that meet their specific standards. ProDen PlaqueOff® products for cats & dogs are VOHC approved and are available in powder form, treat and chew form. The products can also be perfectly combined with each other. ProDen PlaqueOff® contains the unique seaweed A.N ProDen® which is a 100% natural seaweed. It is proven in clinical trials to help reduce plaque, tartar and bad breath when used as directed. ProDen PlaqueOff® products contain no colouring, additives or preservatives. Simply add the powder to your pet’s food daily or give the recommended number of treats daily. Results are usually seen in 3-8 weeks of daily use.
The complete range of products are available through pet shops, veterinary practices and online. Start your pet’s journey to a healthier, fresher mouth today.
For more information please visit swedencare.com
