How to Prevent Bad Breath in Pets
Bad breath may be a sign that your cat or dog has a buildup of bacterial growth in the form of plaque, or possibly a more serious condition, such as gingivitis.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Dog Bones
- Dog Deodorant
- Dog Toothpastes
- Doggie Toothbrushes
- Cat Treats
- Kitty Toothbrushes
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1
Understand that brushing your cat's or dog's teeth is the best method for preventing bad breath and other dental problems (see related eHow 'Brush Your Dog's or Cat's Teeth').
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2
Look for abscessed teeth and other dental problems while you're brushing, and have a veterinarian properly treat any such problems.
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3
Consider offering your cat or dog mouthwash; some mouthwashes made for pets claim that they can deter dental tartar buildup.
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4
Consider your pet's diet. Some soft canned foods are particular offenders when it comes to bad breath. Make sure your cat or dog eats dry food in addition to soft food, unless he is elderly and needs to eat soft food exclusively.
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5
Be sure that your veterinarian includes a dental examination and cleaning as part of your pet's regular examinations.
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6
Consider other possible causes of bad breath'such as gastrointestinal disease'if it persists in spite of clean teeth and proper food. Bring your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Some pet foods are designed to help prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Certain chew toys also can help prevent and remove tartar buildup.
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Comments
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Aug 08, 2006
When Listerine put out their new strips, my husband and I wondered if they would be safe for our dog (who has chronic halitosis)! I brush her teeth, I thought it was the food we'd been feeding her, no plaque, no gingivitis. So we asked our vet. He mentioned that he'd been recommending them to his other clients. So we've been using the mint strips ever since and they work like a charm. -
Aug 08, 2006
When Listerine put out their new strips, my husband and I wondered if they would be safe for our dog (who has chronic halitosis)! I brush her teeth, I thought it was the food we'd been feeding her, no plaque, no gingivitis. So we asked our vet. He mentioned that he'd been recommending them to his other clients. So we've been using the mint strips ever since and they work like a charm.
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Jan 25, 2006
Put a drop of lemon juice (right out of the bottle) into your dogs water! Make sure that that the lemon juice has no sugar in it, because, sugar rots dogs teeth!! Note: this does not work with cats. Good luck!
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Jan 25, 2006
Put a drop of lemon juice (right out of the bottle) into your dogs water! Make sure that that the lemon juice has no sugar in it, because, sugar rots dogs teeth!! Note: this does not work with cats. Good luck!
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Nov 22, 2005
Our Heeler had good, clean teeth, so we thought her bad breath might be originating in her stomach. We gave her a slice of burnt toast (burnt black/charcoal) every few days. It seems to be working.
