You can’t get their kisses anymore because your dog’s breath is unpleasant…Ouch!
First of all, it is a sign that something’s off. While the reason may be poor dental hygiene and lack of dental powder dog as part of it, your woofer’s diet plays a more crucial part. The truth is some foods cause or worsen bad breath, making those sweet kisses…unbearable. Let’s see what you might be feeding your pup that could be the number one reason behind mouth smell.
First come table scraps and human food. On the one hand, you may think it’s pretty harmless. However, a lot of human foods can linger on the breath and even upset your pooch’s stomach. Products like cheese and dairy, onions and garlic, processed meats, and greasy food are the ones to stay away from.
Why? Not only do they leave strong-smelling residues in your fluffball’s mouth, but they also cause digestive issues, leading to mouth odor.
Here comes fish-based food. On the one hand, fish is great for your pup’s coat and skin. On the other hand, it may do no good for their breath. Kibble or treats made with sardines, salmon, or anchovies often have a strong odor.
Why is it bad? Proteins and fish oils are known for leaving behind a lingering smell in the mouth, especially if mouth hygiene leaves a lot to be desired. We recommend picking fish-based products that have added breath-freshening ingredients like mint, parsley, etc.
Keep in mind that raw meats and organs (even though they’re very popular) increase the risk of bacterial buildup in the bark buddy’s mouth. Why’s it bad? Tiny particles of meat can get stuck between teeth or gums. As a result, they begin to rot, which, in turn, leads to halitosis.
If you’re a happy pet parent ready to share “just a couple of dog cookies” with your pup, all those added sugars, starches, and low-quality fillers in treats (no matter how yummy!) tend to cause plaque buildup and bacteria growth.
Why is it not good for your four-legged buddy? Unfortunately, sugar feeds the bacteria. The latter is the first step to dental decay and mouth smell. Plus, things get even worse when all those sticky or crunchy treats get stuck in teeth.
Finally, if you own a woofer with a scavenging habit, you should be ten times more careful when you walk your dog. You know how much they like eating from the garbage, snack on animal droppings, or find those yucky decomposing “treasures” in the street. Why is it bad? The hazardous trio – trash, poop, or rotting food – causes stinky breath and possible health issues, too.
