How Can I Prevent My Dog From Having Bad Breath?

Many people assume that bad breath in dogs, especially at a certain age, is a “given”—but that's not the case. In fact, being proactive about your pup's oral health will not only make your life together more pleasant, it's smart preventive medicine.

• Bring your dog in for regular checkups to make sure he has no underlying medical issues that may cause halitosis.
• Make sure your vet monitors and tracks the state of your dog's teeth and breath.
• Feed your dog a high-quality, easy-to-digest food.
• Brush your dog's teeth frequently—every day is ideal. (Please be sure to use toothpaste formulated for dogs as human toothpaste can upset a canine's stomach.)
• Provide hard, safe chew toys that allow your dog's teeth to be cleaned by the natural process of chewing
• Give your dog well–researched treats formulated to improve breath odor.
• Discuss home-use oral health products with your veterinarian to see if there's a type he or she recommends.

Note: Please keep in mind, these products simply mask bad breath and do not treat underlying medical problems.