My Dog Has Halitosis!
Ahhh, there’s nothing like sweet little puppy kisses being planted all over your face. But, is Poochie’s breath bad enough to knock you out?
by Sheri Huttner
The care of your dog’s teeth should begin the day you get him, not when problems develop. Certain breeds, particularly the smaller ones, are prone to dental problems, so extra preventative care should be taken.
Giving your puppy hard biscuits such as MilkBone is a good start. Many companies make similar biscuits, so your dog can have a nice variety. Hard chew toys are great, too. The important thing is to get the dog into the habit of chewing hard and crunchy things which will act as a “toothbrush” to keep the teeth strong and free of tartar.
The food you feed your dog can play an important part in your dog’s dental health, as well. I have always fed my dogs dry food with an occasional can of food as a treat. Never mix dry and canned food, as that defeats the purpose by turning the dry food soft. My motto: ‘Feed your dog mush and his teeth will turn to mush.’ In fact, one of the reasons the smaller breeds often have dental problems is because owners tend to feed them canned food, feeling they are “pampering” them.
