Holistic Treatment of Dog Breath
Effectively Cure Your Dog's Halitosis Symptoms
Doggie Breath
There's nothing sweeter than kisses and cuddles from your four legged friend. Unless of course, they are accompanied by halitosis, better known as bad breath.
Holistic Treatment
It's important to holistically treat the underlying cause of the bad breath and not just mask the symptoms as bad breath is often one of the first clues of a more serious concern. Note other indications of illness, such as digestive issues, appetite changes, lethargy, drinking more/less, urinating more/less, significant weight gain/loss, sleeping more/poorly and decreased levels of exercise. These symptoms may indicate a more significant health issue that needs to be addressed, such as kidney or liver problems or even a heart murmur. A consultation with your Holistic Veterinarian will help rule out or address these concerns.
What Causes the Odour?
There are several other causes of bad breath and most are easily remedied. These can include poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, an overgrowth of bacteria in the digestive system or poor digestion.
Poor Oral Hygiene
In the case of poor oral health, you can start with a good cleaning and maintain that dentist fresh feeling by brushing your pets teeth at home with a special toothbrush and pet paste designed for the unique contours of your pets mouth. Resist the urge to use your own, human toothpaste in your pets mouth as they often contain ingredients that can be dangerous if swallowed. If your pet is particularly resistant to having a toothbrush in their mouth, you can easily purchase dental swipes or even use a clean, wet terry wash cloth to help rub the plaque and debris off of your pets teeth. It might also be helpful to try using a finger brush, that easily slides over your finger which might be better tolerated until your pet gets used to having a foreign object in their mouth. The key is to start when your pet is young and make it a part of your regular routine. Teeth brushing should not be stressful and you will never want to forcefully hold your pet down as this will be counterproductive and result in frustration on both ends. The rewards are well worth the effort, as proper dental hygiene can result in a longer lifespan and a better quality of life over all for your pet. Not to mention sweeter breath!
Provide an adequate supply of fresh, filtered water daily to prevent a dry mouth. Adding a capful of food grade hydrogen peroxide (not the drug store variety) to your pets water will also aid in tooth whitening and better oral health.
An Overgrowth of Bacteria
If an overgrowth of bacteria in the digestive tract is the culprit than you will want to supplement with probiotics to increase the amount of healthy bacteria found in the GI tract and restore balance to the system. Also consider adding Yucca to your pets regular diet as it naturally encourages the growth of healthy bacteria in their bodies. A spoonful of yogurt with live bacterial culture can be added to their regular diet as well. Fresh Licks is a herbal supplement from the Holistic Blend product line that addresses digestive complaints and resolves bad breath naturally by using the following ingredients;
- Sage targets mouth/gum inflammation, gingivitis, antifungal, antibacterial
- Rosemary addresses indigestion, cures bad breath, supports kidneys and liver function
- Alfalfa cures digestive ailments, anti inflammatory properties
- Peppermint combats digestive issues
A Healthy Diet
Ensure that your pet is eating a healthy diet and receiving adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals to meet their daily requirements. You may find that switching to a RAW foods diet will often clear up even extreme cases of bad breath. If you don’t feel comfortable making a full switch, remember, that some RAW is better than no RAW. Offering a RAW bone daily for your pet to gnaw on will not only provide a source of entertainment and enjoyment for your pet, but will also gently rub against the gum line, removing plaque and whitening the teeth. Do not offer small bones that can be gulped whole and potentially get stuck or cooked bones as these may splinter and cause choking. Many digestive issues are addressed with simple dietary changes. Garlic, Fenugreek and Grape Seed extract are also excellent additives to alleviate halitosis.
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