Love doggie kisses but hate the smell? Bad breath is the first sign of dental health problems. Home remedies and pet breath freshener products might alleviate bad breath in the short term, but they won’t solve the underlying problem. When left untreated, a small case of bad breath can develop into much bigger health problems and a lower quality of life for your furry friend. It’s time to step up your dog’s oral care regimen with petsmile’s top 5 tips to keep your dog's breath smelling fresh.

1. Brush your dog’s teeth daily with petsmile professional pet toothpaste.

The best thing you can do to give your dog noticeably fresher breath is to brush their teeth 1-2 times daily with petsmile, a VOHC accepted pet toothpaste. Plaque can accumulate on teeth after just 24 hours, so it is imperative that you brush their teeth every day with petsmile toothpaste. Too much plaque and tartar build-up can cause receding gums, exposing new areas for bacteria to develop. This inflames the dog’s gums, and can lead to cavities, infection, tissue destruction, tooth loss, and even pus formation. (American Kennel Club) Petsmile’s no-fuss formula is VOHC accepted and clinically proven to inhibit plaque and tartar buildup. Simply apply a dime sized drop of petsmile professional pet toothpaste to your dog’s teeth and let their tongue do the rest.

2. Give your dog dental chews and plenty of chew toys.

Studies show that giving your dog a dental chew once daily can help reduce plaque accumulation. (Bradley Quest) The act of chewing helps to remove plaque. A good dental chew is nutritious, not too salty, and is fully digestible. Make sure to choose one that is VOHC accepted. Fuzzy materials may shed synthetic hairs that can cause digestive problems if ingested, so these should be avoided.

3. Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian.

Even if you are brushing your dog’s teeth every day, plaque and bacteria may accumulate in some of the harder to reach places between teeth and under the gums. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian will ensure that your dog is getting any extra oral care, like a professional cleaning, required before it becomes an emergency.

4. Feed your dog a healthy diet.

This might sound like a no-brainer, but keep in mind that different dogs have different needs. Look for brands that are VOHC accepted. If you aren’t sure what is going to work best for your dog, consult with your veterinarian. They can recommend brands based on your dog’s medical history and specific needs. Keep human food and other pet food out of reach, as some of these are unhealthy or even toxic to your dog.

5. Regularly clean your dog’s food and water bowls.

A 2011 germ study conducted by NSF found that pet bowls are the fourth germiest places in the home, behind toothbrush holders, the kitchen sink, and kitchen sponges/dish rags. These dishes need to be washed daily and thoroughly. Opt for stainless steel bowls, as plastic and ceramic bowls are more susceptible to developing bacteria by comparison (Hartpury University).