Dog Mouthwash 101

Dog Mouthwash 101

Let’s face it – sometimes dogs don’t have the best-smelling breath.

This may yield awkward situations because we love dog kisses but can’t stand the smell of bad breath. This is where dog mouthwash comes into play! Yes, it’s a thing. We are here to tell you more, so continue reading.

Let’s start by saying that bad breath is not normal for dogs.

Researchers suggest that a dog’s breath should not have any smell at all. Unfortunately, bad breath is one of the first signs of dental disease in dogs, which can be a big problem for our pets. Bacteria in an infected mouth can travel through a dog’s body and affect vital organs like the kidneys and heart.

Below are some signs that your dog may need dog mouthwash:

Loose or missing teeth

Bad breath

Tartar buildup on the teeth

Difficulty chewing food or just chewing on one side Red and inflamed gums Bleeding gums

A quality dog mouthwash should include ingredients that actively fight plaque before it hardens into tartar on your dog’s teeth. We recommend using chlorhexidine as the most effective dog mouthwash for water bowls. This ingredient will stop plaque and bad breath. Pay close attention to how much dog mouthwash you should put in your dog’s water bowl. You do not want to put too much!

Also, dogs should not have human mouthwash. Therefore, you should never share your mouthwash with the dog. Ingredients in human mouthwash may include xylitol which is highly toxic to our four-legged friends. If you have any doubts, please feel free to speak with your veterinarian. They will give you the best advice to move forward with dog mouthwash.