You’ve just welcomed a puppy into your home, and now you’re faced with an unexpected challenge: How to overcome the dreaded puppy breath? While puppy breath may seem unbearable, it doesn’t have to last forever. With a little bit of time and patience, you can learn how to lessen the foul breath that puppies bring and resume taking pleasure in all the cuddles and pleasures of owning your furry buddy.
In this article, we explain why puppies have bad breath in the first place and provide helpful tips on when, and how quickly, you can expect your pup’s breath to start smelling sweet. We’ll also look at cost-free alternatives to expensive dental procedures and medications for treating bad puppy breath.
Let’s start by looking at the underlying cause of bad puppy breath so you can better understand what it takes to combat it!
Understanding Why Puppies Have Bad Breath
Puppy breath is often the source of many “awws” and “ahhs” in the early days of owning a pup, but it sometimes can leave pet parents a bit befuddled. As it turns out, bad breath in puppies is usually caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar on their teeth. This can cause serious gum irritation and lead to periodontal disease over time if left untreated.
In addition to poor oral hygiene, eating contaminated food, persistent digestive problems, and even underlying medical diseases are other typical reasons of bad breath in dogs. Thankfully, young puppies rarely experience these circumstances. Most likely, a combination of their naturally clean teeth and other things like genetics are what gives your dog’s breath its sweet scent.
By understanding why puppies have bad breath, you can take the necessary steps to ensure your pup’s teeth stay as clean as possible and that their breath smells just as sweet today as it did on day one.
What Causes Puppy Breath to Linger
Puppy breath is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria normally live in the mouth and on the tongue, but in puppies, their immature immune system is still developing, so their mouths are a breeding ground for certain types of bacteria. This can cause a strong odor that gradually worsens with time.
The good news is that your puppy’s immune system will develop as it gets older. Your dog’s breath shouldn’t be a problem until it reaches adulthood, because the majority of the bacteria that cause puppy breath should have vanished. At four months, you should start notice a change in their breath as they begin to lose their baby teeth and erupt with adult teeth. But, if your puppy’s foul breath continues for longer than six months, it may be time to take them in for a checkup to make sure there are no underlying health problems.
With proper care and attention to hygiene, you can help combat puppy breath before it begins or help it go away faster when it does occur. Provide your pup with regular dental cleanings from a veterinarian and make sure they are brushing twice per day with a specially formulated toothpaste for puppies. This simple routine can potentially take years off of your pet’s life, as it combats bacteria buildup and prevents gum disease that can lead to serious health problems down the line.
Dental Hygiene for Puppies and How It Helps
A puppy’s breath may not be the most pleasant thing to smell, but it can alert you to any underlying health issues that may need addressing. Fortunately, routine dental hygiene care can help reduce the risk of tooth loss and chronic pain caused by oral diseases such as periodontal disease.
Steps to Maintain Oral Hygiene:
- Brush your puppy’s teeth at least once a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste.
- Provide chew toys or treats designed specifically for dental care.
- Bring your puppy in for routine exams and yearly bloodwork to make sure their dental health is on track.
These simple steps help to keep bacteria levels low in the mouth, reducing the chance of bad breath and periodontal disease. As an added benefit, frequent checkups help track changes in your pet’s general health, ensuring that they remain content and healthy far into maturity – and they can even result in a dog that smells better.
When Does Puppy Breath Go Away?
You’ve just welcomed your cute little pup into your home and you’re already struck by their endearing sweetness – and their not-so-endearing puppy breath. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! All puppies have a certain scent to them and it usually begins to fade when they reach adulthood.
But how long does puppy breath last? Generally speaking, it may start to dissipate when the pup’s adult teeth come in—usually between 4 and 8 months old. This is because adult canine teeth are less porous than puppy teeth, which makes it harder for odor-producing bacteria to colonize. Typically, after a few months, sweet puppy breath stops, though this can vary from pup to pup. Puppy breath should typically disappear by the age of six months.
It should be noted that pup breath can indicate health issues; depending on the symptoms, if the smell persists then it may be time to see the vet. But if you still get wiffs of Doggie Freshness after 6 months – fear not! That is totally normal!
Food Choices and Puppy Breath
The food you feed your puppy can also have an impact on the severity of their bad breath. In general, it’s best to avoid processed foods and stick to natural, healthy meals to reduce bad breath.
For example, baby carrots, sliced apples, cucumbers and celery are all low-calorie options that also contain plenty of nutrients. Offering these vegetables as a snack can help keep your puppy’s teeth clean and breath fresh!
The breath of a dog can benefit from herbal remedies as well. Natural remedies that can help your canine friend’s mouth feel cleaner include parsley and mint. The antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial qualities of coconut oil make it a great alternative for treating your dog’s mouth odor.
Addressing Puppy Breath With Natural Remedies
If you’re looking for natural ways to help combat your puppy’s bad breath, look no further. Here are some simple remedies you can try at home:
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can help to neutralize the bacteria which can cause bad breath and fight off odor-causing plaque and tartar. Simply mix a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice with a cup of water and let your pup lap it up once or twice a day.
Coconut Oil
Due to its well-known antibacterial qualities, coconut oil is a fantastic go-to treatment for canine foul breath. Just add one or two teaspoons of coconut oil to your dog’s food each day to aid in digestion and freshen breath.
Herbs
Adding herbs such as parsley, peppermint, and mint to your pup’s diet can help freshen their breath quickly. These herbs are also beneficial for digestion, so adding them to your pet’s meals is an all-natural way to tackle puppy breath!
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Conclusion
Whether you’re dealing with a puppy or an adult dog, it’s important to consider the timing of changes in their breath. While the worst of puppy breath typically passes by the age of two, there are other things you can do to keep your pup’s breath smelling sweet in the meantime. Make sure your dog exercises enough, eats healthy food, and drinks enough of water. Frequent dental examinations, teeth cleanings, and tooth brushing for your dog can all contribute to fresh breath. By taking some preventative measures now, you can make sure that when your dog’s breath surprises you, it won’t be an unpleasant one.
