Help eliminate bad breath with Skout's Honor oral care product line

Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?

A Comprehensive Guide to Fresher Breath for Your Four-Legged Friend: The Skout's Honor Way

Welcome to our cozy corner, where we chat about pet wellness! Today, in honor of National Pet Dental Month, we're diving into an important topic often nestled quietly in the background for our furry family members: their oral health. It's more than avoiding that notorious "dog breath" or "cat breath." Good oral hygiene is vital to keeping our pets happy, healthy, and ready for those close-up cuddles. Did you know 4 out of 5 pets show signs of oral disease by age 3? According to the Pet Health Network, this is caused by pesky plaque buildup. 

Australian Shepherd smiling in outdoor landscape

Understanding Your Dog's Oral Health

Imagine this: your pet flashes you a wide grin, and instead of being greeted by pearly whites, you are welcomed with plaque and tartar. These sneaky foes can attack your pet's mouth, leading to further health issues:

Plaque

This culprit is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Plaque is often the start of most dental problems in pets and begins to form as bits of food and saliva mix with bacteria. As plaque hardens, it can turn into tartar if not removed daily. 

Tartar

Also known as dental calculus, plaque mixes with minerals in the saliva, creating tartar. It develops a hard yellow or brown residue that clings to teeth and creates a stronghold for bacteria. Tartar is difficult to remove and often leads to more severe conditions, requiring professional removal if left untreated.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissues that hold the teeth in place. It is the ultimate consequence of plaque and tartar build-up. In its early stages, known as gingivitis, it causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth; this creates pockets that house infections. This silent attacker can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to a plethora of health issues.

Bad Breath

While we often comment lightheartedly about "dog breath," persistent bad breath is abnormal and usually indicates underlying oral health issues. Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by the bacteria from plaque and tartar build-up, which produce foul-smelling compounds.

Common Signs of Poor Oral Health

  • Bad breath
  • Red, Swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Difficulty eating
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Loose or missing teeth
  • Excessive drooling
  • Visible plaque and tartar

How Do I Clean My Dog's Teeth?

In addition to annual physical exams for your pet, you must check your dog's dental wellness and follow your veterinarian's guidelines for professional dental cleanings. Professional pet cleaning goes beyond what can be achieved at home by scaling the teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Teeth cleaning under sedation allows veterinarians to examine and safely and thoroughly clean the teeth. 

In addition to professional cleanings, an oral care routine for your pets is essential. Daily teeth brushing is the most highly recommended method of daily maintenance, but did you know that nearly 70% of pet parents report never brushing their pet's teeth? With that in mind, let's dive into some easy and sustainable oral hygiene solutions.

Black lab showing clean and healthy toothy smile 

The Role of Water Additives in Maintaining Oral Health

Now, onto how to help your pet get rid of bad breath - Skout's Honor Water Additive, a simple yet effective partner in our fight against those aggravating dental issues. Imagine your dog (or cat, too) sipping on its water, unknowingly supporting its defense against plaque, tartar, and that infamous bad breath. With no need for brushing or time-consuming routines, it fits effortlessly into your pet's life (and yours!). With coactiv technology, water additive controls tartar, fights plaque, and freshens breath fast. It's like having a tiny oral hygienist in every sip your pet takes. The beauty of it is your pets won't notice the change in their water, but they'll definitely reap the benefits.

Skout's Honor Water Additives go beyond mere oral care; it reflects a commitment to your pet’s wellness. It's about preventive measures, not just reactive solutions when problems arise.

Australian Shepherd drinking Skout's Honor Water Additive out of water bowl

The Benefits of Dental Wipes for Targeted Cleaning

Skout's Honor Dental Wipes are like the trusty assistant you never knew you had for those pet parents who prefer a hands-on approach. Picture gently wiping away leftover bits of food or their favorite treat - reducing plaque and tartar - and leaving your pet with a clean, healthy mouth. It's a bonding moment they won't see as a chore but as a gesture of love, making it a win-win for everyone.

By using dental wipes to maintain clean teeth and gums, you're not just preventing bad breath and dental diseases but also helping to ward off potential systemic health issues that can arise from poor oral hygiene. Regular use of Skout's Honor Dental Wipes can provide benefits that extend far beyond the mouth.

Incorporating Skout's Honor Dental Wipes into your pet's wellness routine is a simple yet effective way to elevate their oral care. It's about taking proactive steps to ensure your pet's mouth remains clean, fresh, and healthy. Dental wipes are more than just a teeth cleaning product; they are a gesture of love and care, showing your pets how much you value their health and happiness. With Skout's Honor Dental Wipes, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're providing the best possible care for your beloved companion.

Skout's Honor Dental Wipes eliminate bad breath

Target Problem Areas with Dental Drops

Enter Skout's Honor Dental Drops and Oral Gel, the secret weapon for those hard-to-reach places. Dental drops offer an easy-to-apply formula and are crafted with effective ingredients; these drops support a comprehensive approach to dental care. Apply dental drops in those hard-to-reach areas for a toothbrush-free breath booster.

Black lab gets dental drops for his routine oral care to eliminate bad breath

Creating a Comprehensive Oral Health Routine

Skout's Honor products are designed with you, our pet parent, in mind, so integrating oral hygiene into your daily and weekly routines is simple and effective, creating a sustainable, comprehensive oral health plan.

Start each day with a splash of the water additive in your pet's bowl, ensuring they kick off their day with a defensive boost. As the day winds down, reach for those dental wipes for a quick clean-up. And remember to bring out the dental drops for that extra layer of care a few times a week.

Pet Parent Testimony

"I received this product to try from Skout's Honor, and this is my honest feedback about the water additive. We've used water additives in the past, and my dog would avoid the water bowl. BUT THIS TIME, not only does my dog drink the water, but so does my cat (yup, I tried with my cat too)! More importantly, I have noticed a difference in my dog's breath!" - Sarah

Conclusion

Caring for our pet's oral health is a journey we take together, filled with small acts of love that add up to a lifetime of happiness and health. With Skout's Honor products, we're equipped with the tools to tackle this challenge head-on, ensuring our pets have the best support in their corner. So, let's embrace this aspect of pet care with the same enthusiasm we give to their walks, treats, and belly rubs. After all, a healthy pet is a happy pet, which makes our world a whole lot brighter.

Remember, every pet's smile tells a story, and with a little care, we can make sure it's a happy one. Let's keep those tails wagging with fresh breath and healthy teeth.

Join our happy pet parents today and grab your favorite oral care product for 25% off through the end of February! Shop now.

Happy National Pet Dental Month!

 

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Written by

Michelle Torres

Published on

09 Feb 2024

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