Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
Your dog’s breath could be a symptom of underlying illness in their gums.
In addition to regular cleanings, using water additives to help prevent tartar may be an effective way to help keep teeth clean.
Yummy Combs® unique design and ingredients effectively remove hardened tartar from your dog’s teeth, supporting their teeth and gum health.
Your dog’s breath? It’s not so great. While you’ve probably always chalked it up as something normal, malodor in your dog’s mouth usually indicates something is wrong with their teeth or gums.
Gum disease is very common, affecting 80% of dogs over age three. We’ll explain why this is a big deal and why proper oral care is vital for your dog’s overall health and well-being. We’ll also explain what water additives are and whether or not they are effective at keeping your dog’s mouth clean.
There are a few reasons why your dog’s bad breath is a big problem. The first problem is that you’ll likely resist their kisses and nuzzles if their breath makes you gag! Besides the unpleasant odor, bad breath can indicate gum disease.
When your dog eats, bacteria from food mixes with saliva in their mouth and sticks to the surfaces of their teeth. This sticky substance is called plaque. Plaque that is not removed via tooth brushing, flossing, or cleaning can lead to the buildup of hardened tartar at the gumline.
Tartar can be impossible to remove and can cause inflammation in your dog’s gums. This inflammation leads to periodontal disease or gum disease.
Gum disease that isn’t addressed can cause:
If not properly addressed, gum disease can lead to infection and disease in your dog’s body and even organ failure. For these reasons, it’s very important to make sure you aren’t neglecting your dog’s teeth.
Taking care of your dog’s teeth requires a little finesse and know-how. Dental care starts at home with daily tooth brushing using a soft bristle toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Your dog isn’t going to like tooth brushing when you first begin, but with enough patience and offering a reward after brushing, you will both become fast professionals.
The second step is ensuring your dog is being seen regularly by their veterinarian. Most dogs need a professional teeth cleaning once per year, beginning as early as their first year of life.
Some breeds may need cleanings more frequently, especially if they are prone to dental issues. Putting off dental cleanings can have negative consequences. If your dog has a cavity, they may need to have a dental extraction, which can cost much more than a dental cleaning and result in your dog having a missing tooth for the rest of their life.
Another way you can keep your dog’s teeth clean is by using dog dental care products, like water additives, dental chews, and treats. If you’ve considered a water additive but aren’t sure if it’s worth the hype, we’ll help you make your decision by giving you “just the facts.”
Water additives are like mouthwash for your dog. They contain enzymes that help break down tartar and plaque and keep your dog’s mouth clean. In addition, water additives usually have the added benefit of helping control your dog’s breath. While your dog’s breath will never be minty fresh, it should be fairly neutral.
There are two types of water additives: ones you can make at home and ones you can buy from a retailer. It’s important to note that if you decide to go the DIY route, you’ll want to make sure the ingredients you use are completely safe for your pet. It’s always best to contact your dog’s veterinarian to ensure the ingredients you want to use (and the amounts you use) are safe.
Neither homemade nor retail water additives replace oral care for your dog. You still need to brush their teeth and take them in for professional cleanings. There are also a few side effects to be aware of.
Most water additives are completely safe, but for dog’s with particularly senstive stomachs, some additives can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea. Start by adding less than the recommended amount of additive to your dog’s water to see if is well tolerated before increasing to the suggested dose, which is usually based on weight.
Water additives should be flavorless. If they have a sweet taste, look for hidden ingredients that could be harmful to your pet. Artificial sweeteners should never be given to your dog; while most dog-safe water additives won’t include them, it’s always worth double-checking if you aren’t familiar with the retailer.
Giving your dog a flavored water additive can also cause them to drink too much water. While they probably won’t consume so much that they’ll be at risk of water toxicity, they may drink so much they can’t make it outdoors to potty!
Your dog loves treats, so it makes sense that using a dental treat to help keep their teeth clean is a good idea. Dental treats are available at every pet store, but how can you know which ones are most effective?
We may be a bit biased, but Yummy Combs has science on their side. Yummy Combs dental treats were designed to be safe, effective, and beneficial for your dog.
Some dog treats are unsafe for your dog to eat. Treats that are too hard can lead to broken teeth and bleeding, while treats that are made from unsafe materials (like rawhide) can lead to choking and/or bowel obstructions.
Yummy Combs’ wide design deters gulping, forcing your dog to chew and swallow instead of gulp large pieces of treats that could cause them to choke. The thin walls of Yummy Combs dissolve rapidly and are designed with our proprietary ingredient, Slick’M™, which helps treats dissolve in your dog’s tummy instead of passing into their intestines.
Yummy Combs’ deep pockets give your teeth 360-degree scrubbing and flossing, and their select ingredients work to polish teeth and keep them looking as good as they feel. In studies, Yummy Combs eliminated 25% of hardened tartar from dogs’ teeth when used daily.
No other treats can boast this claim, which is why Yummy Combs treats are the best treats to offer your dog for dental care.
The benefits of Yummy Combs don’t end with oral care. We combined 45 nutrition ingredients (including 12 ingredients to promote your dog’s overall wellness) to ensure our treats meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
As with any treat, you’ll need to reduce your dog’s daily kibble to accommodate for the caloric content of the treats. If you offer your dog a treat that doesn’t contain essential nutrients, your dog’s diet could come up short.
Yummy Combs are made from 44% chicken protein and are a complete and balanced source of calories to add to your dog’s diet. Not to mention, your dog will love the flavor. Yummy Combs are available in different sizes based on your dog’s breed and mouth size. Make sure to give your dog the size recommended.
Water additives may be an effective and easy way to improve your dog’s breath by reducing the bacteria that collect in their mouth. Just remember that no additives or treats replace toothbrushing and other forms of oral care.
Brushing your dog’s teeth, offering Yummy Combs, and getting regular dental cleanings are the essential tools for keeping your dog safe from gum disease and other oral health issues.
Sources:
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
Pet dental care | American Veterinary Medical Association
Chlorine Dioxide & Chlorite | ToxFAQs™ | ATSDR
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Always feed the right treat size for your dog’s weight category. Always supervise your dog when feeding treats. This product is an adult only dog treat. Always provide ample fresh water for your dog.
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