Puppy Love Without Doggie Breath
Believe it or not, your dog's breath shouldn't smell, and if it does, it's time to think about your dog's oral health.
Certain diseases, like diabetes or kidney disease, may cause bad breath in dogs. But most bad breath, or halitosis, occurs when bacteria infect the gums. If left unchecked, the bacteria can create gum disease or go through the gums into the bloodstream, thereby entering other parts of the body.
"Logically, improving the health of your pet's teeth and gums will help eliminate the halitosis associated with bacterial infection," says Dr. Jeffrey Hillman, D.M.D., Ph.D. and chief medical officer for Oragenics.
Eliminating bad breath -; and the harmful bacteria that cause it -; begins at home, with a consistent oral health program. But toothbrushing can be irksome for both pet and pet owner, and dental chews can't reach every tooth surface. For this reason, Hillman, who has studied probiotics for 25 years, first at the Harvard-affiliated Forsyth Institute in Boston and then at the University of Florida, suggests that pet owners give their pets probiotics, or "good" bacteria.
The science behind probiotics is simple -; if your dog's teeth are coated in good bacteria, there's no room for bad bacteria to grow. "The good bacteria inhibit the growth of the damaging bad bacteria, leading to better breath," explains Hillman.
Hillman created ProBiora3, a special blend of oral probiotics that replenish specific "good bacteria" in the mouth. These beneficial bacteria freshen breath and whiten teeth through the natural release of low-level hydrogen peroxide.
ProBiora3 is available to pets in a grooming aid called Teddy's Pride. You simply sprinkle the probiotics on your pet's food once daily. Because it's easy to administer, you'll have no problem sticking to the program. Teddy's Pride won't change the taste, texture or odor of your pet's kibble -- your dog will happily lap it up. And when he kisses you in appreciation, you won't have to hold your breath or turn away.
For more information, visit www.ForTeddysPride.com.
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