Can I give my dog mints?

Are you thinking of giving your dog some mints to deal with their bad breath? This is an obvious short-term fix to freshen up what’s likely a foul smelling mouth, but is it a real solution or just a bad idea?

Some candy mints can reduce terrible breath but they aren’t well-suited for dogs. In any case, the refreshing effects will not be very long lasting. Besides, the gravity of your dog’s bad breath problem may be no match for a mint.

It’s no secret that many canines have awful smelling breath. Sometimes your dog may breathe heavily, in your face, and you’ll feel repulsed because it’s so bad. But mints aren’t a great idea and instead you may actually need to take some more important steps.

Can I Give My Dog Mints? Answer: No

While tempting, do not give your dog any mints for dealing with bad breath.

Video: How to make DOG & CAT BREATH MINTS

Mints are made for people. They contain a lot of sugar which is bad for dogs. Sometimes they contain a harmful ingredient called Xylitol. Too much for this leads to possible complications such as diabetes or kidney problems over the long term. Further, your best friend could develop cavities from the sugary contents of mints. Many kinds are much like candy.

It’s also a bad habit. It may solve your dog’s bad breath problem, temporarily, but it can lead to more serious health issues later on.

Causes of Bad Breath

There could be several reasons why your dog has bad breath. The main problem may be dental issues. If your dog has cavities or infections like gingivitis, this can manifest in the form of bad breath. Check for signs of gum inflammation as well as bleeding inside the mouth.

A mouth infection can also cause bad breath. This can create a breeding ground for germs if left untreated. In such a case, consult a vet because even simple canine mouth problems can lead to serious infections that can affect overall health. Don’t take this issue lightly by simply providing a mint.

Less Obvious Problems

Nasty breath can be a sign that your dog has a gastrointestinal disease. As the mouth is part of the digestive tract, infections in that area can manifest through a bad odor released through the dog’s mouth. More serious types of diseases should be considered as well. Bad breath can actually be a sign of stomach cancer or kidney disease. Clearly these are scenarios where mints can’t actually help your dog.

Don’t always assume chronic bad breath to be a hygiene problem.

Simply Bad Breath

On a lighter note, your dog’s bad breath may just mean there’s some food particles being left behind inside their mouth. Food and bacteria can lead to plaque, just like in people, and this tends to cause bad breath. If so, your dog’s breath problem should be easy to handle. You just need to regularly brush their teeth, with doggy toothpaste, to rectify the issue instead of using mints.

Persistent Breath Problems

Often times bad canine breath can be traced to leftover food in the mouth, but it’s still wise to be cautious. Be observant of your dog’s behavior and report anything unusual to the vet. You should mainly watch their appetite since a dog with medical issues usually loses a healthy appetite. A dog with gum problems may find it very painful to eat and will usually only drink water.

Video: My dogs like mints

It’s also a good idea to look inside their mouth, periodically, to see if there’s any bleeding or swelling. Are there any missing teeth? If so, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as you can for a check up. Other signs to watch out for are drooling and sensitivity around the mouth.

Conclusion on Mints

Your dog’s dental health shouldn’t just be covered up. Rather than giving your four-legged friend some mints, consider a much better plan. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, using doggy toothpaste and a doggy toothbrush, will minimize such problems. It will also freshen their breath way more effectively than mints. Your pooch will thank you for it, and with less smell.

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