If you have ever gotten especially close to accept some well-deserved doggy kisses, then you have certainly experienced the unpleasant aroma of dog breath. As much as we love our dogs, you cannot deny the fact that dogs just have terrible breath. Between their carnivorous diets, their hunting duties, and their dirty chew toys, dogs put some pretty unfathomable objects in their mouths. It’s no surprise that their oral hygiene is less than desirable. But the good news is there are some things you can do to prevent your pooch from causing kisses that make you want to turn and run. Here are some tips for caring for your dog’s oral health:

Food

Pay attention to the types of foods you are feeding them. If your dog enjoys a soft canned food, these types have the tendency to stick around in the mouth and wreak havoc on their breath. Substituting their soft food, or at the very least, alternating with a hard food that is specially designed for oral health can help to reduce the bacteria and plaque buildup that usually occurs. There are special hard foods on the market that are shaped to aid in the removal of plaque from between the teeth. It’s a small change that can add up to a big difference.

Brushing

If your dog is docile enough to allow you to poke and prod their mouth with a toothbrush, don’t be afraid to do so. By using a human toothbrush paired with a doggy toothpaste, you can easily remove bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gums of your pup. This might be a difficult habit to initiate with an older dog, but if you start training your puppy from a young age to enjoy a weekly teeth cleaning, you’ll find it to be extremely effective in maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene long term. You can find special dog friend toothbrushes and toothpaste at any pet store. Do NOT use human toothpaste, as it is poisonous for dogs.

Chew Toys

If you haven’t explored this idea already, you can easily find specially designed chew toys that will be able to do double duty as a fun toy and an effective teeth cleaner. Check your local pet store, or online stores to find tons of options.

Sedation

If your dog is totally not okay with you poking around his mouth, and all other efforts seem to be yielding no results, it is possible to have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned while they are sedated. Although you should only use this option if all other options fail, you can talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of routine professional teeth cleanings. It’s like a doggy trip to the dentist.