Dogs were brought into our lives for closeness—the cuddles, the face licks, the snuggling on the couch. Yet one thing quietly disrupts all of that: bad breath. Recently, Kristen Levine, a pet parenting expert and advocate, carried out a satellite media tour alongside Minties and D S Simon Media, aiming to help pet owners tackle that less-than-fresh breath and return to enjoying those intimate moments with their canines.
As pet owners everywhere search for ways to stay near their dogs without that unpleasant odor interfering, Kristen Levine is offering practical, real-world advice.
Below are some of the leading questions and expert answers from Kristen Levine:
What are the most common causes of bad dog breath?
For Levine, the discussion always centers on the bond rather than the science. “We got dogs to be close to them, the cuddles, the face licks, the snuggling on the couch,” she remarked. “But there’s one thing that quietly gets in the way of all of that: bad breath.”
Bad dog breath is usually caused by bacteria accumulating on a dog’s teeth over time. The encouraging news is that with the proper daily routines, pet parents can stay on top of it and quickly resume those close moments that make the bond with their dog so unique.
What everyday habits and diet changes can help improve a dog’s breath?
Levine suggests a handful of simple habits that slip easily into daily life. Annual vet checkups are an excellent starting point, since your veterinarian can examine your dog and provide tailored recommendations.
At home, regular brushing makes a significant impact, even if done only once or twice weekly. “Even if you only do this once or twice a week, it makes a really big difference,” she noted. Fresh, clean water throughout the day also makes more of a difference than people often think. And Levine’s favorite tip—also her dog Tulip’s favorite—is incorporating daily treats into the routine. “That is my favorite tip, and definitely Tulip’s favorite tip,” she said.
What should pet parents look for when choosing a treat and how do treats like Minties FreshBites fit into a dog’s daily routine?
When selecting a treat, Levine advises looking for ingredients that promote fresher breath, a texture dogs truly enjoy chewing, and a low enough calorie count to allow for multiple treats each day. “That’s really why we chose Minties FreshBites, because it checks all of those boxes,” she stated.
Made with five natural breath-freshening herbs—alfalfa, peppermint, fennel, dill, and parsley—FreshBites are intended for frequent treating throughout the day at just 7.5 calories per treat.
For Levine, this has turned into a meaningful daily ritual. “I can give Tulip several a day, which I do. It’s part of our routine. She gets one in the morning, she gets one before her nap in the afternoon, and she always gets one at bedtime,” she shared. “Building those routines makes it more automatic, and it’s a small way to stay close to your dog every single day.”
Pet parents can visit Minties.com for further tips and resources, and to purchase FreshBites, which are also available at Walmart, Chewy, Amazon, and Petco.
About Kristen Levine:
Insanely passionate about pets since childhood, Kristen has owned more than 30 pets over her lifetime—including dogs, cats, goats, donkeys, a horse, a gerbil, mice, and chickens!
Her early involvement with the SPCA Tampa Bay led to a lifelong career in the pet industry, advocating for pets and their owners on her blog and in the media.
Today, Kristen Levine is a nationally recognized pet expert, influencer, and Fear Free Certified® Professional with over 30 years of experience working with pets.
Through her blog and her book, Pampered Pets on a Budget, Kristen has helped millions of pet owners solve issues and deliver the best care for their dogs and cats.
Collaborating with hundreds of pet professionals—including veterinarians, behaviorists, and trainers—inspired Kristen to become a pet parenting “guide,” offering readers reliable information about health, wellness, and lifestyle for dogs and cats and the people who love them.
A steadfast advocate for pet adoption and rescue, Kristen has featured over 1,000 adoptable dogs and cats from the SPCA on live television and radio appearances to help them get adopted. Her blog, KristenLevine.com, has been featured in over 100 media outlets—including the New York Times, USA Today, FOX & Friends, Good Morning America, Women’s Day, Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, Pop Sugar, and more.
To remain current on the latest health and lifestyle trends for pets, Kristen serves on a board for veterinary clinical trials at BluePearl Science and regularly attends the top animal health, veterinary, and pet product conferences, where she is often a featured speaker.
Check out Kristen’s latest pet project: hosting the Pets Add Life podcast with the American Pet Products Association.
About D S Simon Media:
The firm is widely recognized as a leader in the satellite media tour industry and produces tours from its studio and multiple control rooms at its New York headquarters. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, and non-profits. Established in 1986, the firm has earned more than 100 industry awards.
About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included and release were part of a media tour produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of Minties.
Media Contact
Michael O’Donnell
D S Simon Media
212-736-2727
modonnell@dssimon.com
A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/db2ef4b7-a926-4eeb-9a86-80775e195b64
