People bring dogs into their lives for closeness. The cuddling, the face licks, the hours curled up together on the sofa. But one issue quietly disrupts all of that: halitosis. Recently, pet parenting authority and animal advocate Kristen Levine hosted a satellite media tour in collaboration with Minties and D S Simon Media, designed to help pet owners address that less-than-fresh breath so they can once again enjoy those close moments with their dogs.
As pet owners around the country look for ways to remain near their dogs without that unpleasant odor getting in the way, Kristen Levine is sharing practical, real-world advice.
Below are the top questions and expert guidance from Kristen Levine:
What are the most common causes of bad dog breath?
For Levine, the discussion always begins with the connection, not the biology. “We got dogs to be close to them, the cuddles, the face licks, the snuggling on the couch,” she said. “But there’s one thing that quietly gets in the way of all of that: bad breath.”
Canine halitosis usually results from bacteria accumulating on a dog’s teeth over time. The encouraging news is that with the proper daily habits, pet owners can get ahead of it and quickly return to those intimate 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 few straightforward habits that easily integrate into daily life. Annual veterinarian checkups are an excellent starting point, since your vet can examine the situation and offer tailored recommendations.
At home, regular brushing makes a significant difference, even if it occurs only once or twice per week. “Even if you only do this once or twice a week, it makes a really big difference,” she said. Fresh, clean water available all day also matters more than many people realize. And Levine’s preferred tip — and her dog Tulip’s favorite, too — is incorporating a daily treat 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 more than one treat per day. “That’s really why we chose Minties FreshBites, because it checks all of those boxes,” she said.
Formulated with five natural breath-freshening herbs — including 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 become 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 owners can visit Minties.com for additional tips and resources, and to purchase FreshBites, also available at Walmart, Chewy, Amazon, and Petco.
About Kristen Levine:
Deeply passionate about animals 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 through her blog and in the media.
Today, Kristen Levine is a nationally recognized pet expert, influencer, and Fear Free Certified® Professional with more than 30 years of experience working with animals.
Through this blog and her book, Pampered Pets on a Budget, Kristen has helped millions of pet owners solve problems 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,” giving readers trustworthy information about health, wellness, and lifestyle for dogs and cats and the people who love them.
A dedicated advocate for pet adoption and rescue, Kristen has highlighted more than 1,000 adoptable dogs and cats from the SPCA on live television and radio appearances to help them find homes. 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 frequently attends top animal health, veterinary, and pet product conferences, where she is often a featured speaker.
Check out Kristen’s newest pet project, hosting the Pets Add Life podcast with the American Pet Products Association.
About D S Simon Media:
The company is widely recognized as a frontrunner in the satellite media tour sector and conducts tours from its studio and multiple control rooms at its New York headquarters. Clients include leading brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, and non-profits. Founded in 1986, the firm has earned more than 100 industry awards.
About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The included video 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
