People bring dogs into their lives for closeness—the hugs, the licks, the couch cuddles. Yet something often silently disrupts that connection: halitosis. Not long ago, Kristen Levine, a pet parenting specialist and animal advocate, carried out a satellite media tour alongside Minties and D S Simon Media, aimed at assisting pet owners in addressing unpleasant breath so they can once again savor those intimate moments with their canines.
As pet parents everywhere search for ways to remain near their dogs without that stale-smelling moment interfering, Kristen Levine is providing practical, real-world advice.
Below are some of the key questions and professional insights contributed by Kristen Levine:
What are the most common causes of bad dog breath?
For Levine, the discussion always begins with the relationship, 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 typically stems from bacteria accumulating on a dog’s teeth over time. The encouraging news is that with proper daily habits, pet owners can stay on top of it and quickly resume 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 handful of straightforward routines that integrate smoothly into daily life. Annual veterinary checkups are an excellent starting point, as your vet can examine the dog and offer tailored recommendations.
At home, regular brushing—even if done just once or twice weekly—produces noticeable results. “Even if you only do this once or twice a week, it makes a really big difference,” she said. Fresh, clean water provided throughout the day also matters more than most people realize. And Levine’s preferred tip—also the favorite of her dog Tulip—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 recommends looking for ingredients that promote fresher breath, a texture dogs truly enjoy chewing, and a calorie count low enough to allow multiple treats per day. “That’s really why we chose Minties FreshBites, because it checks all of those boxes,” she said.
Crafted with five natural herbs that freshen breath—alfalfa, peppermint, fennel, dill, and parsley—FreshBites are intended for frequent daily treating at just 7.5 calories each.
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 parents can visit Minties.com for additional tips and resources, and to purchase FreshBites, also available at Walmart, Chewy, Amazon, and Petco.
About Kristen Levine:
Extremely passionate about animals since childhood, Kristen has owned more than 30 pets throughout her life—including dogs, cats, goats, donkeys, a horse, a gerbil, mice, and chickens!
Her early work with the SPCA Tampa Bay steered her toward a lifelong career in the pet industry, championing pets and their owners through her blog and media appearances.
Today, Kristen Levine is a nationally recognized pet expert, influencer, and Fear Free Certified® Professional with over three decades of experience working with animals.
Through this blog and her book, Pampered Pets on a Budget, Kristen has assisted millions of pet owners in solving problems and delivering optimal 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 trustworthy information on health, wellness, and lifestyle for dogs, cats, and the people who cherish them.
A steadfast advocate for pet adoption and rescue, Kristen has showcased over 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 highlighted in more than 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 others.
To keep current on the newest health and lifestyle trends for pets, Kristen serves on a board for veterinary clinical trials at BluePearl Science and frequently attends major animal health, veterinary, and pet product conferences, where she is often a featured speaker.
Tune into Kristen’s latest pet project, hosting the Pets Add Life podcast with the American Pet Products Association.
About D S Simon Media:
This firm is widely recognized as a frontrunner in the satellite media tour sector, producing tours from its studio and multiple control rooms at its New York headquarters. Clients include premier brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, and non-profits. Founded in 1986, the company 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
