Toilet-bowl breath? No problem

It’s not all dire doings in the world; here’s one of an occasional series looking at happier developments.

*

“Minty fresh breath” is not a phrase normally associated with dogs. Apparently, drinking from toilet bowls and frequent self-licking have an unsavory effect on oral hygiene.

But antidotes are available. One of the latest is a canine version of those Listerine breath strips that dissolve on the tongue. Made with chlorophyll, the pocket-sized Spotscent strips are designed to melt in Fido’s mouth “immediately and discreetly,” reducing unpleasant odors.

“Now you can enjoy an affectionate lick from your favorite canine without the adverse effects of bad breath,” says Susan McCann, marketing manager for Ethical Products, which distributes the strips through pet stores. “The trendiest pets choose Spotscent for that ‘ready to lick’ breath,” McCann says.

Spotscent isn’t the only dog-breath remedy modeled after a product for humans. Pet Zone offers Doggie Dentist, a battery-powered canine toothbrush. And Chomp is promoting its Altoids-like canine breath treats with a nationwide “worst dog breath contest.”

What’s next? Doggy teeth-whitening strips? It might sound farfetched, but canines already have their own aromatherapy sprays, perfumes and garage-door openers (doggy-door openers operated by a sensor on the pet’s collar). Ethical Products is also set to unveil doggy goggles to protect canine eyes from ultraviolet rays.

-- Roy Rivenburg