How can I improve my dog's breath?

A three-step breading process and careful temperature control are the keys to crispy fried chicken and fish. (Amy Neunsinger)

The best way to address your dog's pungent breath is to improve his oral hygiene routine. Take him to the vet once a year to have his teeth cleaned, and have his mouth checked for broken or abscessed teeth, which can lead to a buildup of odor-causing bacteria, says Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M., host of "The Natural Vet" satellite radio show and author of "Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats . "

Brush your dog's teeth daily if you can. Choose a toothpaste formulated for dogs, or ask your vet to prescribe a paste with an anti-bacterial ingredient, such as chlorhexidine. Start by wrapping your finger with some gauze, then rub the paste on your dog's teeth.

It's also a good idea to provide your pet with toys that encourage him to chew, as this helps loosen tartar deposits, where bacteria thrive. Messonnier recommends avoiding animal products that can contain harmful chemicals or break dogs' teeth, such as rawhide, pig ears, and hooves. Instead, opt for artificial bones and chews that are labeled completely digestible; consider those that are also enhanced with eucalyptus and other ingredients that sweeten breath.

Pet stores and vets' offices offer many breath-freshening products for dogs; some are in spray form and others are supplements. Messonnier recommends those with chlorophyll, which helps fight oral bacteria. Scan labels for alfalfa and wheatgrass, too; both are good sources of chlorophyll.

Persistent bad breath can be a symptom of a larger problem, such as periodontal disease, oral cancers, or gastrointestinal and kidney conditions. Contact a vet if your dog's bad breath returns within a week of a professional cleaning.

What's the best way to keep bread crumbs from falling off chicken or fish when pan-frying?

Use a three-step breading process.

First coat both sides of the meat lightly with flour, then dip into a mixture of one lightly beaten egg and a small amount of milk or water before breading the meat. The flour creates a dry surface for the egg to stick to, while the egg helps the breading adhere. Then dip the meat in bread crumbs, taking care not to overcoat. Pat or press the crumbs firmly onto the meat; gently shake off any excess, and discard.

Choose a skillet that's large enough to accommodate a single layer of fish or chicken without overcrowding, or cook in batches.

Heat a small amount of oil in the skillet on medium-high until a pinch of bread crumbs sizzles when dropped in the oil. If the oil is not hot enough, the breading will absorb too much of it, become soggy, and possibly slide off.

Carefully turn the pieces of meat with tongs or a spatula. Between batches, remove excess crumbs from the skillet with a slotted spoon to avoid burning.

How should I store coffee?

After coffee beans are roasted, their flavor and aroma begin to diminish. Once the beans are ground this happens faster. That's why coffee tastes best when you buy freshly roasted beans and grind them right before brewing.

Whether you buy beans or prefer having pre-ground coffee on hand, take steps to keep it fresh . Transfer your coffee to an airtight container sealed with a rubber gasket. This is more effective at keeping flavor than commercial packaging. Ceramic canisters block out light, but glass works well, too. Avoid metal or plastic containers, which may affect taste.

If you buy ground coffee, go to a shop where it is ground on - site or where you can grind your own. Store coffee at room temperature in a cool, dark, and dry spot. Do not keep it in the refrigerator, where it can absorb moisture and food odors.

Ideally, you should shop for coffee each week. Those who like to buy coffee in bulk can keep a week's supply on hand and store the remainder in the freezer.

Adapted from Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Questions should be addressed to Ask Martha, care of Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd Street, New York, N.Y., 10036. Questions may also be sent by electronic mail to: mslletters@ marthastewart.com. Please include your name, address, and daytime telephone number. Questions of general interest will be answered in this column; Martha Stewart regrets that unpublished letters cannot be answered individually. For more information on the topics covered in the Ask Martha column, visit marthastewart.com.