7 natural ways to treat bad dog breath

Let’s face the facts: sometimes a dog’s breath is horrible. While most of us have come to accept it to some degree, canine halitosis can be particularly bad. Fortunately, there are quite a few things you can do right at home.

So, let’s hop right into some natural ways to treat bad dog breath.

1. Change Foods

Food can be a cause of bad breath in dogs.

The reasons are varied, ranging from strong-scented ingredients to gastrointestinal issues. The end result is pretty much the same: a dog who can drop squirrel’s dead from ten paces with their breath. While an admirable doggy superpower, it’s not great for owners.

There are actually foods made specifically to reduce bad breath in dogs. And it really doesn’t get much more natural than just changing your dog’s food. Fortunately, many people already have their own lists of what’s worked best in the past.

There are also specialized dog foods on the market that only include necessary ingredients. Your dog might have allergies to certain compounds in the food that upsets their stomach and ends up affecting their breath.

2. Feed Them Carrots Regularly

Plaque buildup can cause a foul stench to emanate from your dog’s mouth, just like it can with humans. Some dogs build up more plaque than others, and not everyone has the time or inclination to brush their dog’s teeth daily.

One of the best things you can do in this case is to feed your dog raw carrots. Most dogs like them, they’re chewy and generally resemble a toy for dogs more than regular food.

As a bonus, you’ll be sneaking in a healthy snack. Carrots are good for canines, and regular feedings of once a week or so are easy.

3. Basic Oral Hygiene

Dogs can develop many of the same dentistry problems that humans do, from bad breath to cavities. Brushing their teeth can help with the smell of dog breath as well, so it’s worth the extra effort in most cases.

Doggy toothpaste usually comes in an array of meaty flavors so it’s not a problem for most dogs, but you can always make your own if fido is a bit finicky. A simple toothbrush and a couple of minutes of time once every two days will keep their dentition in good order.

A brighter smile and fresher breath, it’s just a few strokes of the toothbrush away. Not every dog will allow it, but for those that can handle it – this should be your first line of defense in the war on stinky dog breath.

4. Mint Leaves in Their Food

Adding a few sprigs of mint to your dog’s food can freshen their breath up. While it seems obvious, we wouldn’t just be recommending it if it didn’t do anything but cover it up.

Mint is often used for digestive issues in both animals and people. Since the origins of smelly breath can be much farther back than the mouth, it’s a good idea to try it out. Sprinkle it into their food in the morning, it’s mostly a fire-and-forget solution once it’s part of your daily routine.

Most dogs will readily eat a few leaves as long as it’s tossed in their food. For those that pick around it, you may have to go down the dried route or try a water additive instead.

Speaking of which…

5. Lemon Juice in Water

Lemon juice can alter the stomach pH for the better in your dog. This reduces bad breath in some cases and just promotes general health in others. In any case, a quarter lemon squeezed into a dog bowl is recommended, but you can just use a couple of drops as well.

The only problem is that it means you may need to change out water sooner since any added organic matter to a water bowl can bring in bacteria.

As a plus note: lemon juice is a natural deodorizer as well.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

You can also use apple cider vinegar in your dog’s water. It’s actually a great idea anyway, and it’s been associated with better coat and skin health as well.

Apple cider vinegar contains a surprising array of different vitamins. That’s the key behind its health-improving qualities and combined with the acetic acid you have a two-for-one effect on your dog’s breath when using it.

Just be careful not to use too much. Often a tiny amount in your dog’s water is enough, and chances are they’ll turn their noses up at the water dish if you overdo it.

7. Yogurt

Yogurt contains a lot of nutrients, but what we’re looking at here is the living bacteria contained within. Yogurt is one of the best foods for digestion in any creature that can handle dairy.

The bacteria contained within yogurt is often termed “probiotics.” What they do varies, but for the most part they encourage the proper fauna in your dog’s digestive system.

Of course, the fact that dogs love the stuff also makes it a good solution. Give it a shot if nothing else seems to work but try it before you go so far as finding actual supplements to give your hound.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to find a way to get rid of your dog’s bad breath, there’s no need to jump to drastic solutions immediately. Try the above natural ways to treat bad dog breath, they’re a sure fix for minor problems that can cause halitosis in dogs.

If they don’t work, you may need a veterinarian to sort the issue, but the truth is that most cases can be handled right at home!