8 Natural Remedies for Bad Breath in Dogs

If you find that your dog’s breath is not smelling fresh, but do not want to use chemicals to treat the problem, consider some natural remedies for bad breath in dogs.

While it might be normal for your dog to have a strong smell in their mouth after eating certain foods, when the animal’s breath is constantly bad, then this is not considered normal at all. In fact, bad breath in dogs may be a sign that there is something wrong with your dog’s mouth.

While the underlying problem may sometimes be mild and nothing to be concerned about, there are cases where your dog may be suffering from gum disease, infection, or another health condition that could be harmful.

Dog owners need to understand what the potential causes behind bad breath in their four-legged friend may be and ensure they address issues before they lead to complications.

There are several natural remedies for bad breath in dogs that you should know about. We share the top remedies dog owners should try out in this post.

1. Adequate Water Is Critical for Reducing Bad Breath

Dogs require an adequate amount of water on a daily basis to remain healthy. When your dog suffers dehydration, they are at risk of several potential complications, which could even be fatal in serious cases.

This is why it is so important to ensure your dog has enough water during the day, especially when they eat a dry food diet or when they are fed dry dog treats.

One of the simplest natural remedies for bad breath in dogs could be something as basic as providing them with more water – freshwater, of course.

This is particularly the case when your dog experiences dry mouth, which is a possibility in dogs. When your dog does not have enough water, their mouth becomes dry.

This can cause problems with your dog’s gums and potentially increase the risk of mouth conditions. Providing more water for your dog can reduce dry mouth and, in turn, possibly get rid of bad breath.

2. Consider Using a Dental Water Additive

When water alone does not seem to help much, consider buying a dental water additive. These are usually available in the form of drops that are added to your dog’s water. Using these dental water drops is really easy. You would simply read the instructions provided on the container – which will tell them how many drops to add to the water.

Each day, the water bowl of your dog should be refilled with fresh water. Then the appropriate number of drops should be added to the water before setting the bowl on the ground.

The goal of these drops is not only to help reduce bad breath but also to help improve the oral hygiene and well-being of your dog at the same time.

3. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Most people overlook the importance of brushing their dog’s teeth. Just as plaque can build up on human teeth, the same happens to dogs. Additionally, as dogs eat, food can become stuck between their teeth, which means you need to brush your Pomeranian’s teeth.

These two factors can increase the risk of tooth decay, while also leading to the development of gum disease and tooth infections in your dog. With regular brushing, plaque accumulation can be prevented, the buildup of tartar can be limited, and food particles can be removed.

There are several different types of toothpaste on the market made specifically for dogs. Many of these contain ingredients that help to promote healthier gums in your dog, as well. It is important to ensure that brushing is not too aggressive, however, as this may cause swelling in the gums.

4. Give Dental Chews a Try

Dental chews may be another way to assist in reducing bad breath in dogs. There are different types of dental chews on the market, especially safe and healthy alternatives to rawhide chews. Some of these products contain special ingredients that have been proven to assist in providing dogs with fresher breathe.

Certain dental chews might also be able to assist in breaking down tartar that has built up in your dog’s teeth. Tartar is a common reason why your dog may suffer from bad breath. The texture of the dental chews also helps to remove the plaque from their teeth.

5. A Serving of Apple and Carrots

Carrots and a few slices of apple are not only great for your dog’s health but may also be an excellent way to combat bad breath in a pet. Both of these are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. They also contain fiber, which is not only good for the digestive tract but has also been shown to improve the gut microbiome.

Additionally, the crunchy texture of both apples and carrots can help to break down tartar that has developed on your dog’s teeth. Apples and carrots can also help to freshen breath, reduce the buildup of plague, and even lead to healthier gums.

6. Try a Probiotic Supplement

A probiotic supplement contains live bacteria that are crucial to the well-being of your dog’s body. Just like in humans, probiotics are considered good bacteria that help the digestive tract function properly.

A link exists between the gut microbiome and oral health. Improving your dog’s gut microbiota may help to reduce bad breath and could also lead to a healthier mouth.

There are different types of probiotic supplements that can be provided to your dog. The most common is a powdered form of the supplement that is usually sprinkled over your dog’s food. This makes it much easier to administer probiotics to your dog.

There are other types of options – including some dog treats and biscuits that contain probiotics.

7. Add Coconut Oil to Your Dog’s Food

Coconut oil has been associated with several positive effects in the human body, but may also be a beneficial product for dogs. The oil is rich in healthy fats and is often suggested to assist in improving the health of your dog’s coat.

The antimicrobial effects of coconut oil can also be useful for dogs with bad breath that is caused by bacteria and other types of microorganisms. The presence of these microorganisms in the mouth of your dog may lead to gum disease, which can aggravate bad breath.

8. Add Parsley to Your Dog’s Food

A final tip would be to add some parsley to your dog’s food. While this may sound like a strange tip, it is surely one that has helped many dog owners. Parsley actually has a number of potential health benefits, and when it comes to bad breath – it could be a great way to safely freshen your dog’s breath without exposing the animal to any harmful or harsh chemicals.

It is easy to add parsley to your dog’s food, but it is generally advised to use fresh parsley for the best results. The herb can be cut into small pieces and then simply sprinkled over your dog’s food before the bowl is placed in front of them.

Conclusion

When your dog’s breath smells bad, it is not only an annoyance to you, but can also be an indication of an underlying condition in your dog. There are several natural remedies for bad breath in dogs. Giving these a try offers you the first line of treatment without the need to use expensive medicine that could lead to potential side-effects. When these tips do not work, however, a trip to the vet is definitely recommended.