When an odour-producing bacteria manifests in your dog’s mouth, lungs, or gut, it results in bad breath. As such, you should always lend a hand to help him combat the stink. The cure is not in your canine’s paws but in your hands.
Tommy, a rescue dog Greyhound, was overlooked by more than 300 new owners because of persistent bad-smelling breath due to a health problem.
“When he came into us, he had gingivitis, a gum disease, which was caused by issues with his immune system,” said Elaine Sheppard, Tommy’s carer. Checked by vets, he was given a prescription for a very strong medicated mouthwash that cured his bad breath.
However, there is a way to treat bad breath in dogs using natural remedies, which we will share with you later on. First, let us talk about the potential reasons why your dog’s breath smells.
What Are the Common Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs?
In general, dogs do not have the freshest mouth smell. Most cases only require a simple tooth brushing, but other times, bad breath is an indication of an underlying serious health problem. The following are the most common causes of a dog’s bad breath:
- Periodontal disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Ingestion of a toxic or foreign substance
- If any food gets stuck in the teeth
- Teething
- Diabetes
- Oral tumours
- Rhinitis
- Gastrointestinal issues (in the oesophagus, intestine, stomach, or liver)
- A bad diet that includes canned dog food and food high in fish oils
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What Can You Give Your Dog for Bad Breath?
For most cases that do not signify serious conditions, there are easy remedies that can be easily acquired from your kitchen. The following are home remedies that will show you how to get rid of a dog’s bad breath.
1. Parsley
Parsley contains chlorophyll that helps neutralise the bad smell. As such, this should be included in the canine’s diet. Chop the fresh parsley into pieces and add it to his food.
However, some dogs are too picky to eat it. In that case, you may apply a homemade mouth spray made of parsley.
How to do it:
- Chop the parsley into bits and add it to 500 millilitres of boiling water.
- Allow it to boil for about 10–15 minutes before removing.
- Finally, leave it cool for some time before putting it in a spray bottle.
How to give it:
- You may add a small amount of homemade parsley water to its water bowl.
- Use it as a mouthwash.
- Otherwise, fill the spray bottle with parsley water and spray it into his mouth.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that reduce the stinky smell of your dog’s mouth. In fact, it is beneficial for your dog’s health in other ways, such as a boost in metabolism and immunity and improves digestion processes.
How to give it:
- Mix a teaspoon of coconut oil in your dog’s food.
- Use coconut oil in cooking your dog’s food.
- Use the oil in brushing his teeth.
- Dogs usually come to like the sweet taste of the oil. In such cases, you may give a teaspoon a day to your dog.
3. Lemon
Lemon will not only refresh your dog’s breath with its nice smell but will also kill the bacteria growing inside your canine’s mouth. It has high levels of acid that can break down plaque or tartar build-up.
How to give it:
- Squeeze a few drops of lemon into his drinking water.
- Make sure that there are no seeds included in the bowl.
4. Bones, More Bones
This serves not only as a remedy but a treat as well. Giving chew treats to your pooch is the natural way of brushing your dog’s mouth.
The most common cause of your dog’s bad breath is plaque build-up in his mouth. Upon chewing the bone, it helps remove plaque from his teeth, similar to toothbrushing.
However, avoid giving small bones that can cause your dog to choke and chicken bones that can cause lacerations in his throat or stomach.
How to give it:
- Provide your canine with a raw pork bone to chew on.
- Monitor his chewing time, as it could most likely choke, especially when he chews it too fast. If this happens, you should immediately throw the bone.
- Allow him to chew one to two times a day to keep his mouth fresh and clean.
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5. Carrots
Fresh carrots will help remove any plaque and tartar build-up in a dog’s mouth. Aside from the dental benefits, they provide high amounts of vitamins C and A that will boost his immune system.
Chewing the carrot stimulates saliva production, which helps cleanse food particles from the mouth and in between the teeth.
How to give it:
- Cut the carrot into pieces appropriate to your dog’s size.
- Provide 2 slices a day.
6. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is another remedy for a dog’s bad breath. It is a probiotic that helps combat bad bacteria in your dog’s intestinal system, which makes him healthier. Fortunately, most dogs love the taste of any yoghurt or curd; therefore, it is easy to feed.
How to give it:
- Add a spoonful of yogurt to your dog’s food. This can be done twice a day.
- If you have a larger breed, you may add more than a spoonful.
- Plain yoghurt may also be given in the morning or at night.
7. Brown Rice
Another common cause of bad breath is having a digestive problem. Adding brown rice to your dog’s diet is beneficial to his digestive system. Brown rice is easily digested, which makes it ideal for keeping your pup healthy and happy.
How to give it:
- Instead of white rice, provide a bowl of brown rice to your pooch.
FAQs About Dog Bad Breath
1. Does Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Really Work?
Brushing your dog’s teeth really works. It helps get rid of food particles and bacteria in the mouth. In doing so, the hasty build-up of dental disease-causing plaque and tartar is prevented.
Not all dogs are fine with their teeth brushed. You can use the home remedies we have shared above to get their teeth cleaned and breath fresh.
That being said, do not abandon toothbrushing altogether. Aim to do it at least 2 to 3 times a week. Also, consider supplementing your pooch’s home dental cleaning routine with water additives and dental chews.
2. What Are Some Tips You Have for Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth?
One common mistake dog owners make is brushing their dog’s teeth too hard. It can result in irritated and damaged gums, which contributes to dental issues. So always remember to brush your dog’s teeth using gentle motions.
3. When Should I Worry About My Dog’s Bad Breath?
Start worrying about your dog’s bad breath if it comes with other concerning symptoms, such as:
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
- Rotten or damaged teeth
- Jaundice
- Inflamed and bleeding gums
- Vomiting
- Breathing issues
If your furry pal is exhibiting these signs, take him to the veterinarian right away for a health check.
4. Why Does My Dog Have Yellow Teeth and Bad Breath?
A dog with yellow teeth and bad breath is showing early symptoms of gingivitis. Generally, this condition can be cured through regular tooth brushing, good oral care, and routine professional dental cleaning at the vet.
Conclusion
There may be an insidious cause behind your dog’s bad breath. Whilst the home remedies we have provided can combat the stink, it will not resolve the underlying health problem. Make sure to have him checked by the vet if his condition shows no improvement or he begins to display other symptoms of illness.