Dental Treats and Products: Dental treats can either help physically remove plaque as your dog chews or may contain additives that promote a healthy oral environment. Other products like dental water additives can be used to help mask bad breath as well as promote oral health.
Causes of bad breath
Stomatitis (inflammation inside the mouth) which can be caused by infections, allergies or eating something that irritates the mouth. Something stuck in the mouth such as a piece of bone or stick. Gut problems such as infections, vomiting bugs or blockages. Diet for example fish based diets.
Feed Your Dog Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots, celery, parsley, and apples make great, natural chew toys for your dog. The crunch helps to stimulate saliva production in your dog's mouth, helping to wash away some of the bacteria that lead to bad breath.
Excess carbohydrates and sugar → more tartar. More tartar → more bad bacteria, and bad breath. PLUS, the carbohydrates feed bacteria in the mouth that can nestle below the gumline (ew).
If your dog's breath has been noticeably awful lately, it could be time for a visit to the vet. Chronic bad breath may indicate a bigger health problem. Most often, it's caused by dental or gum disease, and small dogs are especially prone to plaque and tartar.
Since bad breath is a sign of an underlying health condition rather than a health problem itself, it should dissipate once the underlying problem is successfully treated. That being said, whenever you notice a change in the smell of your dog's breath you shouldn't assume its cause or that it is normal.
Around 80% of dogs over the age of three have periodontal disease, which is the major cause of bad breath in dogs. Fortunately, there are some home remedies that you can do that naturally cure bad dog breath. Yogurt is a natural, healthy, and nourishing treat for your dog that also helps fight bad breath.
If there is too much unsafe bacteria in their gut, it can overpower the good bacteria. The harmful bacteria triggers yucky, smelly gas that your pup exhales as bad breath. Harmful bacteria in the mouth can mix with saliva, which your dog swallows. Bad bacteria get into the gut, and a vicious cycle ensues.
Some vets learn in school that puppy breath is caused by a still-developing esophagus leaking gas from the stomach. But there is such a thing as bad puppy breath which can be caused by an impacted tooth the beginnings of gum disease worms or eating poop. (Yes dogs do that.)
Excessive urea (called uremia) can cause the dog's breath to smell like ammonia, urine or even “fishy” when they exhale. Other signs of kidney failure include loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea and in later stages anemia (pale gums and weakness).
Liver disease can cause the breath to smell musty or like a dead animal. This is because the liver is no longer able to properly filter out toxins, so stinky sulfur compounds, such as thiols, are released into the lungs.
Good nutrition is so important for dogs' health, and in turn their breath. If your dog's dental health is a concern, it may be worth trying them on dry food. Dry dog food is thought to be better for teeth as dogs have more to crunch through. That means more scraping to get the plaque and tartar off their teeth.
The majority of bad breath in dogs is brought on by eating the wrong diet (dry food) and your dog not receiving meaty bones a couple of time a week… If your dog doesn't mind take a look in his mouth. Are his teeth pearly white? Or are they tainted yellow / brown?
As carrots are a lovely, crunchy vegetable, if you give them to your dog in large pieces they will have to bite into them rather than swallowing them whole. This chewing mechanism helps clean your dog's teeth and gums by removing residual food pieces and help clear plaque from tooth surfaces.
Try food made from meats, vegetables and fruits. This also extends to snacks and treats, which are full of sugar, fats, and cereal grains. Instead, try treating your dog with carrot slices, apple slices and pumpkin pieces.
#3: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider viagra is another powerful remedy against dental health issues and bad breath. Its chemical composition makes it ideal for breaking down plaque and tartar on your dog's teeth, as well as refreshing his breath.
Bad Breath of Pets
If the dog or cat has bad breath, it's probably because of a teeth-related problem or another illness. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to drinking water to freshen the breath.
Bacteria in your dog's mouth is not only responsible for bad breath, but it can also lead to long-lasting oral health issues. Lemon works similarly to apple cider vinegar, as the acid in citrus fruits such as lemon can kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath.
Rinse with warm salt water
Gargling salt water is a natural way to stop bad breath. Create a mixture of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to every 8 ounces of warm water. Swish a swig of the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat as needed.
Peppermint and Parsley, the Bacteria-Busting Herbs
She also recommends that you choose organic, locally grown mint whenever possible. There are also drops, including Natural Breath Drops for Pets with Chlorophyll & Peppermint Essential Oil, that you give directly to your dog, put on treats or in a water bowl.
To remove unpleasant smells from your dog's coat, and pet beds and to generally freshen the air in your rooms then a simple lavender spritz can have an amazing effect. Simply mix a few drops of our lovely lavender essential oil into a spray bottle of water, and give it a good shake and a spray away!
The resounding answer is YES, olive oil offers many benefits for dogs. Similar to us, dogs also suffer from dry, flaky skin. Olive oil contains phytonutrients, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids that help keep your dog's skin moisturized and well-nourished.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is widely used as a flavoring agent, from toothpaste to breath mints to gum. Similarly, peppermint tea is a natural way to freshen up your dog's breath and curb the growth of bacteria in the mouth.