If your dog has bad breath, the medical term for which is halitosis, it may be a symptom of underlying medical issues. Halitosis can signal that your dog has gingivitis, periodontitis, an abscessed tooth, a bone stuck in the mouth, an oral ulcer, mouth tumors, a lung disease or kidney disease. It’s best to have your dog examined by a veterinarian before chalking up the offensive odor to doggie breath. If, however, your dog simply has stinky breath, there are natural remedies for eliminating the problem.
Brushing Teeth
Lift your dog’s upper lip.
Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the dog’s gum line.
Move the toothbrush back and forth across the dog’s teeth, paying special attention to the upper canine teeth.
Give your dog a treat to reward her for having her teeth cleaned.
Repeat the process every day to keep your dog’s teeth clean and to reduce the dog’s bad breath.
Supplements
Add a few drops of an infusion of the herb dill to your dog’s drinking water. The antibacterial properties help limit the growth of bacteria in your dog’s mouth.
Sprinkle chopped parsley on your dog’s food. This herb will freshen your dog’s breath.
Add digestive enzymes to your dog’s food each day. The enzymes will aid in digestion. Poor digestion is often a cause of halitosis in dogs.
Tips
There are dog foods and dog treats that promote good oral health in dogs. This may help to eliminate bad breath in your dog. Ask your veterinarian which products are best for your pet.
Warnings
Do not use human toothpaste or baking soda to clean your dog’s teeth. Both may cause stomach upset in your dog.
Tips
There are dog foods and dog treats that promote good oral health in dogs. This may help to eliminate bad breath in your dog. Ask your veterinarian which products are best for your pet.
Items You Will Need
- Natural dog toothpaste
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Infusion of dill
- Chopped parsley
- Dog treats
References
Tips
- There are dog foods and dog treats that promote good oral health in dogs. This may help to eliminate bad breath in your dog. Ask your veterinarian which products are best for your pet.
Writer Bio
Bethney Foster is social justice coordinator for Mercy Junction ministry, where she edits the monthly publication "Holy Heretic." She is also an adoption coordinator with a pet rescue agency. Foster spent nearly two decades as a newspaper reporter/editor. She graduated from Campbellsville University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English, journalism and political science.