Unlike humans, dogs care very little for their dental hygiene. While owners can do their best to look after it to prevent bad breath and tooth decay, staying on top of this is a major ordeal.

While humans can reach for some chewing gum or mints, dogs are at the mercy of the various dental products available on the market, as well as their owner’s teeth cleaning abilities.

If you can’t take your dog’s bad breath anymore, fear not. In this piece, we’ll run through some bad-breath-busting tips for your pooch.

 

Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell?

Starting with the basics, you’re probably wondering why your dog’s breath has such a distinct smell in the first place. Well, the answer is quite simple. Dogs, like humans, require good dental hygiene to prevent conditions like gum disease.

Without proper care, it can be all too easy for your dog to develop conditions, which bring with them a host of symptoms – including bad breath.

Now, we’re not saying that you need to brush your dog’s teeth as often as your own, but looking at your dog’s teeth weekly can help you spot issues like bleeding and off-putting smells much quicker.

Causes of Bad Dog Breath

So, we know why a dog’s breath can smell, but what are the underlying causes? Again, there are many similarities to humans, with the usual offenders being plaque, infections, diets, and health conditions.

Plaque

Plaque, like on human teeth, is a hard form of bacteria that binds to the teeth before hardening. Plaque, naturally, smells very bad, and, when it builds up, can cause conditions like gingivitis.

Infections

With poor dental care usually comes infections and other oral conditions, including things like abscesses and mouth sores. Not only are these painful to your dog, but they can cause bad breath.

Left Over Food

Sometimes, food can get stuck in your dog’s mouth. After some time, this can start to emit a powerful, unpleasant odour.

Health Conditions

Some health conditions in dogs can contribute to bad breath, particularly those associated with the digestive system. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from an undiagnosed health condition that is causing bad breath, consult your vet.

 

How to Make a Dog’s Breath Smell Better

Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom with bad dog breath. There are a few things owners can do to improve it. Here are some of the best things for a dog’s bad breath:

Check Their Teeth

This may seem obvious, but the number one way of cracking down on your dog’s bad breath is to give them a frequent oral check at home.

To do this, you first need to get your dog used to you feeling around the inside of their mouth. It’s better to start this when they’re young so that it doesn’t come as such a shock when you need to route around and find the source of the stench when they’re older.

Doing this can often help you figure out what the offender is, be it a piece of stuck food or plaque.

Brush Their Teeth

To some, the idea of brushing a dog’s teeth may seem like overkill. But, especially for dogs that struggle with bad breath, giving them a quick clean every so often can be a valuable tool in improving their breath.

Make sure you use a dog-friendly toothpaste and be patient. It can be easy to accidentally brush your dog’s gums, which can be quite painful.

Read more: Looking After Your Dog’s Teeth

Although beneficial, brushing a dog’s teeth isn’t a necessity. So, if you’re wondering how to freshen a dog’s breath without brushing, consider our other tips.

Try Apples

An apple a day keeps the vet away! If your dog tends to eat things they shouldn’t, your initial reaction can be frustration. But, thankfully, an apple fed in a timely manner can be a very effective way of cleaning their teeth. Not only this, but apples can have some nutritional value when fed in the right quantities.

You can find out more about dogs and fruit here: Dogs and Fruit: What Fruit Can They Eat?

 

What Can You Give a Dog With Bad Breath?

There are a few things you can give your dog as a means of preventing bad breath. These include:

  • Carrots
  • Coconut oil
  • Tough chew toys
  • Probiotic food – like with our Support+ range of dog treats

Can Dogs Eat Mints for Bad Breath?

Unlike humans, dogs don’t have the privilege of being able to eat a few mints or chewing gums to deal with their bad breath. Mints can contain various sugars which can be harmful to your dog’s digestion, so never offer them no matter how bad their breath smells.

 

Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Fresh and Clean, With Fish4Dogs

We know how hard it can be to deal with bad dog breath. Thankfully, our dental dog treats are here to help.

Based on sea jerky, which has a naturally rough texture, our dental treats help remove plaque and tartar buildup on your furry friend’s teeth all while having a low calorie count and being grain-free. Treat your dog – browse our range.