12 Easy Remedies for Bad Dog Breath and Why It Happens

If you have a dog with halitosis, also known as bad breath, you’re not alone. Although some reasons for bad breath indicate a health issue, often it’s just a result of plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene, or eating something unpleasant.

In this article, we’ll share the reasons your dog may have bad breath and how to tell when it requires medical attention. We’ll also offer 12 easy ways to freshen your dog’s breath at home.

Just like humans, dogs can often suffer from bad breath. Let’s take a deeper look at what causes it.

Another common (and gross!) reason for their bad breath is if your dog eats unmentionables, like poop, garbage, or dead animals. Even low-quality food containing fillers and artificial ingredients can make their breath stink. 

The bad breath smell could also be due to an uptick of bacteria from a stick, bone, or toy stuck in their teeth, or from a lack of water.

5) Evaluate Your Dog’s Diet

It may be that your dog’s bad breath is from gastrointestinal problems, potentially caused by the food they eat. If you notice it’s a recurrent problem, read the label on their food and scan for ingredients that might be allergens.

You may want to switch to a higher-quality food with more natural ingredients and fewer fillers and additives. Just don’t forget: Before changing your dog’s diet, run it by your veterinarian. They can help you transition so you don’t cause your dog even more gastrointestinal distress.

6) Try Coconut Oil

According to some studies(open in new tab), virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil can help combat bad breath (as well as improve digestion, metabolism, coat quality, and even, for older dogs, mental abilities). That said, don’t give too much because coconut oil is high in calories.

7) Feed Your Pup Carrots and Apple Slices 

Apple slices and carrots can also freshen your dog’s breath because the crunchiness helps to remove plaque before it hardens. Be sure to core the apple and discard its seeds, and cut pieces appropriate for your dog’s breed and size to prevent choking. 

8) Increase Good Bacteria with Probiotics

Adding probiotics increases the number of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract so the stinky, harmful bacteria don’t take over. You can do this through supplements or supplement powder. 

9) Let Your Pup Play and Chew 

Be sure to avoid anything hard enough to fracture your pup’s teeth. If you can’t press your thumbnail into the toy and leave an indentation, it’s probably too hard. 

If your dog’s food preferences make you scrunch your nose in horror, it’s no wonder their breath stinks. Keep your pup from eating poop or other gross stuff by making sure trash cans are out of reach and picking up after your other animals. 

When to See a Veterinarian 

Home remedies can work wonders for hygiene-related bad breath, but if the smell doesn’t go away after two weeks, you may want to make a trip to the veterinarian. Do the same if their breath has a foul or rotten smell or an unusual scent, like urine or fruit. 

You’ll also have to take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice changes in your dog’s mouth, such as:

Give the remedies we’ve mentioned here a try, and when your dog showers you with sweet, fresh-smelling puppy kisses, you’ll know your efforts have paid off!