5 Ways to Get Rid of Your Dog’s Bad Breath

Bad breath among dogs is common. After all, they can’t brush their teeth the way humans do.

Like with humans, bad breath in dogs comes from various sources. There are dozens of reasons your dog may have bad breath – you’ll want to find the source if you want a long-term solution.

In this guide, we’ll go over five effective ways you can get rid of your dog’s bad breath. The best solutions for you and your furry friend will depend on the cause of your dog’s bad breath. For example, brushing their teeth regularly is a good short-term solution but if you want the bad breath to stop altogether, you may want to consult your veterinarian for a professional recommendation.

Tip #1: Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
We mentioned it above, but brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the best ways to mitigate bad breath. As with humans, brushing your dog’s teeth will remove harmful plaque and bacteria that cause foul-smelling breath.

Brushing your dog’s teeth offers multi-faceted benefits. Yes – their breath will smell better, but their gum health will improve and their teeth will look whiter.

Pet stores and online marketplaces offer specialized toothbrushes and kinds of toothpaste for dogs. They’re safe to swallow and feature savory tastes most dogs enjoy.

If you want to learn more about toothbrushes and kinds of toothpaste for dogs, speak with your veterinarian for specialized recommendations.

Tip #2: Schedule a Dental Cleaning
For most dogs, bad breath is the result of plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup. Regular brushings can limit these factors but after it accumulates, professional help is necessary for removal.

Fortunately, your vet can remove the plaque and tartar through regular cleanings. It’s a great idea to schedule cleanings at least once a year to minimize buildup and manage your dog’s breath.

Tip #3: Secure Your Trash and Minimize Unmonitored Eating
It’s common for dogs to eat out of trashcans if they have access. After all, they don’t know the difference between discarded food and fresh meals.

When your dog eats out of the trash, it will impact their breath – especially if they do it regularly.

If your dog eats out of the trash, try securing your garbage cans and moving them out of reach. Once your dog stops eating out of the trash, you may notice their breath improve.

It’s important to realize if you’re dog eats out of the trash as soon as possible. If you try the other recommendations on this list while your dog continuously gets into your garbage, you’ll find yourself running in circles.

The same applies to litter boxes. Many dogs eat out of litter boxes, for various reasons. If you find your dog rummaging through the kitty litter, there’s no doubt this impacts their breath.

Make sure your dog isn’t running to your trash can after you start a teeth-brushing routine. Stopping the behavior followed by regular brushings can be an effective way to improve the situation long-term.

Tip #4: Get Your Dog a Physical
In most cases, bad breath is the result of easy-to-diagnose issues. Eating unhealthy foods and poor oral hygiene routines are often to blame. However, some dogs have bad breath because of underlying medical conditions.

According to the American Kennel Club, liver disease, kidney dysfunction, and diabetes are frequently associated with bad breath in dogs. If you’re concerned your dog may be living with an undiagnosed health condition, please speak with their veterinarian for a proper examination.

Getting a physical annually is a great way to make sure your dog is healthy. By getting regular physicals, you can catch dangerous health conditions early and start treatment before they progress.

Tip #5: Use Breath-Freshening Drops
Oftentimes, stores sell dog toothpaste alongside breath-freshening drops for their water. These drops are safe and effective – simply squeeze the recommended amount into your dog’s water bowl and enjoy their fresher breath.
It’s best to use breath-freshening drops alongside regular brushings. On their own, they won’t combat powerful oral odors. In combination with the other recommendations on this list, they’re a great way to keep your dog’s breath smelling great throughout the day.

Final Thoughts
Managing your dog’s bad breath can feel frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be challenging. With a few simple strategies, you can improve your dog’s oral hygiene and freshen their breath long-term.