6 Natural Tips for Bad Dog Breath

That nasty puppy breath is actually from bacterial growth in your dog’s mouth- the same bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease, tooth decay, and more serious health conditions.
 
Getting rid of the doggie breath gets rid of those unhealthy germs for a healthier, happier pup.

Did you know…
 
…bad breath is often the #1 sign of gum disease in dogs?
It’s true.
 
That smelly cloud coming from your dog’s mouth often means there’s a colony of disease-causing bacteria living and thriving inside your dog’s mouth.
 
And gum disease is nothing to joke about. Not only does it lead to dental pain and tooth decay, that infection can spread to other parts of your dog’s body, causing massive inflammation, sickness, and even death.
 
Heart disease, kidney failure and liver disease can develop from a seemingly simple gum infection… and the only way your dog has to tell you there’s a problem is with his stinky breath.


Here are Six Natural, Easy
Things You Can Do Right Now
To Prevent and Cure Bad Breath In Dogs.

1. Cut the Carbs
​
Fewer carbs and less sugars mean less food for mouth bacteria to thrive on. Sticky, gummy, sweet foods and grains can create places for mouth bacteria to cling in your dog’s mouth. Stick to a species-appropriate diet free of grains, fillers, and additives for fresher breath. Feeding your dog a raw food diet is one of the best ways to keep his or her mouth clean, healthy, and odor free. 

2. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Brushing your dog’s teeth can help him keep his mouth clean. He may balk at first, but you can help him learn to tolerate dental hygiene if you’re patient and keep up with a regular schedule. Training your dogs with treats can help make this process more fun by creating a positive association with dental care. Every time your bring out the dental care supplies, they know yummy treats are coming. Your dog will learn, over time, that getting his mouth cleaned means he gets yummy treats and a belly rub.

3. Close the Toilet Lid
​
Yep, something as simple as developing a habit of keeping the lid down can prevent the dreaded toilet mouth in dogs. For larger dogs, you may have to place something on top of the lid to keep them from nosing it open, like a laundry hamper, trash can, or a gallon of water (with the lid tightly on). After a while, he’ll learn to look for his cool drinks elsewhere and (hopefully) stop bothering the toilet. Child locks meant to keep toddlers out of the toilet can be helpful if you have a particularly crafty dog (or a cat, who doesn’t care about putting the lid back down when he’s done playing in the water).

​4. Give a Dog a Bone
​
Well, not really, but a chewy bone works well to help your dog clean his teeth naturally. Some veterinarians don’t recommend giving dogs bones at all, and veterinarians never condone giving your dog cooked bones as they splinter easily and can puncture your dog’s digestive system. Instead, find a hard, appropriate chew toy, like a hoof, or bully stick, to help your dog rid his mouth of food particles and bacteria on his own. Yak cheese chews and those designed specifically for dental care can be helpful. Just be sure to research any chew or bone you give your dog before purchasing. Each has its own risks and should be chosen with care.

​5. Use a Breath Spray, Foam, or Water Additives for Dogs

There are lots of doggie breath sprays on the market to help freshen your dog’s breath, but we like TruDog’s SPRAY ME. It’s all-natural and binds with your dog’s saliva to get in those hard to reach places. The scent is pleasing and the dogs don’t seem to mind the taste. Plus, it’s easy to spray and go, so there’s less wrestling around and fewer up-close and personal encounters with that doggie breath. If brushing is a chore and dental cleanings every six months aren’t an option for your dog, try SPRAY ME to fight gingivitis and bad doggie breath at home.

​There are also foams and water additives, like those from Tropiclean, that can also help with oral hygiene maintenance. Just be sure, when using foams, gels or sprays, to allow 15-20 minutes to work. This means no food or water for the duration. The water additives, on the other hand, are meant to work at a lower concentration.

6. Feed Raw or Add Enzymes and Probiotics to Their Diet

To help rid your dog of bad breath faster, try switching to a raw diet for dogs and/or add dog probiotics. Plaque is just another unhealthy bacteria that feeds on sugar. So, adding enzymes and probiotics to the diet can help to break down any sugars/starches and rebalance the body's flora. Raw foods actually contain natural enzymes and very few starches, so such a diet can completely resolve oral hygiene issues just as it would in nature.

Rebalancing your dog’s digestive enzymes and eliminating the largest source of tartar (carbs and sugars in regular kibbles), your dog’s body will be able to fight off any existing gingivitis faster. Plus, some allergies and digestive imbalances exhibit symptoms like belching and bad breath. These are often corrected with a high-quality protein source raw food and additional digestive enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotics necessary for proper digestion to take place.

​Caring for your dog’s bad breath can help him live longer by preventing complications from periodontal disease, and avoiding tooth decay and loss.

But your dog still needs regular teeth cleanings performed by a professional.
Ask your veterinarian about scheduling an oral hygiene visit for your dog. 

​Although, regular dental care at home can significantly reduce the number of dental cleanings your dog will have to undergo in his or her lifetime.

That means less anesthesia, less risk, and less cost.