How to Freshen Your Dog's Breath

If your dog has chronic bad breath, a visit to the vet may be necessary to check up on your dog's dental health. Sometimes bad breath is not only caused by unhealthy gums or tooth decay, but can also be a sign of other infections. However, if your pooch just suffers from "doggie breath" occasionally or after mealtimes, one or several of these suggestions may do the trick.

Things You'll Need

  • Raw bones
  • Dry bones
  • Greenies or treats with mints
  • Mouthwash
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Dog breath spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Regularly brush your dog's teeth. Do this at least once a day. Canine toothpastes are flavored with chicken or and other flavors attractive to dogs, so your dog probably won't complain. Rinse your dog's mouth well after each brushing and you'll see a big difference in a couple of days.

    • 2

      Buy a mouthwash for your dog, although this can be harder to apply than toothpaste. Look for one that comes in a spray bottle. Mouthwashes that are formulated to keep your dog's gums healthy can treat one likely cause of bad breath.

    • 3

      Give your dog treats that are flavored with breath mints.

    • 4

      Have your dog chew rawhide to prevent tartar buildup. Make sure to monitor this closely to prevent choking. Chewing on raw bones and dry bones also prevents tartar. Avoid giving your dog cooked bones, as they tend to splinter, which can cause injury and choking.

    • 5

      Consider dental toys. Have your dog chew on dental toys that have built-in toothbrushes to help keep his teeth clean and healthy. Also, regularly wash any toys he chews on. The germs from dirty toys can cause gum disease, causing bad breath.