How to Neutralize a Dog's Breath

A dog's breath is never fresh as a daisy, but a foul odor may be a sign of gum disease. Brushing your dog's teeth two or three times a week will help prevent plaque buildup that leads to gum disease and help neutralize bad breath. Performing periodic home mouth checks alerts you to problems before they become serious. Choosing the right food, treats and toys also promotes good oral health and keeps odors down.

  1. Home Mouth Check

    • Check your dog's gums for swelling, redness and bleeding. These symptoms indicate gingivitis, which causes bad breath and eventual tooth loss. Look for tumors and cysts on the gums and on the salivary glands under the tongue. If you find any of these symptoms, or if you aren't sure of what you see, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

    Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

    • Prepare your dog to have his teeth brushed: Massage his lips and gums with your finger for up to a minute once or twice a day until he is comfortable with the process. After the first week or two, put a little dog toothpaste on your finger to help him get used to the taste. When you feel he is ready, brush your dog's teeth using a toothbrush designed for canine teeth, or use a gauze-wrapped finger. Use small circular motions and cover as much area as the dog allows. Don't insist on brushing areas that the dog doesn't want brushed. Keep him comfortable with having his teeth brushed, even if it means you have to miss a few spots at first.

    Diet, Treats and Toys

    • Feeding your dog a good diet and avoiding table scraps goes a long way toward preventing bad breath. Special diets and treats formulated to promote dental health and reduce plaque will help, but keep in mind that treats designed to improve a dog's breath provide a temporary solution but don't treat underlying health problems. Hard chew toys help clean a dog's teeth as he chews, and they have the added benefit of reducing stress. If your dog isn't interested in hard toys, try spreading a small amount of peanut butter on the surface of the toy until the dog gets used to it. Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions about choosing the right products for your dog.

    Veterinary Care

    • A sudden change in your dog's breath may indicate an underlying health problem that needs the attention of a veterinarian. This is especially true if the dog's breath smells fruity or like urine. A foul odor accompanied by lack of appetite, vomiting or yellowing of the white parts of the eyes calls for an immediate visit to the vet.