How to Stop Bad Dog Breath

As a dog ages, bad dog breath -- also called halitosis -- becomes a frequent malady that pet owners encounter. Since certain cancers, kidney failure, diabetes, gastrointestinal upset and periodontal disease result in bad breath, dog owners need to seek a veterinary diagnosis and treatment when bad breath occurs. When the vet finds periodontal disease in your dog's mouth, learning how to kill the bacteria causing it helps your dog smell and feel better.

Things You'll Need

  • Canine toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Hard kibble and treats
  • Activated charcoal doggy biscuits
  • Dental chews and/or chew toys
  • Dental vaccine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Allow your veterinarian to regularly clean your dog's teeth. While in the clinic, your pet will be anesthetized so that the vet can closely examine its teeth and gums, probe for any pockets or abscesses, and remove all of the tartar and bacteria that is the origin of the bad breath. Your vet will also pull any loose or broken teeth at this time.

    • 2

      Brush your dog's teeth at home daily. You can purchase a canine toothbrush and toothpaste at the pet store or your vet clinic. Do not use human toothpaste as it contains chemicals that may cause your pet gastrointestinal upset.

    • 3

      Feed your pet hard kibble and treats such as baby carrots or raw apple. The hard food scrapes off the plaque and bacteria causing halitosis that accumulates on teeth.

    • 4

      Purchase dental chews or chew toys for your pet to gnaw on during the day. Besides removing plaque, dental chews often contain special flavors to alleviate bad breath.

    • 5

      Allow your veterinarian to inoculate your dog with the porphyromonas vaccine. Approved in 2008 by the Federal Drug Administration for use in canines, the vaccine kills the bacterium that causes the plaque leading to periodontal disease and halitosis. You can make this a part of your dog's annual vaccination schedule.

    • 6

      Give your dog canine biscuits containing activated charcoal. The activated charcoal binds and absorbs the bad breath odors caused by eating the wrong kinds of food. Don't feed more than one or two per day as the charcoal can also bind to vital nutrients.