Has your dog’s breath started to take you by surprise? Getting in the way of cuddles? If you’d like to know how to improve your dog’s breath, today we talk about common causes of dog halitosis, how to treat it and when you should see a vet, plus practical tips to help you achieve fresh dog breath at home.
What causes bad breath in dogs
The number one cause of bad breath in dogs (or halitosis, the medical term) is plaque and tartar build-up, which occurs naturally when food particles and bacteria remain in the mouth. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, leading to dental disease: one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in dogs. In fact, a large UK study found that around 12.5% of dogs were diagnosed with periodontal disease within a single year.
The good news is that plaque build-up is easy to prevent with the right care, and we’ll cover how shortly. With consistent dental care, bad dog breath is usually very manageable, and often completely preventable.
Other causes of bad breath
A fishy, foul smell in dogs’ breath can also be a sign of:
- Food stuck in your dog’s teeth
- Infections in the mouth or throat
- Digestive issues
- An underlying health condition such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver problems or oral cancer
But remember, these conditions are much less frequent, so don’t be alarmed by the thought of them.
When you should see your vet
While occasional bad breath is totally normal, if your dog has persistent, strong, bad breath and/or symptoms such as yellow or brown teeth, excessive drooling, bleeding gums or loss of appetite, it’s important you make an appointment with your vet. Even in mild cases of dental disease, professional teeth cleaning (where they scrape tartar off your pet’s teeth with a special tool) can prevent it from escalating into a more serious issue. So there is hope.
Treating bad breath naturally
The most effective way to prevent and manage bad breath is by brushing your dog’s teeth daily using a dog toothbrush and toothpaste. But while the concept is simple, we know this can be hard at first. To get started:
- Introduce a dog toothpaste as a treat
- Gradually move on to using it with a dog toothbrush once a week
- Increase the frequency to once a day, or as close as possible
- Seaweed-based powders like PlaqueOff and natural dental chews such as Pedigree Dentastix or Lily’s Kitchen Woofbrush can also improve dental health, but always in addition to brushing.
If your goal is fresh dog breath, combining brushing with additional dog dental care can significantly improve results.
Choosing the right dog toothpaste
Always use a toothpaste designed for dogs, as these have safe ingredients your dog can swallow. Enzymatic dog toothpaste, such as Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste and Logic Oral Hygiene Gel, is particularly effective because the enzymes help dissolve plaque. Some are flavoured, which can make them more appealing to dogs. Never use human toothpaste, as it contains fluoride, which is toxic for pets.
How often you should use dental products
Consistency is key here, so it’s important to create a routine around your dog’s dental care.
- Brushing: Daily is ideal. If not possible, aim for several times per week.
- Dental chews, powders and water additives: Usually daily, but always follow your product’s feeding guidelines.
A consistent routine helps prevent plaque from forming in the first place, which is easier (and less costly) than treating dental disease. Remember patience is key when trying to establish any routine. After all, brushing once a week is better than not brushing at all.
Vet recommendations for dental care
Brushing your dog’s teeth daily remains vets’ top recommendation for dental health, with enzymatic toothpaste and PlaqueOff as additional tried-and-trusted vet-recommended products.
Another common vet-recommended supplement is Virbac Vet Aquadent, which is mixed in with your dog’s water to help dissolve plaque. In some cases, vets will recommend a specialised dog dental diet, like Hill’s Prescription Diet Dental Care t/d.
Closing thoughts: Are dogs really meant to have their teeth brushed?
You may be thinking: Did nature intend for pets to have their teeth brushed? And the answer is “Probably not”. But you could say the same about humans.
As the single best thing you can do for your dog’s oral health, we promise you: brushing their teeth is worth a try. Not only will it improve your dog’s breath, it will also improve their quality of life.
