Many pet owners look for home remedies to help with their dog’s breath odor. However, persistent or severe bad breath can be a sign of dental disease or another health problem. If your dog has ongoing bad breath, a veterinarian can identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Addressing the cause is the most effective way to improve your dog’s breath.
That said, there are several simple steps you can take at home to help keep your dog’s mouth healthy and their breath fresher.
11 Dog Bad Breath Home Remedies
If your veterinarian examines your dog and determines their bad breath isn’t related to an underlying medical issue, you can see if these home remedies do the trick:
Fresh Herbs
Fresh cut mint or parsley can help freshen breath. Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon to your dog’s food daily. You can also make herbal tea by mixing 1 tablespoon of fresh cut herbs with 1 cup of hot water.
Allow it to simmer then cool. Refrigerate and store in a sealed container. Add 1 teaspoon of this tea to your dog’s fresh water daily.
Coriander
Coriander is a green leafy herb that can help fight canine bad breath. You can add a small amount of chopped coriander to your dog’s food or create a tea.
To make this home remedy, add three coriander leaves to one cup of hot water. Add 1 teaspoon to your dog’s fresh clean water once daily. Continue this for one week and repeat as needed.
Brush Those Teeth
A great way to treat bad breath is to prevent it by brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis. This is the best way to help prevent tartar from sticking to the teeth. All you need is a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a cooperative dog!
Make a DIY Toothbrushing Kit
Some dog owners make their own dental toothbrush kit using soft gauze wrapped around their finger for the brush and a paste of baking soda and water. This can work, but most dogs prefer flavored toothpaste made specifically for them.
Pick Your Dog’s Food with Care
Feed a high-quality dog diet formulated for your dog’s age and life stage. Poor quality foods made with inferior ingredients and preservatives can cause foul breath in dogs.
Water
Encourage your dog to drink by providing fresh clean water daily. Some dogs drink out of mud puddles or old smelly dishes with foul water.
Clean Their Dog Bowls
Consider not only what your dog eats but the bowls that they eat and drink from. Dirty bowls can harbor bacteria and odors that can lead to bad breath. Scrub your dog’s bowls at least weekly with mild soap and water and rinse well. Running the bowls through the dishwasher is another great way to get them clean.
Buy Chew Toys
Chew toys can help naturally scrape plaque and tartar from the teeth. Ensure the toy size is appropriate and durable for your dog. Toys too big or small can cause choking hazards.
Probiotics
Bad breath in dogs can be caused by digestive issues. Probiotics can help.
Probiotics are substances that stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestinal flora. They consist of live bacteria and yeasts, which can restore good bacteria and reestablish the right balance of intestinal flora. Learn more about using probiotics and prebiotics in dogs.
Apple Cider Vinegar
There are multiple benefits of apple cider vinegar including antibacterial and antiviral properties that can fight bad breath. The acidic properties help break down plaque and tartar. You can give your dog apple cider vinegar by adding ½ teaspoon to their water bowl. Do this for a week.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice, like apple cider vinegar, has acidic properties that help fight plaque and tartar. Make your own juice with a fresh lemon and water. You can combine a full lemon or the lemon peel with 1 cup of hot water. Cover, allow to cool, and refrigerate in a sealed container.
Add 1 teaspoon to your dog’s fresh clean water once daily. Continue this for one week.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can help remove the toxins responsible for bad breath. Add the following amount to their food: ¼ teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight once daily.
Limit Exposure to Waste Material
Prevent your dog’s exposure to trash, garbage, other animal feces, spoiled table scraps, compost piles, litter boxes, and/or dead animals.
When Not to Use a Home Remedy
If your dog has persistent bad breath, please see your veterinarian.
Your vet can look for an underlying cause of bad breath, such as gum disease or a tooth problem, and determine other treatment recommendations. More than anything, we want your dog to be healthy and safe.
We hope this article helps you identify home remedies for your dog’s breath.
