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7 Natural Remedies for Your Dog's Bad Breath

For dog lovers, almost nothing can beat kisses from man’s best friend... unless that love is accompanied by bad dog breath. But stinky dog breath doesn’t just get in the way of puppy snuggles, it can often be a sign that your dog has canine dental disease.

Canine dental disease affects nearly 90% of dogs over the age of 3. While dogs do not get cavities like us, they do suffer from plaque, tartar build-up, and gingivitis. Bacteria can then get trapped under their gums and travel to their heart, liver, and kidneys.

As February is National Pet Dental Health Month, here are some tips and tricks to help keep your dog’s teeth and mouth healthy and banish stinky dog breath once and for all!


Brush his teeth every week.

You don’t need to get your dog his own electric toothbrush to keep his teeth clean. Even scrubbing paste on his teeth with the tip of your finger will reduce plaque and tartar dramatically.Your local pet shop and favorite online retailers sell special canine toothpaste in a variety of puppy-friendly flavors. But with a few pantry staples, you can make your own for a fraction of the price. Combine 1 part bouillon granules, 1 part dried parsley or mint, 1/2 part salt, and 6 parts baking soda in small bowl. Gradually stir in 1 part water to form a paste. It is recommended to let your dog taste any toothpaste before you stick your finger in his mouth to start scrubbing.

*Steer clear of toothpaste with fluoride. The level of fluoride in human toothpaste can be toxic to dogs and, in larger amounts, can causing vomiting and kidney damage.


Give her veggies and fruits as a snack.

Crisp veggies and fruits like carrots and apples naturally rub away plaque and tartar build-up as your pup crunches. Keep it to a couple wedges of apple or slices of carrots a day. These fruits and veggies have a lot of natural sugars that are not good for her in large amounts.

 

Keep him hydrated.

Similar to humans, his dry mouth is a stinky mouth. Encourage him to drink water by keeping his water bowl clean and filled with fresh water. A dirty water bowl is a breeding ground for bacteria.Consider adding a lemon wedge or 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to his water whenever you refill it. The acidity will help to break down plaque and tartar.


Add herbs to her meals.

Fresh parsley is full of chlorophyll which can temporarily neutralize bad breath odors. Putting a few sprigs in her bowl with meals will give her breath a grassy, fresh smell. You could also try adding a few mint springs, as well.


Incorporate probiotics into his diet.

Dogs that suffer from digestive upset often have terrible breath. Probiotics have been found to improve digestion. A tablespoon or two of plain yogurt with a daily meal can balance out intestinal enzymes and reduce bad breath. Be sure to stick with plain yogurt. Fruited yogurts contain too much sugar. Sugar substitutes, such as xylitol, are also to be avoided as they are toxic to dogs.Be aware, like humans, some dogs suffer from lactose intolerance.


Feed her dental health treats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


dental chewsFeed her dental health treats.Your local pet shop or favorite online retailer will have a large selection of treats specially designed to help keep your dog’s teeth clean. These treats have a semi-firm texture that “wraps” around her teeth as she chews, sloughing off plaque and tartar. It is important to buy these treats in a size that is appropriate for your dog. They can be a choking hazard if not sized properly. Eager eaters may gulp and choke on a dental health treat that is too small.

Keep him well stocked with chew toys.

Not only will your dog have a grand time gnawing on a chew toy but his teeth will get a wonderful scrub down. Some owners prefer to give their dogs meat bones and rawhide. If you choose this route, please remember to monitor your dog while they are chewing. Dogs can choke if a piece of bone or rawhide breaks off while they are gnawing. Also, never give your dog chicken bones. Chicken bones are very weak and prone to breaking. Chicken bone shards can cut your dog’s throat and stomach if swallowed.


All of these remedies can help keep bad doggy breath at bay, but remember, the best thing you can do to keep your dog’s mouth healthy is to have a veterinarian clean his teeth once a year.

Let Pupaholic's natural dental chews by Greenies help keep your dog's smile shiny and bright.