What can I do to improve my dog's breath?

Question

I have a 5 month old dog, who has terrible breath. His teeth are beautiful and not in need of cleaning. What can I do to improve his breath odor?

Answer 1

We've had good luck with a product called Dental Fresh, available at Petco and Petsmart, combined with a very occasional brushing. Just add a capful of Dental Fresh whenever you fill your dog's water bowl. Petco sells another similar product - don't remember the name - but be sure to get Dental Fresh, because the other foams up when you put water in the bowl and the dogs won't drink it. Your vet will also have several similar products available, but Dental Fresh seems to work just as well and is a bit more economical.

Answer 2

You need to brush his teeth. Although it does not look like they are dirty, plaque IS building up causing the stench. I advise brushing weekly. If the dog doesn't like his mouth touched. Start by touching the dogs face dailing. Then gradually progressing to touching his lips, teeth, then tongue. I'm a Guide Dog Raiser and I've been brushing Tevin's teeth weekly for a year now. He even lets his mouth hang open!! Although he hated it at first. He had puppy breath for the Loooongest time. And now he has a faint doggy breath smell, but its not horrible.

They also sell mints for dogs.

Answer 3

It's unusual for a pup that young to have terrible breath. Have the vet check him for any gastro-intestinal or other physical issues before trying to just treat the breath.

If there's no physical reason for his breath, it may be that when you aren't looking he's eating stool. Keep the backyard picked up and go out with him to pick up after him immediately after he has a bowel movement. (Many dogs do this, puppies usually grow out of it)

You can dice up some fresh parsley and put it over his food.
If his teeth are brilliant white, as puppy teeth should be, the breath problem is from his stomach, not his mouth. Just like in humans, fresh parsley tends to help the breath.

It may in fact be the food. Again, like with humans, some food just disagrees with your system and causes awful breath, not to mention a bad taste in your mouth. If you're feeding him canned food, switch to dry. It's healthier for them and he'll be drinking more fresh water, which will help flush his system. (Canned food is seriously high in water content, so the animal isn't as thirsty, but it supplants the intake of clear fresh water, which isn't good.)

If he's already on dry, try changing - gradually, over 4-5 days - the formula. For example, if he's on Beef, change to chicken. If his breath doesn't get better, try lamb & rice or the salmon & sweet potato.
HOWEVER:
If he's on a really cheap dry, like Ol' Roy, buck up and get him a better quality food. Ol' Roy is better than starving, but it's not a healthy diet and has too much grain and filler. Like you eating cupcakes exclusively for the rest of your life. Which would be very short. Look for a food where meat is the first ingredient. For high quality at low cost, call around to the feed stores in your area to see who carries Premium Edge Puppy. It's an excellent food and actually costs less than some of the bargain brands.


The breath treats and chews advised here are just temporary measures. They're nice if Aunt Sally comes over and you don't want her to pass out if your dog licks her, but in the long run they aren't going to help (and are expensive!)

Good luck! Nothing worse than not being able to kiss a puppy face!!

Answer 4

Give him some doggy breath mints. They are sold at any pet store but I actually get mine at Wal mart and they are alot cheaper there. They mask the odor for a little while so that's better then nothing.

Answer 5

The same thing happens to my dogs. There is such a thing as dog breath cookies. We have to get them at the grocery store all the time. But they are not always there. And... They Work.

Answer 6

Yap Yap dog mints. Well at least thats what I use when I dont have time for brushing and my 2 dogs think there treats.

Answer 7

I got this sample from friend about month ago, I am happy with it. It's call 'Pet oral hygiene solution' by Oxyfresh. You just add this to drinking water. It actually work as it said.

Answer 8

You shouldn't be smelling his breath, but okay, I guess you can start by not letting him eat poop. It's not very nutritious. Also, once he's thrown up his food, dont' let him eat it again. Then maybe you can enjoy your dogs breath when you've got your face next to his. Good luck!

Answer 9

Do not allow him to scavenge or search food from the garbage bin. Instead, give him dog foods and fresh milk.

Answer 10

Brush it's teeth. or, they sell a certain type of doffy breath spray.