Dog breath is much like humans. Eating garlic, a bad bone or too much of plaque in teeth are liable to cause canine bad breath, much the same way as in humans. Some dogs are predisposed to have breath that is worse than others. Knowing a cure for dog breath can help in getting rid of a bad breath in dogs.
Dogs obviously cannot assume the responsibility of cleaning their own teeth. It is an essential part of grooming the pet and should be assumed by the owner as part of regular grooming. There are a fair number of commercial products that are available in the market that have been launched to address the problem of an offensive smell in dog breath. Natural dog breath fresheners, breath-freshening strips that dissolve in the mouth, mints and toothpastes meant specifically for canines are some such products. You can also find dog oral breath sprays for young dogs that have not learned to accept a toothbrush as yet. There are, however, certain home remedies that may be useful in addressing the problem.
- Bad breath in dogs is sometimes a simple matter of change in diet. If a change in the brand of dog food has suddenly resulted in bad breath in your dog, consider switching to another brand. Hard dog foods are better for your dog’s teeth and overall dental care.
- Dog breath can also be improved if you give him a hard clean bone to chew. Make it a regular feature and give one to him periodically.
- Treats and bones cannot replace a healthy diet. A healthy and natural diet is also necessary for your dog’s overall health. A healthy diet is also helpful in avoiding certain metabolic diseases that can lead to bad breath.
- Puppies are more prone to develop bad breath when they are shedding ‘baby’ teeth. This is a transient condition and is better addressed by brushing with diluted baking soda.
- Yoghurt mixed with live cultures, raw carrots and raw turkey works wonder as oral care products for some dogs.
- Avoid giving your dog canned foods and leftovers from your table. Stick to a healthy diet, preferably home cooked, and exercise to keep your dog’s digestive system in order.
- There are some home remedies that are used in the East for bad breath in humans. Extract of Neem leaves (Azadirachta Indica or Melia Azadirachta) or coriander leaves can be used for canines too. These can be used as toothpaste or added to their water to get rid of bad breath.
The best way to remove bad breath, however, is through proper dental care. Clean your dog’s teeth regularly and remove food particles that may get stuck between teeth. Dental diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis that are mainly caused by lack of dental care are the most common cause of bad breath in canines and proper dental care can help in avoiding any such condition.