Best Dog Breath Freshner

Everyone loves their dog. What they don’t love is bad doggie breath (frequent for more hounds than others). It’s not fun getting you face licked by a foul smelling tongue. Puppy kisses are definitely not as good when your dog’s breath is awful. Here are some tips on dealing with it.

Remember, it’s something that dog’s can’t control of their own. So don’t blame your hound. It’s part of the responsibility of dog ownership and most dog owners had to deal with it at some point. 

Fortunately, the pet industry has been quite inventive in developing products that deal with the problem. The range of products include everything from sprays, treats, licking sticks, to water additives to keep the breath fresh. This variety of methods means that there is a method out there – even for the pickiest dog.

Additionally, if you have some time on your hands you can make your own. There are lots of recipes available in books and on various websites. Many of them use ingredients such as paisley and mint, which are all natural yet still smell good.

However, it is important to know that bad breathe can be an indicator of an unhealthy mouth with a much larger health issue. This can often lead to costly veterinarian bills if you’re not careful. We’re just mentioning it now to be safe.

How does this happen? Leftover food in a dog’s mouth (which is warm and moist)  create the perfect environment to grow bacteria. This bad hygiene leads to dental issues like tartar build up, gum disease and plaque. Many dog owners use cheap food, which uses animal by products and unnecessary fillers.

If this growth in bacteria is not dealt with, it will inevitably lead to serious dental issues. Your dog can develop a coat of plaque. Their teeth will become discolored and the plaque will become tartar.

What is tartar? It’s a hard material that will eat away at the enamel of your dog’s teeth. It smells terrible.

Periodontal disease causes the root of your dog’s teeth to become weed. The gum line begins to recede and bacteria can go in the bone anchoring.

Not to worry you too much, but the disease has various stages and if dealt with early on is less of an issue. The longer it goes on, the worse it gets. Eventually your poor dog might get abscesses, bone loss anymore. Advanced stages requires extraction and the bacteria could affect organs of the body.

The thing you can notice most about this disease is the smell. It smells like sulfur and rotten eggs. Sometimes you can even smell it across the room.

At 3 years of age, most dogs have some evidence of the disease.  It’s good to get your dog’s teeth analyzed every year.

So lets say its a less serious of an issue and it’s just bad breathe. What are your options?

You can start with dental treats. Most of them have ingredients that naturally fight off bacteria. As your dog chews on them, they clean your dog’s teeth. It’ll give your dog’s breath a minty fresh taste that will also fight disease.

The other “refresher” option is tooth brushes. This might seem silly at first but if humans do it why not dogs? It will remove the natural build up of plaque and take down bacteria levels. You have the option of using a natural toothpaste. Try brushing at least once a week as periodic brushing Is important. Some veterinarians recommend daily brushing.

There are also foods that help with foul smelling breathe. Parsley is one, the benefit is there because of its sky high chlorophyll. It is a natural breathe freshener. A small amount in the mouth can make a huge difference.

Wheat grass is another option. Once again, lots of chlorophyll with this ingredient. Not only that, but there are lots of vitamins and nutrients present. You can even grow wheatgrass in your home. This will save you money.

Lastly, try coconut oil. Your dog will probably think its delicious as there is lot of flavor. Try one teaspoon for every ten pounds of body weight.

Water additives are another option. What’s great is that you can just add it to your dog’s water bowl and they won’t even notice. It’s highly diluted so they won’t taste the change that much.

A spray can provide a boost of freshness. Just open your dog’s mouth and spray a couple of times.

On this page we will present the best in each category.

Dog Breath Freshners

VetIQ Minties Dog Dental Bone Treats, Dental Chews for Dogs

These dental chews are an “Amazon’s Choice”.

There is no wheat, corn or soy or added sugars or salts. Included are high quality ingredients such as fennel dill, alfalfa, parsley and peppermint. It is gluten free. The treat, with its unique shape and texture, will clean your dog’s teeth and keep them healthy.

Not only that, but it will promote overall oral health, freshen your hound’s breathe and help control plaque and tartar. The dried alfalfa is a source of chlorophyll and the the cholecalciferol is a source of vitamin D3. The dill & fennel helps control bacteria. The mint provides a minty breath freshener. The parsley is to break down odor causing particles in your dog’s stomach.

Please note the manufacturer does not claim it would eliminate the need for brushing. 

VetSmart Formulas Dog Breath Freshener

Just a few sprays are needed. There aren’t any harsh chemicals or alcohol. Aloe vera is there to sooth and has a great taste that any dog will love. It will stop the build-up of tartar and plaque (which are sources of bad breathe, tooth decay and oral disease.)

It is veterinarian recommended. Oral disease starts at an early age, so excellent mouth care is very important to prevent dental disease and tooth loss.

All ingredients are completely safe. There are no artificial ingredients, flavors or colors. There is no soy wheat. There is no drug-drug reactions with most prescription medications. It has USA-made quality and is made in FDA (Federal Drug Administration) facilities that use current good manufacturing practices (cGMP).

It is extremely easy to use and very effective. No brushing is required. There are no unwanted side effects. It does not damage the enamel. All you have to do is spray it on your hound’s teeth.

What are some of the ingredients?

Aloe Vera – it’s been used for centuries all over the globe as a medicinal plant. It naturally heals and fights infections. It helps to reduce plaque and soothes small oral irritations.

Peppermint – Obviously, this is herb is known for its refreshing smell and is used to fight bad breathe. But it also has omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Through the latest medical research, it’s been found that it also helps prevent oral disease.

Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and helps prevent tooth decay.

Natural honey is useful in the treatment of some oral diseases (such as gingivitis). It helps prevent tooth decay. There is an active ingredient that can reduce oral inflammation.

Oxyfresh Premium Pet Dental Care Solution

All you have to do with this bottle is add some liquid to the water bowl of your hound. The liquid is quite concentrated. The recommended ratio is one full cap per 1 liter of water. Sensitive pets should start with a half dose and then gradually increased to a full dose.

The Oxygene formula is patented and also works for other types animals (such as cats and birds) if you have them in your household. It cleans the teeth and gums of your dog and help fight periodontal disease. Gum tissue this strengthened. It is recommended by veterinarians everywhere.

What makes this solution great is how hassle free it is. All you have to do is add it to water. No need to brush. It’s odorless and tasteless as well, so your puppy won’t even notice.

It is made in the United States.

Arm and Hammer Advanced Care Dental Spray/Fresh Breath and Whitening for Dogs

Arm and Hammer has been a trusted brand for over 100 years. They also make high quality baking soda and toothpaste for humans – you’ve probably seen them in the grocery store. They are known for quality and they bring this prowess to their pet products.

This dental spray is for dogs. It gets rid of bad breathe and helps protect your hound’s teeth.

It is formulated with natural ingredients. Your dog’s mouth will be left with a nice mint scent.

With this particular spray, you will need to spray directly onto your hound’s teeth and gums. 1-2 pumps per side will be good. If you want the best results, don’t let your pet drink or eat for one hour after application.

This product has a satisfaction guarantee.

Virbac CET Vanilla/Mint Toothpaste

This CET toothpaste can be used by both dogs and cats for natural antibacterial force and slow down the formation of plaque.

It helps stop bad smelling doggie breathe. There are no foaming agents.

One thing different between human toothpaste and this pet toothpaste is that it is designed to be swallowed.

You do not have to rinse your pet’s mouth after application.

Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs, Helps Reduce Tartar and Plaque Buildup, Poultry Flavor

This dog toothpaste is perfect for reducing plaque and inhibiting tartar formation.

It contains patented enzymes that doesn’t foam and doesn’t require rinsing (your dog can just swallow the toothpaste).

One of its primary uses is fighting bad doggie breath.

It comes in a delectable poultry flavor that your dog will love.

It should be used 2-3 times a week, ideally with a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for pets.