How To Cure Bad Breath In Dogs
Bad breath in dogs is no laughing matter and most dog owners have experienced a dog with foul breath at least once. Bad breath can be a symptom of underlying health issues so if your dog’s breath suddenly becomes stinky for more than a few days, you should inspect their teeth and gums for infection or injury and see your vet, if needed. The best way to eliminate bad breath in dogs is prevention of periodontal disease.
The symptoms of periodontal disease in dogs include:
- Inflamed and or Bleeding gums
- Stinky or fishy breath
- Excessive salivation
- Painful chewing
- Dropping food while eating
- Weight loss, loss of appetite
- Brown deposits on teeth
If your dog has periodontal disease, you’ll need to see a vet for treatment and possible extractions. Nutrition after treatment plays a major role in preventing the problem to reoccur as well as preventing bad dog breath in the first place.
Nutritional tips to healing periodontal disease in dogs include:
- High quality diet (I’ve noticed that freeze dried raw dog food does not stick to my dog’s teeth).
- Fresh liver twice a week (high in folate).
- Niacin and folate rich foods that will help repair the gums, such as dark leafy greens, broccoli, and asparagus.
- Eggs, raw or very lightly cooked organic, free range, hormone and antibiotic free.
- Bone meal for extra calcium and phosphorus.
- Raw hard vegetables like carrots.
Raw bones of the appropriate size for your dog (always watch your dog with a small bone and never feed a bone that is cooked, a choking hazard, or can be swallowed whole). Veterinarians have treatments that can be placed in drinking water to help prevent plaque buildup and if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s nutritional care, how much vitamins and minerals are required in your dog’s diet, you should seek the advice of your veterinarian or holistic dog nutritionist. You can also help prevent periodontal disease in dogs, freshen breath, and prevent plaque buildup by brushing your dog’s teeth. Pet stores sell toothbrushes just for this purpose and you can easily make your own dog toothpaste.
Dog toothpaste recipe:
- 6 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon unrefined raw coconut oil
- 3-4 teaspoons of beef (or chicken) broth for flavor
- Small sprig of chopped parsley
You should never use human toothpaste on your dog’s teeth. In your dog toothpaste, avoid harsh chemicals, fluoride treatments, artificial sweeteners (poisonous for dogs), and abrasive ingredients. Through proper nutrition, prevention, maintenance and treatment, your dog’s breath should improve so you will no longer have to endure the stench and the next time you hear someone say, “hey, dog breath,” it will be a compliment.
