Refreshingly natural remedies for bad dog breath

Updated 02/09/2024

Bad dog breath is one of the only flaws to our perfect pooches. Halitosis in dogs is a common cause of complaints from canine carers, so is there any way to deal with bad breath in dogs at home? Is there such a thing as a natural dog bad breath remedy?

Hold your noses, we’re going to help you sniff out some of the best dog bad breath home remedy ideas that are known to be safe and dog-friendly. However, please always talk to your vet first before adding anything new to your doggy’s diet or routine. While something may be considered safe on the internet, your pup’s tummy may not tolerate some of the options below, so always approach these with caution.

An expert’s opinion on bad dog breath

We spoke to Dr Marc Abraham OBE - multi-award-winning veterinarian, author, broadcaster, and animal welfare campaigner - over on our community forum about halitosis in dogs. 

Take a look below to explore what he has to say about the causes of stinky dog breath, and what can be done about it.

“Stinky breath, or ‘halitosis’ as it’s often called, can be an indicator of a few kinds of disease, often serious. Firstly, the most obvious reason would be dental issues in your dog’s mouth, usually from bad teeth and gums (periodontal disease) requiring possible extraction and scaling and polishing. 

Secondly, issues maybe further along the gut, such as an imbalanced microbiome, can be caused by too many harmful bacteria or not enough beneficial bacteria, which would normally be accompanied by gastrointestinal signs like losing weight, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, even abdominal pain and swelling. 

These symptoms would also usually be seen in cases of kidney and liver disease, because the organs aren’t filtering and processing waste and toxins properly. In all cases, if you suspect a problem then see your vet ASAP so they can investigate, examine, and treat as necessary.”

What causes bad breath in dogs?

Bad dog breath can be caused by lots of different things. Sometimes they enjoy sampling unsavory sidewalk snacks (you don’t need us to spell this out for you) which can make a pooch pong. Other times, it can be something to do with your dog’s oral hygiene. Common problems like periodontal disease (aka gum disease) can make bad dog breath seem like an understatement.

Sadly, halitosis in dogs can be a sign of something more serious. Any and all dog bad breath should be talked about with your vet as soon as you notice it. At the very least, they’ll be able to help choose a dog breath freshener.

Is bad breath in dogs a sign of illness?

It can be, yes. While very few doggos will be winning an award for best barking breath, there can be a distinct difference between general dog breath and bad dog breath: a sign of health problems relating to the gums or teeth. A sudden change in oral odor can be a symptom of something dental-related from a build-up of plaque and tartar, or it could even be a sign of ill health related to kidney problems.

Always take your pup to the vet if you notice any changes in their smell or appearance. Similarly, if you’re unsure what your dog’s breath should ‘normally’ smell like, be sure to contact your vet for advice.

Safe, natural remedies for bad dog breath

Never give your dog something new to eat without talking with their vet first. Sudden changes in diets can upset a doggo’s tummy and make them very unwell. If you’re keen to help improve your dog’s bad breath, suggest some of these natural remedies below to your vet and see what they say. While some fruits and vegetables are generally considered safe for dogs, there are a few that can cause serious health issues.

Carrot and apple snacks

Both carrot sticks and apple slices are considered some of the safest human foods for pups. Not only are they rich in vitamins and minerals to keep your hound healthy, but they’re also great chew toys. In fact, carrots are ideal for teething puppies. Talk to your vet to see if you can swap out your store-bought snacks for these natural teeth-cleaning veggies.

Coconut oil

Coconuts and coconut oil are generally considered non-toxic to dogs but always check with your vet first. Coconut oil in particular is known to have a range of health benefits and can be used as a dog nose moisturizer, coat glosser, and even used in bad dog breath home remedies. Just remember coconut oil is very high in fat so should be avoided in pets who are on a weight loss plan, or have medical conditions such as diabetes.

Apple cider vinegar

Just a small splash of raw apple cider vinegar in your dog’s food or water can eradicate even the most stubborn of smells. Apple cider vinegar has been used by humans to treat everything from our own bad breath, improve digestion, and even make our hair shinier; luckily, in small doses, it may do the same for dogs!

A pinch of parsley

First off, make sure it’s curly leaf parsley and not spring parsley, the latter is toxic to doggos. The former, however, is rich in antioxidants and is great for their tummies and livers, as well as a great way to tackle stinky, stinky bad dog breath. A very small pinch of parsley in their food or water bowls can act as a good natural dog breath freshener.

Fresh mint leaves

And we mean fresh mint leaves from a living plant, not a piece of chewing gum! While chewing gum works great for us humans, it’s very toxic to dogs, so please keep it as far away from them as possible. Mint leaves, however, are normally regarded as dog-safe in small quantities. Either add a couple of small leaves on top of their food or even rub leaves on their teeth and gums. Mint is paw-some for digestion and inflammation, but make sure you talk to your vet first beforehand.

How can you prevent bad dog breath?

Regular teeth cleaning can make a big difference to doggy oral hygieneoral hygiene. oral hygiene. The VCA recommends polishing your pup’s pearly whites about three times a week, but some pooches may need their teeth scrubbed every day. DIY doggy toothbrushes made from pieces of gauze wrapped around your finger can work just fine to reduce plaque and tartar build-up.

Talk to your vet and make sure you make their regular check-up appointments. Spotting an oral hygiene issue early can save your pup a lot of pain and reduce the chances of your pup needing teeth removed at an early age. Let your vet know what’s in your dog’s food, any changes in diet, and if they have any tips for preventing problems that can lead to bad breath in dogs.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Do you have your own tried and tested remedies for halitosis in dogs? Head to our Community Forum to connect with other pup parents to share your pearls of wisdom and spread the love. While you’re there, why not also look at all the local dog sitters near you to find the perfect person to pet-sit your pooch?