Does your dog have bad breath? There are many possible reasons why our dog develops halitosis. It could be our failure to brush their teeth or an underlying illness that needs treatment. But if health issues are ruled out, you can give your doggo the best dog treats for bad breath. It will keep the bad breath away while giving them something to happily chew on.
Although you doggo still deserve your TLC even if their mouth stinks, it’s your responsibility as the dog owner to fix the problem. If not, it may branch out into a serious condition that will cost thousands of dollars in treatment.
Just like humans, our dogs can suffer from various dental problems like gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. All of which can cause bad breath.
What causes bad breath among dogs?
The causes of bad breath in dogs can range from simple food deposits to kidney problems. Whatever it is, the cause of bad breath should be removed or treated. Remember, your dog’s breath will say a lot about its health condition.
Never dismiss bad breath in your dog as a mere case of a failure to brush the teeth. For your doggo’s welfare, it’s best to rule out the following possibilities:
Bad oral hygiene
How often do you brush your dog’s teeth? Once a month? Once a week? Or never? Like humans, the inability to brush a dog’s teeth can lead to periodontal disease and the formation of plaque. When this lingers, it can build up an awful smell.
For dogs that aren’t as chewers as Pitbulls, it’s important to check their mouth once in a while. If you spot any tooth decay, send the pooch to the vet to get it treated.
If you don’t, the bad breath will worsen to the point that it will smell like rotting garbage. Not an exaggeration here, just the truth based on my personal experience.
Kidney disease
If your dog’s breath has a metal scent to it or a smell of poop, there’s a chance that the canine has kidney problems. A pee-smelling breath also indicates serious kidney disease.
Such a condition requires immediate attention from a veterinarian. Also, the smell won’t go away no matter how hard you brush or give your dog dental treats.
Poor dietary habits
Dogs chew on things, especially if you leave them outside. It includes trash, grass, soil, and god knows what. This unsupervised snacking can make your dog’s breath stinky.
Just a tip: dogs tend to have an affinity to cat poop. If you have a feline at home, make sure that you dispose of its feces or your dog will find it as a handy meal.
Liver disease
If you notice that your dog’s breath is extremely foul which is followed by vomiting, send him to the vet right away. These are tell-tale signs of liver disease.
Dogs with liver disease will have a yellowish tinge on its gums including lack of appetite. This is an emergency situation and can threaten your pet’s life.
Diabetes
Is there a fruity or sweet smell to your pooch’s breath? Maybe he has eaten a fruit or a sweet treat earlier. But if not, you should consider the possibility of diabetes. Dogs with diabetes usually pee a lot and they will keep drinking water.
Don’t fret because this is a curable condition among dogs. Make sure that you talk to your vet about the treatment.
When to send your dog to the vet
I think almost any cause of bad breath that’s not treatable with brushing should be a case for a vet visit. Also, it will help prevent bad breath if you get your dog checked regularly.
Just don’t take chances, especially if the symptoms are pointing to a serious condition. As much as you can save money now, the price you have to pay for delaying treatment is much worse.
Treating bad breath
The first step to getting rid of that stinky breath is to understand the underlying cause. It always boils down to the culprit behind the horrendous smell.
In case your dog has a bad case of plaque, dental cleaning is long due for your pooch. It’s time to call the vet to schedule the procedure.
During the process, the vet may also remove decayed teeth and perform additional treatments. There might be additional sessions depending on the severity of the dental problem.
If your dog’s dental health is in tip-top shape, the next step is to track their exploits. If they keep rummaging through the garbage, you may need to place the bin out of their reach. The same goes for your cat’s litterbox.
When it comes to serious health problems like kidney disease, diabetes, and liver problems, only your vet can tell you what to do. For sure, your doggo will undergo tests and treatments for long periods.
Once all of these have been resolved, your dog’s breath should be free of the awful smell.
For more tips, here’s Dr. Jones with additional vet advice to treat your dog’s bad breath:
How to prevent bad breath in dogs
Even if your pooch isn’t exhibiting signs of bad breath, you should act to prevent it from happening in the future. The simplest and easiest way to keep halitosis away is regular brushing. Use a dog brush and special dog toothpaste for this. The rule of thumb is to brush your dog’s teeth once or twice a week. If you can manage it daily, it would be wonderful.
Always place a fresh bowl of water so your dog can wash its mouth in the process of drinking. Also, take the moment to have a whiff of your dog’s mouth. If something is off, you should take the necessary steps to fix the problem.
Remember that smaller dogs will need more dental care than large breeds. Since their teeth are closer together, tartar buildup is more prominent.
Overall, a balanced diet with the addition of best dog treats for bad breath will keep your dog’s breath fresh. You should keep a close monitor to your doggo to arrest any potential cause of bad breath.
Most of all, always consult a veterinarian. A proactive approach has saved many dogs and it will be the same with your pooch.
How dental dog treats help
Vets have proven that dogs that chew more have less risk of plaque buildup and other dental problems. Also, the use of specially formulated dental chews can reduce plaque buildup by up to 70%.
But how does dental chew differ from the usual dog treats?
First, it has a different formula. Dental chews are made from teeth-cleaning substances that are safe to ingest. Next, it has a unique shape that fits on a doggo’s gum, thus brushing away trapped foot bits. In fact, doubling the kibble size can actually cut plaque by 42%.
Some products coated with a substance called polyphosphate can prevent tartar formation by 55%. Although this might be expensive than other dental chews, it’s worth the investment for your pet.
Moreover, always purchase products that are reviewed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). This is an organization that looks into the standards of dental products and its ability to remove tartar and plaque.
Only products that can remove at least 10% of plaque and tartar will gain VOHC’s seal of approval.
Aside from removing causes of tooth decay, dental chews are champs in beating bad breath. The substances in the chew will stop bacteria buildup given that the halitosis isn’t a symptom of an underlying problem.
Still, don’t rely on dental chews alone. Regular brushing and veterinary care are unbeatable when it comes to keeping your pooch’s breath fresh and clean.
Types of dental dog treats
Nowadays, there are tons of dental chew options in the market. Make sure that you get what suits your dog. Here are some of the common types:
Rawhide. Rawhide treats are coated with tasty flavors. And since this is highly chewy, it helps your dog get rid of plaque and bad breath. Always supervise your dog when you gave it a rawhide chew. This treat can cause accidental choking and ingestion.
Dental diets. Aside from treats, there are specially formulated dog food products to help improve dental health. These are usually made with large kibble size with a scrubbing texture. Vets usually recommend this type of dog food for dogs with severe dental problems.
Dental biscuits, chews, and bones. These look like the usual dog treats aside from the special formulation and shape. Below, I’ve reviewed two of the best offers in the market that suits almost all dogs.
Caution when giving dental treats
The best dog treats for bad breath are great agents in cleaning your dog’s mouth. However, you should practice caution to prevent untoward incidents like choking, ingestion of inedible matter, and more.
Don’t give too many treats. If you’re giving a separate treat to your dog, you should watch out for the extra calories. This can pile up easily and make your pooch obese. If your dog is smaller, the treats should also be humble in amount. Your vet can advise about the right amount of treats you should give your pooch.
Size it up. If you have a small pooch, it makes sense that a large treat won’t be ideal. Always match the size and shape of the dental chew to your doggo’s size and age.
Avoid hard chews. For dogs with decaying teeth or diseased gums, hard chews can do more harm than help. Always opt for chewy yet soft options. If you’re going to give raw meat, always watch out for possible contamination.
Always practice caution at all times. Although dog treats may look like safe pieces of food, it may endanger your pooch if not chosen or administered well.
Best treats for fresh dog breath!
If you’re looking for the best dog treats for bad breath, here are two that I’ve personally tried on my pooches:
Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats
This is one of the best-seller dental chews and I can attest to its efficacy in improving dog’s dental health. Greenies promote gum and tooth health plus it bears the VOHC seal. Aside from that, this is very tasty and almost as yummy as a whole meal.
Make sure that you get the right size for your dog as Greenies comes in four sizes: teenie, petite, regular, and large. All of these help control tartar and plaque buildup.
As for the ingredients, everything is natural and easy to digest. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for your dog’ overall health. You can replace some of your dog’s treats with this.
PROS
✔️All natural ingredients
✔️Trusted by VOHC and thousands of dog owners
✔️Tasty and comes in a tooth-cleaning shape
✔️Guaranteed to reduce plaque and tartar
CONS
❌A bit expensive
❌Not for frequent eating
Pedigree Dentastix Dog Dental Treats
If you want a product with simpler ingredients, the Pedigree Dentastix is also a good choice. It’s a combination of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. This is very chewy and effective in reducing dental problems. Since this treat helps clean the gum line, your dog will be less prone to gingivitis and periodontal disease that can cause bad breath.
This triple action treat has an X shape specifically designed for large dogs so no food will be trapped in between teeth. Overall, this acts as a breath freshener, plaque fighter, and a yummy treat.
This is best for dogs that are at least 30 pounds. Feeding one stick a day will yield the best results.
PROS
✔️Simple ingredients for dogs with sensitive tummies
✔️Affordable than Greenies
✔️Unique shape that helps prevent plaque
✔️Works well on chew toys
CONS
❌Not suitable for small breeds
❌Can be easily gobbled by a large dog
The best dog treats for bad breath will clean your dog’s teeth, keep its breath fresh, and serve as a hearty snack. Just make sure that you pick the right product for your doggo.