Bad dog breath (also known as canine halitosis) is more common than you may expect. At first, your dog’s bad breath can seem like a funny anecdote or a mild inconvenience; however, it can be a telltale sign of an underlying, medical condition that requires some TLC. Below, you can find all you need to know about the reasons behind canine halitosis and the best dog breath home remedies/helpful products. (But please don’t forget that a vet visit might be essential to address the root cause of bad dog breath).

What Causes bad Breath?

Before looking at the best dog breath remedies, it’s important to understand why your dog suffers from halitosis. After all, trying to cover their bad breath can be a temporary solution, but certainly not a long-term one! Some common factors that contribute to canine halitosis include:

• Poor oral health - Conditions such as gum or periodontal disease and tooth decay are the most common causes of bad dog breath. The buildup of plaque, bacteria, and derivative toxins can translate into bad breath.

• Poor nutrition - Improper diet and poor gut microflora can cause bad breath. So, before resorting to one of the remedies below, check with your vet about nutritional needs, food types, and potential intolerances.

• Underlying health conditions - Conditions like kidney disease and diabetes can increase the level of glucose in the saliva, which, in turn, can make your dog more prone to gum and teeth diseases.

Contact your vet or dog’s dental care as soon as you notice that your dog is suffering from halitosis - a professional will be able to personalize a treatment plan specific to your dog’s needs. In the meantime, below are 10 recommended bad doggie breath home remedies to limit symptoms:

1. Carrots, Apple Slices, or Other Crunchy Dog-Friendly Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables (when fed in moderation) are a great addition to your dog’s balanced and nutritious diet. The benefits of foods like apples and carrots go beyond their nutritional profile – these natural foods are packed with beta-carotene and vitamins A, E, and C, which are excellent to combat bad breath.

* Though loved by most dogs, these foods are typically high in natural sugars. Consider using them as treats or food toppers to limit portion sizes.

2. Routine Teeth Brushing

Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most effective ways to reduce symptoms of halitosis and maintain overall oral health. With a proper teeth cleaning routine, you will not only reduce your dog’s bad breath, but also avoid plaque buildup and teeth decay, which are often the main culprits behind halitosis.

Brushing your dog’s teeth might sound like an unnecessary investment of time and money, but many dogs struggle with oral health issues as they age – which can lead to pain and discomfort for your pup and costly vet bills. Don’t feel ashamed if your dog is an older gent or lady and you’re just discovering the importance of teeth brushing – starting now is better than never, and will help you look after your dog’s oral health in the long run!

 If you’re in need of a brushing kit, we’ve found these triple flex tooth brushes to be super helpful and easy to use for a 360 degree clean when paired with Top Performance's Pro Dental Toothpaste, which is formulated specifically for dogs.

* Check with your vet if you are unsure how to brush your dog’s teeth.

3. Coconut Oil

If you love finding natural remedies for your everyday struggles, you know how powerful coconut oil is. Given in small quantities, coconut oil can help you keep your dog’s breath fresh, while also providing additional health benefits, such as boosting your pup’s metabolism and promoting regular digestion.

Extra-nutty fact: Coconut oil also has proven beneficial properties that help in maintaining coat and skin health. Just mix a teaspoon of coconut oil with your pupper’s food at mealtime.

4. Parsley to Fight Bad Mouth Bacteria

Parsley works as well for dogs as it does for humans. Chlorophyll in the leaves of plants, such as parsley and green tea, helps eliminate unpleasant odors. Unlike some of the remedies seen above, parsley is easy to find in most grocery stores and is inexpensive - a win-win! For the best results, chop up some parsley leaves and add them directly into your dog’s food.

5. Probiotics or Yogurt

While we all try to incorporate more yogurt and probiotics into our diet, recent studies show that we should strive to give more of these foods to our dogs as well. In general, yogurt makes for a healthy, natural, and nutritious treat for your pup - while also fighting bad breath. One of the main causes of halitosis is hydrogen sulfide, which gives off that “rotten egg” odor you might have unfortunately gotten used to. When eaten regularly, yogurt and probiotics can neutralize these bacteria.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium that play an important role in promoting oral health. But even more importantly, this vinegar contains malic and acetic acids, which can kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath. If your dog doesn’t like the taste, that’s okay – all that is needed is a little teaspoon added to their water bowl to smell the benefits.

7. Lemon Juice (Few Drops in Your Dog’s Water Bowl)

Bacteria in your dog’s mouth is not only responsible for bad breath, but it can also lead to long-lasting oral health issues. Lemon works similarly to apple cider vinegar, as the acid in citrus fruits such as lemon can kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is much more than a beautiful house plant – it is also a great medicinal plant with many healing properties. Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe can also help fight bacteria causing bad breath. If you have a green thumb, you can prepare aloe vera leaves yourself or invest in an aloe vera product that aims at addressing digestive issues.

9. Mint Helps Freshen Breath and Soothe the Gut

Mint is known to be one of the best herbs to promote digestion, fight bloating and gas, and relieve inflammation. Thanks to these properties, mint can prevent acid reflux, thus stopping bacteria from reaching the mouth and causing bad breath. Mint is loved by most dogs, but you can also add a few leaves directly into their food to mask the minty flavor if they aren’t a fan.

* If simplicity is your go-to way like it is for us, meet Bocce Bakery’s yummy apple biscuits, baked with mint for the freshest doggie breath on the block.

10. Encourage Your Dog to Drink More Water

You might have noticed that when you are thirsty and feel dehydrated, your breath feels heavier (it’s the same for your dog). Dehydration can be linked to bad breath - encourage your pup to drink as much freshwater as possible and always bring a travel water bowl with you when out and about together.