Prevent bad breath with these natural ways

You may think that bad breath is a normal part of a dog’s life, but it doesn’t have to be.
Does your dog have bad breath? While proper dental care can reduce breath odor, prevent periodontal disease and keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy and strong, that doesn’t mean his breath can’t be unpleasant at times. Luckily, there are simple, natural ways to make your dog’s breath smell better.

Remember to take your dog to the vet if you notice that his breath is consistently foul-smelling despite optimal dental care (regular dental cleanings, high-quality food and raw chews). Stinky breath can be a sign of another health problem. For example, if your dog’s breath smells bad after burping, it could mean he has a digestive problem that needs to be investigated.

Once other health problems have been ruled out, try the solutions suggested in this article.

5 foods that freshen breath

1. Coconut oil is naturally antifungal. A teaspoon mixed into your dog’s food will help his digestion and immune system and is good for his skin, bones and brain. Coconut oil can also be used in place of dog toothpaste.
2. Raw carrots are another option that dogs love. Chewing on a carrot allows the saliva to remove any food particles and acts as a cleanser to remove plaque and help your dog maintain fresh breath.
3. Adding brown rice to your dog’s food helps improve digestion. The fiber and antioxidants it contains are good for overall health and can be a great help for bad breath. Again, digestion plays a big role in whether your dog’s breath is sweet or gives him a kick.
4. Parsley is not just a garnish. Add a few sprigs to your dog’s food to freshen his breath naturally.
5. Yogurt is high in calcium, which is a great aid to oral health; it also reduces hydrogen sulfide, which is one of the causes of bad breath. Be sure to use plain yogurt with no added sugars or sweeteners.

If a kiss from your dog wakes you up in the morning, these simple suggestions can make it a pleasant experience. They will also improve your overall health. He may not understand why, but he’ll know that a hug is more pleasant than a loud “Yuck!” when he licks your face.

Natural breath freshening products.

Also look for effective, natural, brushless products that reduce or eliminate bad breath.

• “Oratene makes dental care easy because it’s brushless,” says Deirdre Putman, director of marketing for Pet King Products. “It’s available as a toothpaste gel, water additive or breath-freshening spray and is recommended by veterinarians to promote your dog’s health and fresh breath.” ZYMOX® Enzyme-Based Pet Care Products for Skin, Ear, & Oral ConditionsPetzLife offers mint or salmon sprays and gels. Its chews are wheat, corn and soy-free and contain no artificial flavors or colors.
• Available as a spray or as a water additive, Bluestem Oral Care breaks down the biofilm on teeth to expose bacteria that are hidden when teeth are brushed.
• For dogs with a sweet tooth, Zuke’s Enhance Fresh Breath functional chews contain ingredients such as cinnamon, dill, fennel, myrrh, parsley and sage in a chicken or peanut butter recipe.