10 Natural Ways to Say Goodbye to Bad Dog Breath 2025

Like most dog owners, you probably enjoy receiving lots of cuddles and kisses from your beloved pooch. The worst part, of course, would be if this were ruined by bad breath.

Besides instantly killing the urge to cuddle, smelly breath can also be a symptom of oral or gum disease in your pet.

My team and I at HomeoAnimo are sharing our research with you, as well as a number of natural options (still unknown to many people) that could freshen your dog's breath.

You might be surprised to know that you probably already have the ingredients you need to make a natural remedy for dog bad breath. We'll even answer questions like, "Can I brush my dog's teeth with human toothpaste?" and "Is dog bad breath hereditary?"

Let's start by finding out the possible reasons for foul-smelling breath in your dog.

Why does my dog ​​have foul breath?

Bad breath in dogs generally refers to the condition in which a dog's breath has a distinctly unpleasant odor. It is also known as canine halitosis and can be caused by several factors, which we will briefly review below:

Tooth and gum disease

Considered the most common cause of bad breath in dogs, diseased teeth and gums result from poor oral hygiene and the buildup of plaque and tartar inside the pet's mouth.

In addition to irritating the gums, excess plaque and tartar—not to mention bad bacteria—can also lead to infections, cavities, and abscesses, creating foul-smelling breath.

Objects stuck inside your dog's mouth

By nature, your dog is very curious and expresses his curiosity by biting or chewing objects.

Occasionally, some of these objects get stuck in your mouth, including pieces of fabric, sticks, hair, rope fibers, and bone fragments. We can also mention materials from chew toys. These objects can eventually cause bad breath if they are not removed quickly.

Diabetes

As strange as it may sound, there's a good chance your dog has diabetes if their breath has a faint but persistent fruity aroma, or an odor similar to nail polish remover.

Liver problems

Did you know that the liver's main role in a dog's body is to filter and eliminate harmful and unwanted toxins?

If your pet's breath stinks and you notice yellow eyes, skin, and gums, it's likely that they have liver disease. The unpleasant breath odor is likely due to a buildup of toxins in the body.

Kidney disease

If your dog's breath smells strongly of urine, it could be a health problem related to his kidneys.

That's because when your dog's kidneys aren't functioning properly, such as in geriatric degeneration or chronic kidney failure, an organic compound called urea begins to build up in their circulatory system.

Interestingly, urea has a similar odor to urine.

Unhealthy food obsessions

Let's be honest, it's not uncommon to catch our canine companion rummaging through the trash or even occasionally looking longingly at the droppings of their fellow creatures.

So there is also the admittedly disgusting probability that your dog may have, shall we say (for lack of a better term), "tasted" these things while your back was turned, which may have greatly affected the smell of his breath.

Bacterial imbalance

Some bacteria in a dog's body are helpful. "Good bacteria" are found in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, which help neutralize bad odor.

Sudden changes in diet can lead to deficiencies in minerals and other organic compounds that these "good" bacteria need to thrive. Foul breath is therefore one of the most obvious signs of a bacterial deficiency.

On the other hand, excessive cleaning of teeth and mouth can also be the cause of this decrease in beneficial bacteria.

Now that we've covered the causes of bad breath, let's take a look at what your dog's breath should normally smell like...

What should a normal dog's breath smell like?

A dog's breath should smell like food they've just eaten or eat regularly. It should have a slightly pungent, earthy odor, but it shouldn't be too strong or persistent.

Additionally, it should not smell rotten or poopy. A slightly metallic odor, on the other hand, indicates bleeding or the presence of ulcers in and around the mouth.

Now let's see if bad breath is always a sign of infection in your pet...

Does bad breath in dogs mean infection?

The short answer is no.

The stench coming from your pet's mouth may simply be the result of the presence of pungent-smelling food or food whose sulfuric compounds react with the dog's saliva. It usually disappears after a quick brushing or rinsing with water.

However, bad breath can be accompanied by other symptoms such as excessive thirst, increased urination, sudden weight loss, jaundice, and other unusual signs. In these cases, it is very likely that an infection or illness is the cause.

Now that we've covered that, let's talk about natural remedies to use when your dog has bad breath...

How do I combat my dog's bad breath?

There are many home remedies to get rid of your dog's bad breath.

Here are the best natural options to include in your daily dog ​​care checklist. They'll come in handy the next time your sweet pooch's breath isn't smelling like roses.

Apple cider vinegar

As Healthline reports, apple cider vinegar contains an abundant organic compound called acetic acid. In addition to giving vinegar its characteristic sour flavor, this type of acid also helps inhibit the growth and development of bacteria.

To use apple cider vinegar, add a quarter teaspoon to your dog's water bowl every three (3) days. Be careful not to give it directly to your dog, as its high acidity can be very unpleasant for your pet.

Aloe vera

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reveals that aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which have been shown to be beneficial for people suffering from gum diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis.

To use aloe vera, peel the mature leaves and harvest the fleshy gel. You can cut them into small pieces and mix them with your dog's food. It's also possible to mix the gel with your pet's water.

Carrots

According to the Periodontal Associates of Memphis, carrots help stimulate saliva flow inside the mouth. In addition to helping remove unwanted substances that can cause bad breath, the rough texture of carrots also stimulates the cleaning action on teeth and gums.

To use carrots, cut them into small pieces and mix them directly into your pet's food. Another option is to grate them for a smoother consistency.

Celery

Everyday Health reports that celery contains organic compounds that contribute to the proper functioning of the salivary glands. The more saliva a dog has, the easier it will be to rinse away the bad bacteria that can make its breath smelly.

You can use celery as a healthy snack and give it directly to your dog. You can also give it to your dog as part of their regular meals.

Cinnamon

As ScienceNews reveals, cinnamon is rich in cinnamic aldehyde, which promotes the ideal production and release of saliva. Adequate saliva prevents odor-causing bacteria from clinging to the gums and the back of the tongue.

Cinnamon is used by adding a few pinches of this spice to your dog's meal. However, be careful not to get the cinnamon near his eyes or nose, as it can irritate them.

Coconut oil

According to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), coconut oil has versatile properties to help reduce bad breath, as well as other oral health benefits, such as maintaining gum health and preventing cavities.

To use coconut oil, gently apply a small amount to your canine companion's teeth, gums, tongue, and the inside of their cheeks. Repeat at least twice a day until their foul breath disappears.

Be sure to use only food grade coconut oil for this application.

Oranges

According to ResearchGate , oranges are very rich in vitamin C, which helps improve saliva production and release in the mouth. Besides bad breath, reduced saliva production can also lead to the development of periodontitis and tooth decay.

To use your oranges effectively, mix a few segments directly into your pet's food. Before adding them, be sure to remove the seeds and stringy membrane.

Parsley

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reveals that parsley is rich in polyphenolic compounds. These help reduce the amount of disulfides, sulfides, and thiols in the oral region, all of which produce unpleasant odors when they react with certain foods.

To use parsley effectively, you can give it to your canine companion as a treat after meals. You can also sprinkle it on their food.

However, it is essential to remember that you should only use curly parsley for this application, as its spring cousin can be toxic to your dog.

Spirulina

According to Healthline , spirulina is rich in chlorophyll, a pigment that has significant beneficial effects on gut health and digestion in dogs. If left unchecked, digestive issues and gut deficiencies can lead to bad breath.

To use spirulina effectively, add a pinch directly to your dog's food. Be sure to mix everything well, as when eaten neat, spirulina has a fishy taste that isn't very pleasant for dogs.

Yogurt

According to Today, yogurt contains beneficial probiotics that help reduce hydrogen sulfide levels in the mouth, which are common culprits of bad breath. This dairy product also helps maintain ideal gastrointestinal function.

To use this product effectively, add a tablespoon of yogurt directly to your dog's meals. Remember to use only plain Greek yogurt for this application, as other varieties may contain too much sugar or too much milk.

Now let's talk about our favorite natural remedy for bad breath in dogs, the one I told you about earlier in the article...

An all-natural, must-have product

The HomeoAnimo Bad Breath Kit is designed to promote better digestion and cleanse the organs. It consists of the homeopathic products Kidney Drainer, Liver Drainer, and Lymph 2, which we will briefly introduce:

Kidney Drainer helps cleanse and eliminate toxins from the body, while improving immune function and rejuvenating kidney and urinary tract functions.

That's because when your dog's kidneys aren't functioning properly, an organic compound called urea begins to build up in his circulatory system, making his breath smell like urine.

Liver Drainer promotes the elimination of toxins present in the liver, thus improving liver function and digestion. Indeed, the unpleasant odor of your pet's breath is due to the accumulation of toxins. In addition, their eyes, skin, and gums will also have a yellowish tint if their liver is not functioning ideally.

Lymph 2 promotes lymphatic drainage and the elimination of cellular waste. It also helps cleanse and filter the blood and contributes to the natural production of antibodies to support the immune system.

To use the HomeoAnimo Bad Breath Kit , apply a single spray of Kidney Drainer directly into your canine companion's mouth or water for the first 3 days.

On the fourth day, use Liver Drainer at the same time as Kidney Drainer.

On day 7, use Lymph 2 along with Kidney Drainer and Liver Drainer. Repeat the process for three (3) to five (5) weeks.

Now let's answer the question of whether human toothpaste can be used on your dog...

Watch our video:

Can I use my toothpaste on my dog?

The short answer is no. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be extremely toxic to dogs.

These include the artificial sweetener xylitol, which can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels; sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can cause serious gastric upset; and fluoride, which is toxic to dogs if ingested in large amounts.

Now let's see if you can use baking soda to brush your dog's teeth...

Can I brush my dog's teeth with baking soda?

No, it is not recommended to brush your dog's teeth with baking soda, for two main reasons:

First, baking soda has an unpleasant taste that your dog won't be inclined to enjoy anytime soon. In addition to making him uncooperative, this undesirable taste will make him think that brushing his teeth is an unpleasant experience.

Second, baking soda is inherently alkaline, which can disrupt normal stomach acid levels if ingested. This is counterproductive, as imbalances in a dog's gastrointestinal tract are the very cause of bad breath.

Now let's address a question that you've probably already asked yourself once or twice...

Is it too late to start brushing my dog's teeth?

Contrary to popular belief, it's never too late to start brushing your dog's teeth, whatever their age.

While it's ideal to start brushing at a young age, there's nothing wrong with introducing this routine even if your pet is a little older. Whether your pet is a puppy, a young dog, or an adult, they'll still need proper oral care.

Is bad breath hereditary in dogs?

The short answer is no. Bad breath is not hereditary, and no dog breed is genetically predisposed to suffering from it.

Additionally, unpleasant odors emanating from a dog's mouth are commonly attributed to dental problems as well as metabolic diseases such as diabetes and kidney failure. Therefore, it's essential to have a reliable natural remedy, such as HomeoAnimo's Bad Breath Kit , to ensure fresh breath and a healthy immune system.

To learn more about bad breath in dogs and the treatment options best suited to their health needs, sign up for our Free Pet Health Referral . This will give you access to more tips and recommendations from our natural health advisors.

I hope you learned a lot from this blog post!