Dog bad breath: the home remedy that actually works

Key points

• The most common cause of bad breath in dogs is periodontal disease.
• Brushing their teeth daily, or at least three times a week, is what helps most.
• Never use human toothpaste: it can contain xylitol and fluoride, and dogs swallow it.
• Raw carrots and parsley help only a little; they're no substitute for brushing.
• Sweet breath or breath that smells like urine can point to diabetes or kidney disease.

Bad breath in dogs is almost never about what they eat: in the vast majority of cases it's periodontal disease, meaning plaque and tartar built up on the teeth that inflame the gums. Most adult dogs over three are estimated to have some degree of it.

That's why the only dog bad breath home remedy that really works is brushing their teeth. Here we explain how to do it, how to get your dog used to it little by little, what else helps a bit (and what doesn't), when a dental cleaning at the vet is needed, and which smells are a warning sign of another disease.

Why your dog's breath smells bad

After every meal, a film of bacteria called plaque forms on the teeth. If it isn't removed, within a few days it mineralizes into tartar, which is rough and traps even more plaque. Bacteria below the gum line produce sulfur compounds that cause that typical smell, inflame the gums (gingivitis) and, over time, destroy the bone that holds the tooth in place.

Small and short-nosed dogs (Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Poodle, French Bulldog) are more prone to it, because their teeth are more crowded. Homemade food doesn't cause more tartar than kibble, but it doesn't prevent it either: brushing is what makes the difference.

Why human toothpaste won't do

• Some contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. We explain why on the xylitol page.
• They contain fluoride in amounts meant to be spat out, not swallowed.
• They foam, which dogs find very unpleasant.

Dog toothpastes don't need rinsing, are safe to swallow and usually taste of chicken or malt, which goes a long way toward getting dogs to accept brushing.

What helps a little (and what doesn't)

• Raw carrot: chewing something crunchy scrapes off some plaque and makes a good low-calorie treat. It helps a little, but it adds up. See the carrot page.
• Fresh parsley: a pinch chopped over their food freshens breath a bit, but it only masks the smell for a while. A pinch is enough; there's no need for more.
• Dental chews: those with the VOHC seal have been shown to reduce plaque or tartar. Match the size to their weight and count their calories.
• Bones and antlers: don't use them to clean teeth: they often break teeth. We explain why in our guide to bones for dogs.
• Coconut oil or baking soda: there's no evidence they work, and baking soda isn't something they should swallow.

If you want treats that don't undo your efforts, the apple and carrot cookies have no sugar.

When a professional dental cleaning is needed

Brushing prevents tartar but doesn't remove tartar that has already formed. If you see brown or yellow tartar on the teeth, or red or bleeding gums, your vet will recommend an ultrasonic cleaning under general anesthesia. Anesthesia is needed to clean below the gum line, which is where the problem is, and to take dental X-rays. Anesthesia-free cleanings only polish the visible part and give a false sense of a healthy mouth. Right after a cleaning is the best time to start brushing.

Warning signs

• Sweet or fruity breath: may indicate uncontrolled diabetes.
• Breath that smells like urine or ammonia: may be kidney disease. More in our guide to kidney disease.
• A very strong smell that appears suddenly, especially on one side: a foreign body (a grass awn, a stick) or a broken tooth with an abscess.
• Bad breath with vomiting or loss of appetite.
• Lumps in the mouth, loose teeth, chewing on one side only, drooling or dropping food.

Any of these signs is a reason to book an appointment.

What you need

• Dog-specific toothpaste
• A dog toothbrush or silicone finger brush
• A clean gauze pad for the first sessions
• Small treats as rewards

Step by step

1. Start with the taste

   For the first few days, just let them lick a little toothpaste off your finger. You want them to link it with something good.

2. Touch the teeth and gums

   Gently lift the lip and run your finger with toothpaste over the outer surfaces of the teeth for a few seconds. Reward them and stop before they get stressed.

3. Move on to gauze or a finger brush

   Once they accept it, wrap gauze around your finger or use a finger brush and rub in small circles, starting with the canines and the upper back teeth.

4. Introduce the toothbrush

   Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line, brush the outer surfaces of the teeth with short strokes. Their tongue partly cleans the inner surfaces.

5. Build up gradually

   Add more teeth each time until you reach one or two minutes in total. Allow two or three weeks for the whole process.

6. Make it a routine

   Pick a set time, for example after the evening walk, and brush daily or at least three times a week. Always finish with a treat or a game.

Frequently asked questions

What can I give my dog for bad breath?

What really works is brushing their teeth with dog toothpaste, daily or at least three times a week. As extra help, dental chews with the VOHC seal and the occasional raw carrot to chew on. Parsley only masks the smell for a while. If there's already visible tartar, they need a dental cleaning at the vet.

Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?

No. Some human toothpastes contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs, and all of them contain fluoride and foaming agents meant to be spat out, not swallowed. Since dogs swallow toothpaste, always use one made for dogs, which usually tastes of chicken or malt and will be much more pleasant for them.

Is it normal for my dog to have bad breath?

Not really. A dog with a healthy mouth has breath that smells of food, but not unpleasant. A strong smell usually means plaque, tartar or periodontal disease, which cause pain and infection even if the dog keeps eating. If the smell is sweet, like urine or appears suddenly, there may be another illness and it's worth seeing the vet.

How often should I clean my dog's teeth?

Ideally, brush them every day, because plaque starts mineralizing into tartar within two or three days. If you can't, at least three times a week still makes a difference. The vet should also check their mouth at every annual visit and recommend a professional cleaning when there's tartar or inflamed gums.