How Can I Stop my Dog’s Bad Breath?
Is there something safe that I can buy OTC that I
can give to my dog for bad breath? It is only the
occasional bad breath, not constant.
Jenny
Versailles, KY
The other day I was walking on the streets of Washington, D.C. when I saw a billboard promoting scientific knowledge among children. The billboard featured the a young person stating that she knew her Golden Retriever’s bark was transmitted as vibrations through the air. She then, however, made a confession: “But I still don’t know what causes his stinky breath.”
It appears that the organization promoting scientific knowledge among children is itself somewhat lacking in scientific knowledge. The cause of bad breath in dogs and cats is very simple. Bad breath is caused by bacteria growing on the teeth and releasing malodorous waste products.
The bacteria that cause bad breath will, if allowed to grow unchecked, cause dental disease, dental abscesses, gum loss, and tooth loss. They can spread to the heart, kidneys, and blood. They may contribute to cancer, arthritis, and premature death.
Fortunately, the best way to prevent bad breath also prevents the other negative consequences of dental disease. And, the products involved are affordable and available without a prescription: a toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste.
Brushing your pet’s teeth is, by far, the best way to prevent bad breath and dental disease. Several other products (doggie breath mints and certain chew toys, for instance) may temporarily cover up bad breath. But only tooth brushing reliably prevents dental disease.
I recommend that you brush your dog’s teeth. It will help his breath. It will also help his health.
Photo: Leo’s teeth are looking good.
You have questions. 
[...] How Can I Stop my Dog’s Bad Breath? The bacteria that cause bad breath will, if allowed to grow unchecked, cause dental disease, dental abscesses, gum loss, and tooth loss. They can spread to the heart, kidneys, and blood. They may contribute to cancer, arthritis. [...]
Hmm, I’ve been using the Glenhaven T/WA water additive in my dogs’ water for not quite a month and although I have always brushed their teeth daily, I have noticed a HUGE improvement in their breath since starting the additive. Ingredients: Erythritol, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, Zinc Gluconate, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin
More information from the Schuyler site: http://www.schuylerproducts.com/glenhaven_dental.html
My five year old JRT has had a looseish and basically grey front tooth (the tooth was thought to basically be dead) for quite a long time, probably from an injury when she was young. We removed one front tooth (it was so loose that it came out just with a gentle pull) last year when she had to be put under general anesthesia to be stitched up after jumping through a glass door (yeah I know, only a jrt would do that!) and my vet expected this one to either fall out on its own or have to be removed in the next couple of years. Since I’ve started the T/WA that tooth is no longer loose and only has a small grey spot close to the gum.
I have nothing whatsoever to do with the company or the product I just wanted to report the results I have had from it since my own vet had initially said something similar to Dr. Barchas in his previous entries where he referred to these types of products as snake oil. One of her techs began using this product and now everyone has changed their tune about it!
Again, I am still brushing my dogs’ teeth daily. This is more like mouthwash or something in addition to brushing and flossing (I use a dental tool to scrape the gum lines on my dogs every month or so as well) like a person might use. So, what do you say Dr. Barchas? Anything in the ingredients which 1.5 teaspoons of in a quart of water daily is going to hurt a dog?
I have found that vitamin C powder is great for keeping gums and teeth healthy. Rub it into gums and use as a supplement. Also, digestive enzyme supplements help with digestion and keep breath clean-smelling.
Leo’s teeth look good because Leo is a raw fed dog, who eats raw meat and bones. Not to say that teeth brushing doesn’t have its benefits, but there are other ways to get clean teeth and fresh breath in our pets.
BOL! Yes, indeed! Leo’s teeth look so good because his people use the best tooth brush of all: nature’s tooth brush! The best way to keep our furry friends’ teeth clean is the way nature intended- with raw, meaty bones. Thank you Dr. Barchas for bringing light to how wonderful a raw fed dog’s teeth can and usually do look!