Dogs are known for their adorable wagging tails and sweet faces, but they’re also notorious for having bad breath. While some people might think it’s normal, others don’t. If your dog’s breath is starting to smell a little too funky, never fear! There are plenty of ways to freshen it up without having to brush their teeth. Check out the five tips below!
5 ways to freshen dogs breath without brushing
Althoug brushing your dog’s teeth is the best way to keep their breath smelling fresh, there are a few other ways you can help too.
Give them a bone to chew on
One of the easiest ways to keep a dog’s teeth clean is to provide them with a bone to chew on. Chewing on a bone helps to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth, and it can also help to freshen breath.
It is important, however, to choose a bone that is the appropriate size for your dog and that they will not be able to choke on. Additionally, bones should be given to dogs under supervision, as there is always a risk of choking or gastrointestinal blockage.
With some care and attention, however, giving your dog a bone to chew on can be an easy and effective way to help them maintain good oral health.
Give your dog probiotics
Most people are familiar with the benefits of probiotics for human health, but fewer know that these live bacteria can also be beneficial for dogs. Probiotics can help to freshen a dog’s breath by keeping their digestive system healthy and balanced.
They can also help to reduce gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and gas. Probiotics are available in powder form or as chewable tablets, and most major dog food brands now offer products that incorporate them.
When choosing a probiotic supplement for your dog, be sure to check the label to make sure it is appropriate for your dog’s age and size. Adding probiotics to your dog’s diet is an easy way to improve their overall health and well-being.
Give them dental chews
By far the best method for preventing bad breath in dogs is to give them dental chews. These treats are designed to help remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, and they can be very effective at keeping a dog’s mouth clean and their breath smelling fresh.
Most major pet stores carry a wide variety of dental chews, so you should have no trouble finding one that your dog enjoys. It is important to choose a chew that is the appropriate size for your dog, however, as larger dogs can easily choke on smaller chews.
Use a water additive
Another easy way to help freshen your dog’s breath is to use a water additive. These products are designed to be mixed with your dog’s drinking water, and they usually contain ingredients that help to reduce plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth.
Some water additives also contain enzymes that help to break down bacteria in the mouth, which can also help to freshen breath. A great water additive is apple cidar vinegar because not only does it help freshen your dog’s breath, but it also has many other health benefits.
Feed them fresh foods
One of the best things you can do for your dog’s breath is to feed them fresh foods. Fresh foods are not only more nutritious for your dog, but they can also help to freshen their breath.
Feeding your dog fresh vegetables and fruits can help to remove plaque and tartar from their teeth, and it can also help to neutralize bad-smelling bacteria in their mouth. Adding some fresh parsley or mint to your dog’s food can also help to freshen their breath.
Raw carrots or apple slices are known to be particularly effective at freshening a dog’s breath, so consider adding them to your dog’s diet if they are struggling with bad breath.
Bonus: Coconut oil
Coconut oil can be used in a number of different ways to help freshen your dog’s breath. Coconut oil can be added to their food, rubbed on their gums, or even given to them to chew on.
Coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties that can help to kill bacteria in the mouth, and it can also help to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. Coconut oil is also known to be beneficial for dogs in a number of other ways, so it is definitely worth considering adding it to your dog’s diet.
Final thoughts – How to freshen dogs breath without brushing
Bad breath in dogs is usually caused by plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, so the best way to freshen their breath is to give them dental chews or brushes their teeth regularly. However, if you want to avoid brushing your dog’s teeth, there are a number of other things you can do to help freshen their breath.
Feeding your dog fresh foods and adding a water additive or coconut oil to their diet can help to neutralize bad-smelling bacteria and remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. Probiotics are also a great way to keep your dog’s digestive system healthy and improve their overall health.
By following these tips, you should be able to help freshen your dog’s breath and keep their mouth healthy and clean.
