Home Remedies for Dog Bad Breath, Because Every Dog Deserves a Kissable Mouth (and So Do You).
I recall having jumped into bed the first time my dog, Max, hopped in the bed, tail wagging, with love in his eyes–and breath like a potted plant.
I almost dropped off the bed after one whiff.
It sounds funny, but when you are a dog parent, you can tell you have been there. When you are about to give those puppy love kisses and you are hit by a gust of something that smells like a rotting fish or week-old socks. And all of a sudden those hugs and kisses? And they are labeled as warnings.
However, what I have discovered as I went on is that bad breath in dogs is not something to be ruled out because of the nasty smell as it is a signal. A tingling essence that something is amiss that emanates through the body of your dog. And most times, you do not need a vet bill or a prescription to fix it. All you need is a tiny bit of knowledge, a great quantity of love, and the force of nature.
That being the case, dog bad breath is a problem that many dog lovers can relate to, and here are the most effective, simple, and affordable home remedies to dog bad breath, straight to my heart (my kitchen) to you.
First, Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell Like That?
Let’s talk real for a second. Your dog’s bad breath isn’t because they’re gross (okay, maybe the trash-snacking doesn’t help). It’s often due to:
Tartar and plaque build up on teeth
Gum disease or tooth decay
Poor digestion or gut imbalance
Something stuck in their teeth (like food, fur, or worse)
Or more rarely, an underlying illness like kidney or liver issues
If your dog’s breath smells metallic, like ammonia, or if they’ve stopped eating or have swollen gums—please, go to your vet. Sometimes bad breath is more than just a nuisance.
But if it’s your typical “yikes” level stink? These home remedies for dog bad breath have truly transformed my life with Max—and they can help your pup too. ❤️
1. Coconut Oil: The Sweetest Secret in My Pantry 🥥
I always keep a jar of coconut oil in the kitchen—for my skin, for baking, and now… for Max.
This magical oil isn’t just delicious—it’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal. That means it fights the germs that are making your dog’s mouth smell like yesterday’s tuna.
What I do:
I scoop a tiny bit (½ tsp for small dogs, 1 tsp for large) into Max’s food. Some days I even rub a bit on his teeth with my finger.
What I see:
His breath? Sweet. His coat? Shiny. His tail? Always wagging.
Coconut oil isn’t just one of the best home remedies for dog bad breath—it’s pure doggy love in a jar. 🐶
2. Fresh Parsley: Not Just for Humans 🌿
I used to toss out the parsley garnish on my plate—until I found out it’s a natural deodorizer packed with chlorophyll.
What I do:
I finely chop a few sprigs and mix it into Max’s dinner a couple of times a week. No fancy prep. Just green goodness.
Why it works:
Chlorophyll neutralizes odors, fights bacteria, and helps his digestion—one of the sneaky causes of bad breath in dogs.
It’s the kind of green that actually makes a difference. No gimmicks. Just one of nature’s perfect little home remedies for dog bad breath.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar: Stinky but Mighty 🍎
Okay, I’ll be honest—I hate the smell of apple cider vinegar. But what it does for Max’s breath? Worth every wrinkle of my nose.
What I do:
I add about ½ teaspoon to his water bowl once a day. That’s it.
Why it works:
It balances pH in his mouth and gut, wipes out odor-causing bacteria, and even helps with yeast buildup.
Pro tip? Use the raw kind with “the mother.” That cloudy stuff? It’s the good stuff. 🫶
4. Carrots & Apples: Crunchy, Fresh & Tail-Wag Approved 🥕🍏
Max loves a good crunch. Turns out, his teeth love it too.
What I do:
I slice up carrots or apples (never the seeds!) and give them to him as a treat or meal topper.
Why it works:
The crunch naturally scrapes away plaque and stimulates saliva, which cleans the mouth. Apples even have malic acid—a natural breath freshener!
Sometimes the best home remedies for dog bad breath are just in your fridge.
5. Probiotics: The Gut-Brain-Breath Connection 🦠
Here’s something most people don’t know: doggy breath often starts in the gut.
What I do:
I sprinkle plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt over Max’s food every other day. Or, I add a dog-specific probiotic powder.
Why it works:
Good bacteria in the gut push out the bad ones that cause odor—from the inside out.
Fix the belly, and you fix the breath. It’s that simple.
6. Mint & Dill: Little Leaves, Big Difference 🌱
Fresh herbs aren’t just for fancy people—they’re breath-savers.
What I do:
I chop a tiny bit of mint or dill (just a pinch!) and add it to Max’s meals a few times a week.
Why it works:
They fight mouth bacteria and improve digestion, making them quiet powerhouses in the world of home remedies for dog bad breath.
Just be sure not to use essential oils—those aren’t safe for pups.
7. Homemade Toothpaste: DIY Love for Their Teeth 🪥
Max isn’t a fan of toothbrush time, but we make it work—because this simple DIY paste makes a huge difference.
What I use:
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp baking soda
A sprinkle of cinnamon (if he’s feeling fancy)
I rub it on gently with a finger brush or soft cloth twice a week.
Why it works:
It scrubs, kills bacteria, and leaves his breath miles fresher than before. And I don’t have to worry if he swallows some.
8. Water, Water, Water 💧
This might sound silly, but hydration is everything.
What I do:
I make sure Max always has fresh, clean water. On hot days, I’ll even add ice cubes with a drop of parsley tea or lemon.
Why it works:
Saliva helps rinse the mouth naturally. And a hydrated pup is a healthier pup.
This one’s easy, free, and so often forgotten—but it might be the most underrated home remedy for dog bad breath.
9. Chew Toys & Natural Bones 🦴
Let them chew! Seriously.
What I do:
I rotate between rubber dental toys and rawhide-free bones. He gets one after dinner—it’s like his toothbrush.
Why it works:
Chewing scrapes off tartar, stimulates gums, and increases saliva. It’s primal, it’s healthy, and it works.
Also Read: 10 Benefits of Grain Free Dog Food
10. Lemon Water (Rarely) 🍋
Some dogs can tolerate a tiny splash of lemon in their water—it helps kill bacteria and freshens breath.
What I do:
Just a couple of drops in Max’s water bowl, maybe once a week.
Caution:
Not all dogs like citrus. Watch their reaction. Skip this one if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
But Anna, When Do I Worry?
These home remedies for dog bad breath are amazing—but they’re not magic.
Please call your vet if:
The breath smells like ammonia or metal
There’s blood or drool
Your pup stops eating or seems in pain
Sometimes, bad breath is a clue that something deeper needs attention. And that’s okay. Catching it early is love in action. ❤️
From My Heart to Yours 🐶💛
I wrote this because I know what it’s like. The guilt of ignoring the bad breath. The worry that something’s wrong. The frustration of trying expensive products that don’t work.
But I also know the joy of leaning in, breathing in that sweet, fresh(ish) doggy breath and thinking…
“I did that. I helped you feel better.”
Because that’s what we do. We love them. Through the stink. Through the mess. Through it all.
These home remedies for dog bad breath aren’t just tips. They’re tools for connection. For love. For bringing you and your dog even closer.
So go on. Try one today. Your dog deserves it—and you deserve those sweet kisses back.
With muddy paws and a full heart,
– Anna Wayne