{"id":66,"date":"2015-02-23T17:23:23","date_gmt":"2015-02-24T01:23:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.moonlightdogcafe.com\/?p=66"},"modified":"2026-04-17T13:00:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T20:00:50","slug":"dog-bad-breath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/dog-cat-health\/dogs-cats-teeth-cleaning\/dog-bad-breath","title":{"rendered":"Fix Dog Bad Breath: Causes &amp; 5 Effective Steps to Eliminate Pet Bad Breath"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fix Dog Bad Breath (Halitosis) \u2014 What Pet Owners Need to Know<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your dog or cat\u2019s breath makes you back away, you\u2019re not alone. You\u2019ve probably already tried everything: Greenies, Whimzees, water additives, or those \u201cenzymatic\u201d dental rinses that promise instant freshness. Maybe even milk bones (which can actually make things worse).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The truth is, <strong>bad breath in dogs and cats is almost always caused by bacteria<\/strong> that thrive on leftover food particles and plaque in the mouth. As that bacteria multiplies, it releases sulfur-based compounds \u2014 the real culprits behind that unpleasant smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ignoring bad breath doesn\u2019t just mean living with stinky kisses. Over time, poor oral hygiene can lead to <strong>periodontal disease<\/strong>, a painful and progressive condition that affects the gums, teeth, and even internal organs. In fact, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and contribute to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com\/dental-problems-pets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>heart, kidney, and liver issues<\/strong>.<\/a> According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, most dogs and cats show signs of dental disease by age three. (This is probably likely if pets are on kibble and not brushed).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"197\" src=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Dog-Teeth-with-Plaque-300x197.webp\" alt=\"Dog bad breath. Periodontal disease could be the issue\" class=\"wp-image-15313\" style=\"width:374px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Dog-Teeth-with-Plaque-300x197.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Dog-Teeth-with-Plaque-1024x672.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Dog-Teeth-with-Plaque-150x98.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Dog-Teeth-with-Plaque-768x504.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Dog-Teeth-with-Plaque-1536x1008.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Dog-Teeth-with-Plaque-2048x1344.webp 2048w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Dog-Teeth-with-Plaque-1170x770.webp 1170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The good news? You can take simple, natural steps to  fix your pet\u2019s bad breath. Below, we share:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>5 easy ways<\/strong> to improve your pet\u2019s dental hygiene at home<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Whole-food feeding tips<\/strong> for fresher breath<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And how to spot when bad breath is more than just a dental issue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because your pet\u2019s breath shouldn\u2019t keep you from getting close \u2014 it should just be another sign of their overall <strong>wellness and vitality<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Causes Dog or Cat Bad Breath?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to bad breath in pets, the causes aren\u2019t that different from what affects us \u2014 minus the coffee, wine, or cigarette habits (we hope).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For dogs and cats, <strong>bad breath happens when bacteria break down food particles in and around the teeth<\/strong>. Over time, this buildup turns into plaque and tartar, creating the perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the most common causes of dog and cat bad breath:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pet food buildup<\/strong> \u2014 leftover bits of food get trapped between teeth and along the gumline, where bacteria multiply.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Poor dental hygiene<\/strong> \u2014 not brushing regularly or skipping dental chews allows plaque to harden into tartar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mouth infections or disease<\/strong> \u2014 tooth decay, gum inflammation, or <strong>periodontal disease<\/strong> are major contributors to halitosis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Other health issues<\/strong> \u2014 bad breath can sometimes be a sign of something deeper, such as <strong>kidney disease, diabetes, acid reflux<\/strong>, or even <strong>oral cancer<\/strong>. If your pet&#8217;s bad breath does not seem to be from the teeth or plaque build up, schedule an appointment with your vet to investigate your pet&#8217;s health either through bloodwork and\/or x-ray. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When you think about it, it\u2019s strange how we view pet dental care so differently from our own \u2014 yet the same principles apply. Regular cleaning, better food choices, and preventive care can go a long way toward keeping both dogs and cats healthy from mouth to tail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Myth vs. Reality: The \u201cQuick Fixes\u201d That Don\u2019t Actually Fix Pet Bad Breath<\/mark><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s be honest \u2014 brushing someone else\u2019s teeth isn\u2019t anyone\u2019s idea of fun, especially when that \u201csomeone\u201d has fur and opinions about it. But that\u2019s one big reason many of us treat our dog\u2019s or cat\u2019s dental care differently from our own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because brushing can be tricky (and time-consuming), the pet industry has made it <em>very<\/em> easy to believe that we can skip it altogether. We\u2019ve been told that <strong>kibble cleans teeth<\/strong>, that <strong>treats like Greenies or Milk Bones freshen breath<\/strong>, or that a <strong>water additive or spray<\/strong> can magically wipe away bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In reality, most of these products are <strong>short-term fixes<\/strong> that mask odor without addressing the real cause which is <strong>plaque and bacteria buildup<\/strong>. Over time, that buildup leads to tartar, gum disease, and yes\u2026 more bad breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The takeaway? There\u2019s no true \u201cset it and forget it\u201d solution for pet dental health. The best defense is still a mix of <strong>good diet, mechanical cleaning, and targeted natural support<\/strong> (like dental gels or raw meaty bones when appropriate).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Myth 1: Kibble Cleans Your Dog&#8217;s or Cat&#8217;s Teeth<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest myths in pet care is that <strong>kibble helps clean your pet\u2019s teeth<\/strong>. It\u2019s an idea that caught on easily \u2014 after all, it sounds great to think a food could double as a toothbrush. But let\u2019s be honest: that\u2019s a little like saying eating crackers will clean <em>your<\/em> teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kibble may scrape a bit of plaque on the surface, but it does <strong>nothing to remove the bacteria hiding below the gumline<\/strong>, where periodontal disease starts. The gumline is the most important area to keep clean and kibble just can\u2019t get there. In addition, depending on the type of dog or cat you have, some do not chew but mostly swallow their meals if they are eager so no mechanical chewing to brush teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even worse, most kibble contains a <strong>high percentage of carbohydrates<\/strong>, which break down into sugars that feed oral bacteria. More bacteria = more plaque = more bad breath (and potential dental disease).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So while kibble is convenient, it\u2019s not a dental solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Study: Is Raw Dog Food or Kibble Better for Pet Dental Health?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A veterinarian decided to put this debate to the test \u2014 can kibble really keep a dog\u2019s teeth clean, or does raw feeding make a difference?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a small study featuring 4 dogs, the same dog was fed a raw diet and later switched to kibble for 17 days. The results? The teeth difference on kibble was visible by day 8.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/dog-teeth.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-99\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/dog-teeth-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Dog fed raw and then put on kibbles. Dog's teeth on kibbles in bottom picture\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"width:398px;height:auto\" title=\"Dog fed raw and then put on kibbles. Dog's teeth on kibbles in bottom picture\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/dog-teeth-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/dog-teeth-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/dog-teeth-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/dog-teeth-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/dog-teeth-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/dog-teeth-70x70.jpg 70w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/dog-teeth-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/dog-teeth-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/dog-teeth.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In the photo from that experiment, the top image shows the dog\u2019s teeth while on a raw bones \u2014 cleaner and less plaque buildup. The bottom image shows the same dog after being switched to kibble, where noticeable tartar and discoloration occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">See the link here for a video of <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nr7TLXg-vd4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">his experiment<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s a small sample, the results echo what many holistic vets and pet parents observe: raw diets that include chewing on raw meaty bones naturally help clean teeth and reduce plaque, whereas kibble tends to do the opposite over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Myth 2: Dogs or Cats Eating Wet Food Have Pet Bad Breath Compared to Kibble<\/span> Eaters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many pet owners believe that <strong>wet food causes bad breath<\/strong> because it\u2019s \u201csticky,\u201d while dry, crunchy kibble somehow scrapes teeth clean. But that\u2019s actually a false premise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the truth: when your dog or cat drinks water (as they should with any meal), <strong>wet food is far less likely to cling to the teeth<\/strong> than dry food. Kibble tends to shatter into tiny, starchy crumbs that lodge between teeth and gums \u2014 exactly where bacteria thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/oral-health\/features\/bad-breath-good-and-bad-foods#1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">As WebMD<\/a> explains, \u201cWater helps flush away the food particles bacteria feed upon and promotes saliva production, which naturally cleans the mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about it this way: eat a handful of dry crackers and drink water, then try something soft and moist with water. Which one sticks between your teeth more? Exactly \u2014 <strong>the dry stuff<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, while wet food often gets blamed for bad breath, it\u2019s not as much of <strong>a culprit as the leftover carbs from dry food are.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip<\/strong>&#8211; Always have fresh water available to encourage your pet to drink water after meals\u2014it\u2019s the simplest natural mouth rinse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Myth 3: Enzymatic Gels, Drinking Water and Chewing Greenies\/ Milk Bones Help<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no shortage of \u201cquick fixes\u201d promising fresher pet breath \u2014 from enzymatic sprays to minty water additives and chew treats. But do they actually work? Let\u2019s break it down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Product Type<\/th><th>Our Take<\/th><th>Why It Falls Short<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Enzymatic sprays\/gels<\/strong><\/td><td> Mixed results<\/td><td>Some may reduce surface bacteria, but evidence is limited and effectiveness varies by formulation.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Water additives<\/strong><\/td><td>Mostly gimmicky<\/td><td>They may mask odor temporarily but rarely target the plaque-causing bacteria under the gumline.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Greenies \/ Whimzees<\/strong><\/td><td>Debatable<\/td><td>Often high in carbs (which convert to sugar), and while they offer some abrasion, they can feed the same bacteria causing bad breath.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Milk Bones<\/strong><\/td><td>Same problem<\/td><td>Processed carbs and questionable ingredients. More likely to contribute to dental issues than prevent them.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the science: <strong>carbohydrates break down into sugars<\/strong>, which oral bacteria love to eat. These bacteria then release acids that erode enamel and lower the mouth\u2019s pH \u2014 creating a perfect environment for plaque and bad breath. Without brushing or proper mechanical cleaning, those acids stay active and cause further decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So while these products might freshen breath for a few hours, they don\u2019t actually <strong>solve<\/strong> the problem. If they did, we humans could just skip brushing and chew crackers instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We do carry <strong>ProDen PlaqueOff<\/strong> Chews at Moonlight Natural Pet Store (Vancouver) not because it\u2019s a miracle cure, but because it\u2019s <strong>a gentler, more natural option<\/strong> for pet parents seeking an easier routine. Think of it as a <strong>support tool<\/strong>, not a replacement for brushing, chewing, or diet-based care.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"204\" src=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Greenies-vrs-Whimzees-300x204.png\" alt=\"Carbohy\" class=\"wp-image-1278\" style=\"width:540px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Greenies-vrs-Whimzees-300x204.png 300w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Greenies-vrs-Whimzees-150x102.png 150w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Greenies-vrs-Whimzees-768x523.png 768w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Greenies-vrs-Whimzees-1024x697.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Greenies-vrs-Whimzees-1536x1045.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Greenies-vrs-Whimzees.png 1624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Why Does the Veterinary Oral Health Council Approve Certain Kibble and Chews?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might have seen the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vohc.org\/news-publications\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VOHC Seal of Acceptance<\/a><\/strong> on certain kibbles, chews, or dental treats and wondered what it really means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)<\/strong> \u2014 an entity recognized by the <strong>American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC)<\/strong> \u2014 awards this seal to products that have been shown to help <strong>reduce plaque and tartar buildup<\/strong> in dogs and cats. To earn the seal, companies must conduct <strong>two independent trials<\/strong> comparing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A control group (usually pets eating regular kibble)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A test group (pets given the dental diet or chew)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>After the pets\u2019 teeth are professionally cleaned to start fresh, the study measures how much less plaque or tartar builds up over time. To qualify, the product must show at least a <strong>15% reduction in one study and a 20% average reduction across both trials<\/strong> compared to the control group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there are a few important caveats:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>VOHC evaluates plaque- and tartar-reducing ability only<\/strong> \u2014 not the overall nutrition, ingredient quality, or long-term safety of the product.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The VOHC itself states that <strong>its seal does not imply the product is \u201ccomplete and balanced\u201d<\/strong> or appropriate for every pet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many approved products include <strong>ingredients like corn, wheat flour, soybean meal, or by-products<\/strong> \u2014 items that might cause food sensitivities\/ allergies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So while these products may provide <strong>some mechanical scraping benefit<\/strong>, they aren\u2019t necessarily <strong>nutritious or holistic choices<\/strong> for daily feeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Info-Box: What the VOHC Seal Actually Means<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Seal awards<\/strong>: Products shown to help reduce plaque and\/or tartar, when used as directed. <br><strong>Two clinical trials required<\/strong>: Independent trials comparing test product vs control. <br><strong>Minimum efficacy standard<\/strong>: \u226515% reduction in each trial and \u226520% average across both. <br><strong>Limitations<\/strong>: Seal does <em>not<\/em> certify full nutritional adequacy or overall health benefit. Home brushing is still \u201cgold standard\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">5 Steps to Quickly Fix Your Dog\u2019s Bad Breath including Home Remedies (Step by Step)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What is effective in cleaning your dog\u2019s or cat\u2019s teeth? We know <strong>it is not kibble.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are <strong>5 effective steps to quickly get rid of your dog bad breath<\/strong>. They are meant to focus on <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>the&nbsp;typical causes of bad dog or cat breath, which are:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Food,&nbsp; <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Poor dental hygiene and <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Infections in the mouth caused by food and poor dental hygiene.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<p>[qcld-ilist mode=&#8221;one&#8221; list_id=&#8221;962&#8243; upvote=&#8221;on&#8221; disable_lightbox=&#8221;false&#8221; column=&#8221;2&#8243;]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pet Dental Products We&#8217;d Recommend<\/span>&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Shop here for <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/gear\/dog-supplies\/shampoo-grooming\/?subcategory=155\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">good dental products for dogs<\/a><\/span> or here for<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shop <a style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 255);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/dog-food\/shop-dog-treats\/bully-sticks-chews\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">natural chews<\/a> to reverse your pet&#8217;s bad breath now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fix Dog Bad Breath Quickly FAQs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762766533493\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What causes bad breath in dogs?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Bad breath in dogs often comes from odor-producing bacteria in the mouth. Common causes include food particles trapped around teeth, poor dental hygiene (lack of brushing), infections like tooth decay or periodontal disease, and less commonly, conditions such as acid reflux or organ disease.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762766935838\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is dog bad breath serious? What health problems can it indicate?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes \u2014 persistent bad breath can indicate periodontal disease, which may lead to heart, kidney or liver issues if bacteria spread from the mouth into the bloodstream. Early dental care is key.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762766952528\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Will kibble alone clean my dog\u2019s teeth and eliminate bad breath?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No \u2014 while kibble might offer minimal abrasion, it does not effectively clean the gum line or tongue where bacteria thrive. Plus many kibbles contain higher carbohydrate levels that fuel bacterial growth and tartar.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762766971062\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Are water additives, enzymatic sprays or dental chews effective for dog bad breath?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>These products can help marginally, but they should not replace brushing or proper dental hygiene. Many such products contain sugars or fillers, or only mask odor without addressing bacterial build-up.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762766992961\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How often should I brush my dog\u2019s teeth to fix dog bad breath?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Aim to brush your dog\u2019s teeth <strong>at least once a week<\/strong>, ideally more often. This is the most effective way to get rid of dog bad breath if there isn&#8217;t plaque build up. Focus especially between the gum line and teeth, jowls, tongue and chewing surfaces to prevent plaque and odor-causing bacteria<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762767019530\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What to feed dogs with bad breath? Does diet (raw vs kibble) affect my dog\u2019s breath? <\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A raw or freeze-dried diet with fewer carbohydrates may reduce bacterial fuel in the mouth. Wet or canned pet food may also reduce bacterial load in your pet&#8217;s mouth and washes away easily. Kibble diets high in carbs can contribute to plaque, tartar and bad breath over time. Yes \u2014 diet plays a major role. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762767079923\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Are there specific breeds more prone to dog bad breath or dental issues?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>While bad breath can affect any dog, breed traits \u2014 such as short muzzles, crowded teeth, or older age \u2014 may increase plaque build-up and dental problems. Regular dental checks are particularly important for these dogs.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762834365345\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Should you brush your dog&#8217;s teeth with human toothpaste?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. Human toothpaste tend to have ingredients like xylitol or baking soda that should not be swallowed by dogs. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs with small amounts of xylitol causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or even death. Cats do not seem to be affected by xylitol.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1762834387854\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Should you floss your dog or cat&#8217;s teeth?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes but only if your pet will allow it. Buy an interproximal brush that you can use to get between the teeth. It is a great way to get under the gum line as well as in between the teeth.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moonlight Natural Pet Store<\/a> is a holistic pet store carrying the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/gear\/dog-supplies\/shampoo-grooming\/?subcategory=155\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best dog dental cleaning supplies<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/gear\/cat-supplies\/cat-grooming-shampoos\/?subcategory=704\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cat dental supplies<\/a> in Vancouver, BC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you have a dog with bad breath or know one? We look at the odor-producing bacteria that grows in the mouth and explain the causes of cat or dog bad breath. Try our 5 easy steps below on how to improve your pet&#8217;s dental health.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1045,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[568,567,570,669,569,670],"class_list":["post-66","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dogs-cats-teeth-cleaning","tag-cat-bad-breath","tag-dog-bad-breath","tag-dog-halitosis","tag-fix-dog-breath-quickly","tag-pet-bad-breath","tag-quickly-fix-dog-bad-breath"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=66"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1045"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=66"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moonlightpetstore.com\/pet-health-pet-nutrition\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=66"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}