The Best Dog Breath Fresheners
"Dog breath" is a common insult for a reason, but a good dog breath freshener can take some of that stigma away. Good breath fresheners won't just make your dog's kisses more tolerable, but also help their dental health and prevent tooth decay. But not all dog breath fresheners will be a true breath of fresh air, which is why we've made this list of the ones we think are best. Read on and get ready to give your dog a brand new smile (and smell).
What to Look For
We checked three specific things when deciding which dog breath freshener we should recommend: Does it genuinely freshen your dog’s breath? Does it have any additional dental benefits besides providing a nice smell? Finally, is it free of chemicals that could harm or irritate your dog in any way? All of the dog breath fresheners you see on this list impressed us in these areas. The ever-reliable Arm & Hammer impressed us the most with its no-fuss, no-muss baking soda formula. We also had to give major props to Minties for making a dog breath freshener that also functioned as a delicious snack. Keep reading to see which dog breath freshener should be helping your dog stay fresh today.
Arm & Hammer Fresh Breath Dental Spray for Dogs
The tools you need
You’ve probably grown up with Arm & Hammer, and with good reason: it can be used for many things, even dog breath freshener. It’s as simple as giving a quick spritz to your dog’s teeth and gums. It not only makes your dog’s breath smell better but keeps harmful bacteria from accruing. A new twist on a reliable classic, this dog breath freshener works well on pups of all shapes and sizes.
Pros:
- Inexpensive and a great value when purchased in bulk
- Good for owners who have trouble brushing their dog’s teeth
- Compact enough to easily take on the go
Cons:
- The scent doesn’t last an especially long time
TropiClean Fresh Breath Solution for Dogs
Pour one out
A couple of cups per day of this dog breath freshener can work wonders on your dog’s dental health. Adding a small amount of this liquid solution to their daily water will help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, leading to fresher breath and a brighter smile. Plus, its organic formula means there’s no need to worry about harsh or toxic chemicals. We’ll raise a small, plastic cup to this dog breath freshener any day of the week.
Pros:
- It won’t affect the taste or scent of your dog’s water
- Comes in varieties geared toward puppies, fur health, and more
- Useful for dogs who don’t like having their teeth brushed
Cons:
- Can upset dogs with food sensitivities
Minties Dental Treats for Dogs
A healthy reward
These treats aren’t just a delicious snack but an excellent example of dog breath freshener in action. Each bone is made from a formula composed entirely of organic ingredients like alfalfa and parsley, all wrapped with a mint flavor your dog will love. Their natural chewing will help spread the minty goodness through their whole mouth, giving it a thorough clean. Keeping your dog’s mouth clean doesn’t have to be a chore for them or you, as this dog breath freshener proves.
Pros:
- It also comes in a vanilla flavor
- Available in different sizes depending on your dog’s size
- The formula is gluten-free and has no animal byproducts
Cons:
- Large-sized bones are still relatively small
Dental Fresh Water Additive Dog Breath Freshener
Even if mouthwash doesn’t please your tastebuds, we think your dog will gain a lot from this dog breath freshener. This solution requires just a teaspoon to be poured into your dog’s water bowl to work its magic. And it may very well seem like magic because it manages to work great as a dog breath freshener, while also reducing plaque buildup and protecting their gums. A little of this dog breath freshener goes a long way.
Pros:
- Comes in various sizes to give you an appropriate supply
- Deals specifically with gum health
- Scentless and tasteless to help dogs use it more easily
Cons:
- It can take longer than average to see results
Dingo Dental Stick for Dogs
A cheap clean
Keeping your canine companion’s teeth clean doesn’t have to come at a high cost, as this dog breath freshener proves. There are 20 tasty sticks with a real chicken filling that come at less than the cost of a meal at a typical fast food restaurant. It also eliminates tartar and plaque, meaning your dog’s long-term dental health gets a boost too. We love spending a little and getting a lot, and this dog breath freshener is a prime example of that.
Pros:
- Available in bulk quantities, which increases the value even further
- Easy to chew for all ages and breeds of dog
- Tasty enough to get dogs excited to eat them
Cons:
- Needs other dental supplements to be effective
Should I be worried if my dog needs to use dog breath freshener?
Most dogs will get a case of halitosis now and again, so feeling like you need to use dog breath freshener shouldn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. If their breath is notably bad, though, or you start noticing differences or deterioration in their teeth, tongue, or gums, you should ask your vet if there is a more serious issue.
Why should I use dog breath freshener instead of just brushing their teeth?
Put simply, a lot of dogs don’t like having their teeth brushed and might put up a struggle, which isn’t just annoying but might cause you to miss spots. Using dentally-inclined dog breath fresheners gives you an easy, comprehensive way to make their breath stink less and keep up with their dental regimen.
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