Answered by Dr. Jean Hofve

Well, first it is important to remember that doggy breath may be very common but it is not normal. In fact, we consider it to be an early warning sign of disease that may arise down the road. So, the first thing to consider with doggy breath is the teeth. You definitely want to have your veterinarian examine the teeth and make sure there’s no tartar or decay or inflammation of the gums all of which can certainly contribute to the doggy breath. 

The other main thing to consider is diet. Highly processed foods like kibble and even canned food are not the ideal diet for a dog. They are inefficiently digested and the odors arising from the digestive system can be a big factor in doggy breath.

What I would suggest is to use raw bone (not long bones like shins) but the ends of bones or vertebrae from beef, chicken or turkey, depending on the size of your dog, can help remove or prevent tartar from gaining a foothold on the teeth. They need to be given at least once a week to have this effect. 

The other thing I would suggest is consider switching your dog to an all raw diet. This has many benefits. It is live food. It is fresh. You control the ingredients and the benefits both to doggy breath, teeth cleanliness and health are unmistakable. 

Hi, I’m Dr. Jean Hofve with HolisticActions.com. Thank you.

Suggested Treatments: 

• Dental care
• Healthy diet
• Immune supporting supplements

Related Symptoms: 

• Smelly mouth
• Doggy breath

DISCLAIMER: Holistic Actions! does not provide advice on certified medical treatments. Content is intended for informational purposes only and to equip you with the tools needed for Holistic Medical Decision Making (HMDM). It is not a substitute for clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Never use content found on the Holistic Actions! website as the basis for ignoring advice from your veterinarian to seek treatment. If you think you may have a veterinary emergency, please call your vet or an animal hospital immediately.

Dr. Jean

Holistic veterinarian and author Dr. Jean Hofve has more than 20 years’ experience in integrative veterinary medicine. She has a passion for feline health and nutrition, and has intensively studied and researched pet nutrition and the pet food industry since the early 1990s.

She has written books,  dozens of articles and been interviewed for print, radio, and television around the world. She is an advisor to AAFCO, the organization that sets standards for pet food production, and founder of Spirit Essences (now owned and operated by Jackson Galaxy), which makes flower essence remedies for many animal health and behavior problems.