Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Dog Breath Freshener Overall: Gerrard Larriett Dog Breath Freshener
“This is a vet recommended, all-natural, and safe oral care spray for your pup. It is made of high-quality ingredients including aloe vera, mint and baking soda that effectively removes bacteria which causes odor and decay.”
Best Hypoallergenic Breath Freshener: Pets Are Kids Too Premium Dental Spray
“This dental spray contains all natural ingredients like aloe vera that are extremely safe and gentle on your dog’s teeth and gums. It does not contain any artificial substances that may be harmful to your dog’s mouth.”
Best Breath Freshener for Puppies: TropiClean Oral Care Water Additive
“This puppy-specific dental water additive prevents the cause of tooth decay and tartar build up before it even starts. Its gentle and soothing formula makes it safe for extra sensitive puppies who need additional dental health support.”
Dogs love to show their affection by licking and playful biting. All dog parents know this for a fact. And while it’s a cute and gentle gesture, you may not think so if your dog’s breath smells terrible.
Taking care of your furry friend is not just about watching their food and making sure they’re getting proper nourishment, you also have to take care of their dental hygiene. However, most dogs aren’t a big fan of brushing. This is when dental sprays come in handy.
If you want to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy, check out our highly recommended dog breath fresheners.
Featured Recommendations
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Featured Recommendations
- Best Dog Breath Freshener Products
- 1. Gerrard Larriett Dog Breath Freshener
- 2. Pets Are Kids Too Premium Dental Spray
- 3. TropiClean Oral Care Water Additive
- 4. Bodhi Dog Natural Doggie Breath Spray
- 5. Dental Fresh Water Additive For Dogs
- 6. Isle Of Dogs Natural Breath Dogs Treats
- 7. TruDog Spray Me Doggy Dental Spray
- 8. Blue Buffalo Dental Bones Dog Treats
- 9. Petlab Co. Dental Formula Water Additive
- 1. Gerrard Larriett Dog Breath Freshener
- Common Cause of Bad Dog Breath and Other Dental Issues
- Questions & Answers
- What else can I do to prevent bad breath in my dog?
- When should there be cause for concern?
- What kinds of breath fresheners are out there?
- Is there a particular kind of breath freshener that is better than others?
- What should I be looking for in a breath freshening product for my dog?
- Can there be dangers if my dog has too much?
- What else can I do to prevent bad breath in my dog?
Best Dog Breath Freshener Products
Here are our highly recommended dog breath freshener products on the market:
- Best Dental Breath Freshener Overall: Gerrard Larriett Dog Breath Freshener
- Best Hypoallergenic Breath Freshener: Pets Are Kids Too Premium Dental Spray
- Best Breath Freshener for Puppies: TropiClean Oral Care Water Additive
- Best Value for Money: Bodhi Dog Natural Doggie Breath Spray
- Best for Dogs with Advanced Dental Issues: Dental Fresh Water Additive For Dogs
- Best Dental Care Treat: Isle Of Dogs Natural Breath Dogs Treats
- Best for Healthy Gums: TruDog Spray Me Doggy Dental Spray
- Best Dental Chew: Blue Buffalo Dental Bones Dog Treats
- Best for Everyday Use: Petlab Co. Dental Formula Water Additive
1. Gerrard Larriett Dog Breath Freshener
Best Dog Breath Freshener Overall: Vet recommended mouthwash that effectively removes plaque and controls tartar build up
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PROS
- 100% natural and safe mouthwash neutralizes the bacteria that causes odor and tooth decay
- Contains aloe vera with natural anti-microbial properties to soothe gums and prevent infection
- With baking soda to remove plaque and deodorize mouth
- No added alcohol or sweeteners
CONS
- The spray range is wide so be careful spraying it into small dogs’ mouths – you don’t want to accidentally get it in their eyes
The Gerrard Larriett Dog Breath Freshener is an organic, extremely safe oral solution that contains a perfect blend of all-natural ingredients, keeping your pet’s mouth as healthy and fresh as possible.
This vet-recommended spray contains aloe vera which is the main ingredient that fights infection-causing microorganisms while also nourishing your dogs gums. It avoids alcohol, phosphates, parabens, and artificial ingredients which may trigger gum infection.
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High-Quality Ingredient List
This product combines the power of aloe vera, mint, and baking soda to help prevent plaque build up, tooth decay, and bad breath. Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which soothe irritation and fight bad breath-causing bacteria. Mint is a great antibacterial agent which, when paired with the gentle cleansing action of baking soda, ensure a fantastic germ-free fresh breath that lasts all day.
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PROS
- Can be used as a spray or a water additive
- Contains high-quality, natural ingredients with antiseptic properties
- Includes natural enzymes which fight bacteria and tartar, fixing the root of the problem
- Non-toxic, alcohol-free, and hypoallergenic oral spray
CONS
- Slightly pricey
The Pets Are Kids Too Premium Dental Spray is a natural, non-toxic formula that works to control tartar build up, eliminate plaque, and leave your dog’s breath smelling fresh and clean. It targets the cause of tooth decay at an enzymatic level and nourishes you dog’s gums to prevent dental diseases.
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Premium Quality Ingredients
Aloe vera is the main ingredient, and it is sourced from the gel part of the leaf, which does not contain any harmful ingredients. Peppermint and spearmint are both natural ingredients that add a refreshing scent to your pup’s breath. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a non-toxic, highly effective and gentle cleansing agent with incredible deodorizing properties.
3. TropiClean Oral Care Water Additive
Best Breath Freshener for Puppies: Tasteless and odorless oral solution you can add to your puppy’s water to prevent oral issues at a young age
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PROS
- Variety of options available, including original, hip & joint (with added glucosamine), skin & coat (with added Omegas), and digestive support (with added probiotics)
- Added green tea extract that’s safe and gentle on your dog’s teeth and gums
- Tasteless & odorless, so your pup won’t even notice it’s there
- Addresses plaque and tartar build up before it even starts
CONS
- It may take some experimenting to add the right amount to your pup’s water bowl – the recommended dosage may be too strong for some and they’ll refuse to drink
TropiClean Fresh Breath is a water additive that promotes healthy teeth and gums starting at a young age to prevent the development of plaque and tooth decay.
This is one of the easiest products to use and takes just about no time at all. Simply add one capful per 16oz of water (that’s 470ml), and that’s that. It’s tasteless and odorless so you can conveniently add them to your dog’s water without them noticing.
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Fresh Breath And More
There are four other options to choose from aside from this “Puppy” formula – each specifically targets certain dental issues.
Advanced Whitening is intended for removing tartar and plaque from your dog’s teeth. The Digestive Support option contain added probiotics for easier digestion, Hip & Joint has added glucosamine to fortify joints, and Skin & Coat contains an extra dose of Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for silky fur and supple skin.
4. Bodhi Dog Natural Doggie Breath Spray
Best Value For Money: Effective dental care solution that prevents plaque and tooth decay for a budget-friendly price
PROS
- Easy-to-use breath spray that eliminates the hassle of brushing
- All-natural ingredients, useful for both cleaning and freshening
- Naturally sweetened with honey
- Uses natural antimicrobials to destroy bacteria
CONS
- Not suitable for puppies younger than 12 weeks
The Bodhi Dog Natural Doggie Breath Spray serves the dual purposes of freshening your pup’s breath and controlling plaque and tartar buildup.
This spray competes with premium products in terms of quality and it comes in a bigger bottle, more affordable bottle. It uses fresh, healthy ingredients to eliminate bacteria that causes foul breath, and leaves traces of spearmint and cloves on your pup’s breath.
It also helps remove plaque and tartar using a small amount of all-natural baking soda. This is gentle and not abrasive, and it gets rid of build-up between teeth without causing damage.
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High-Quality Ingredient List
This product uses very few but effective ingredients which eliminates the need for artificial ingredients which may trigger a bad reaction to your sensitive pup. It has a perfect blend of spearmint extract, baking soda, cinnamon, natural honey, cloves, aloe vera, and naturally based minerals. Not only are they cleansing and freshening in a gentle way, the honey means that this spray is naturally sweetened, and cinnamon is a natural analgesic, meaning that if your dog has been suffering from dental pain, this will help there as well.
5. Dental Fresh Water Additive For Dogs
Best for Dogs with Advanced Dental Issues: Eliminates halitosis, swollen gums, and discolored teeth
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PROS
- Available in Original, Advanced Whitening, and Advanced Plaque & Tartar
- Has a unique self-regulating formula that target serious dental conditions
- Destroys odor-causing bacteria and periodontal pathogens
- No artificial ingredients, alcohol, sugar, or other sweeteners
CONS
- May require some experimenting to get the added amount right – if your pet smells or tastes it, they may not drink
A water additive is a fantastic idea for pets who are fussy about having anything put in their mouths. This dental water additive features a well-rounded oral care formula that strengthens teeth and prevents cavities. It also works for advanced cases of tooth decay and plaque buildup. If your pooch has swollen gums, discolored teeth, or halitosis, this is the best dental water additive to use.
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This water additive has a clinically proven formula that does not only cleans and whitens your dog’s teeth, it also gets rid of microorganisms that cause infection, decay, and bad odor.
There are no artificial flavors or colors in this formula, no alcohol, no sugar, no harmful detergents or abrasive chemicals, and no strong-smelling fresh flavors. It’s designed to be added in such a way that it doesn’t disrupt your dog’s drinking habits, and simply gets to work in the background to improve their dental condition.
6. Isle Of Dogs Natural Breath Dogs Treats
Best Dental Care Treat: Tasty, crunchy treats that’s good for your dog’s teeth
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PROS
- Oven-baked treats made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Only 24 calories per treat, making these easy to add to your pet’s daily intake
- Crunchiness helps clean teeth and remove plaque
- Promote a healthy diet and a healthy mouth
CONS
- The crunchy texture may not be suitable for dogs with few teeth
If you’re looking for a clever way to treat bad dog breath, these tasty treats will not only get rid of the smell, it will also remove plaque and tartar build up while giving your dog additional nourishment. It has a low calorie content so you can use them as training treats without worrying about your dog gaining extra weight.
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Crunchy & Cleaning
These treats are not specifically intended for cleaning dog teeth but it does help scrape plaque and tartar off, giving your dog a fresher, cleaner, better smelling breath.
All-Natural, Whole Food Ingredients
These little crunchers are packed with high-quality ingredients including gluten-free whole grains, flaxseed, canola oil, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, dried kelp, and parsley. It does not have any artificial ingredients or low-quality food fillers which may trigger food allergies in your dog.
7. TruDog Spray Me Doggy Dental Spray
Best for Healthy Gums: Features a proprietary blend of ingredients that maintains strong, healthy gums to prevent tooth decay and bad dog breath
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PROS
- Unique formula for preventing dental decay
- Helps control tartar and keep gums healthy
- Great results in no time
- Natural ingredients help to boost immunity
CONS
- Slightly expensive
- Contains a small amount of grain alcohol (although this shouldn’t affect your pup unless they are very sensitive)
TruDog Spray Me Doggy Dental Spray is a vet-approved dental care solution that works to fortify your dog’s gums, keeping them strong and well-protected from bacteria that cause dental decay.
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Holistic Formula
This product contains an amazing combination of grapefruit seed extract, peppermint oil, grape seed extract, rosemary oil, thyme oil, neem seed oil, and grain alcohol. This blend of natural oils is effective in fighting plaque and tartar, and of course peppermint gives your pooch’s mouth a nice scent.
8. Blue Buffalo Dental Bones Dog Treats
Best Dental Chew: Highly digestible dental bones with enhanced flavor and better texture that cleans teeth and freshens breath
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PROS
- Good quality ingredients (as well as being more limited ingredient than many)
- Fairly low in calories makes it easy to add to a daily total (87 calories per chew)
- Loaded with taurine, vitamin A, C, and E that boosts your dog’s immune system
- Comes in an amazing shape and texture that helps destroy plaque and tartar
CONS
- May not be suitable for dogs who are sensitive to potato
The Blue Buffalo Dental Bones Dog Treats is a limited ingredient, dental bone chewy treat which does not only help solve your dog’s dental issues but also add some nourishment that they need.
These Dental Bones come in large, regular, small, and mini, so no matter what dog breed you have there’ll be a dental bone that’s ideal for them. With these bones, your dog can have longer-lasting chewy treat that will keep plaque at bay and eliminate bad dog breath caused by bacteria.
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Natural Ingredients
The number one ingredient in these bones is potatoes, which means they may not be suitable for every dog. Pea protein makes up the total of 7.5% protein, while the other ingredients include flaxseeds, carrots, blueberries, and parsley.
It contains no artificial colors or preservatives. It uses mixed tocopherols and citric acid to naturally preserve the treats, and the color is provided by dehydrated beets.
9. Petlab Co. Dental Formula Water Additive
Best for Everyday Use: Safe, painless, and cost-effective dental water additive to keep your dog’s breath fresh and clean all day
PROS
- Supports bone mineral density for stronger teeth
- Targets bacteria that causes plaque build up
- Fantastic cleaning and whitening properties to prevent teeth discoloration
- No discernible odor and can be added to your dog’s water easily
CONS
- Can become slightly expensive if using it regularly
The Petlab Co. Dental Formula Water Additive is a perfect supplement to your dog’s dental hygiene regimen. It improves your dog’s overall dental health by maintaining a clean, bacteria-free teeth and gums.
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Follow Instructions Carefully
This dental care solution contains a nice blend of potassium sorbate which strengthens your dog’s teeth by improving bone mineral density. It also has sodium benzoate which targets bacteria that cause plaque build up. The added baking soda effective cleans and removes tartar to prevent tooth decay.
Common Cause of Bad Dog Breath and Other Dental Issues
Dogs (just like us) can develop a case of bad breath for a variety of reasons. Although it can be due to something that Fido dug up in the garden and ate, this is usually a short-term problem and will resolve itself within a day or two.
If your pup has constant, consistent smelly breath, though, there are a few things that could be the culprit. An unhealthy diet can be a big factor, especially one that includes plenty of human food. Dogs’ bodies process things differently to ours, and so food that is meant for humans will not always be great for pets.
Aside from that, the biggest reason for halitosis is an unhealthy mouth. Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum problems and tooth decay, which in turn can be the source of an unpleasant smell. This is usually more common in dogs with really small mouths, as well as brachycephalic or short-nosed dogs, because their mouths tend to be very crowded with teeth.
There are also medical conditions that could cause a foul breath odor, such as kidney disease, diabetes (this can cause an almost sickly sweet smell), and digestive issues.
Questions & Answers
What else can I do to prevent bad breath in my dog?
It’s essential that you maintain a good dental hygiene routine with your pet from as young an age as possible. Cleaning their teeth is a great idea, and it isn’t difficult if you introduce them to it early. Making sure they follow a healthy diet and have good quality chew toys is another important thing.
The items on this list should never be used as a standalone method for keeping good dental hygiene. They should be used sparingly, and in conjunction with a good diet and regular teeth cleaning.
Dry kibble is usually helpful for keeping plaque off of your pup’s teeth, and so if they continue to have bad breath while on a kibble diet, you may want to reconsider the quality of the kibble you’re feeding them. You want something with no wheat, corn, or soy, with a real meat as the first ingredient, and ideally with plenty of fruits and veg as carbs. Also, removing wet food from your pup’s diet can help reduce terrible breath quite significantly.
When should there be cause for concern?
If your pup is eating a great quality kibble, avoiding wet food, has a regular teeth cleaning routine, and has no other apparent cause for his or her halitosis, then it might be time for a trip to the vet for a checkup.
Be alert to your dog’s behavior and if they display any other signs of dental issues or discomfort. Things like struggling to eat their kibble, sudden depression or lethargy, and shying away from attention (especially when patted or touched around the mouth or face) can be signs that your pooch is in pain or a significant amount of discomfort.
If the odor is sweet, fruity, or abnormal in any other way, then a vet’s visit is probably a good plan.
What kinds of breath fresheners are out there?
There are a variety of breath-freshening products out there. You can choose one that works best for you, or you can use more than one, or all of them, depending on your pup.
Sprays are common, as they are generally easy to use, taste good, and are fairly affordable. Similar to these are gels, which may be slightly more difficult to feed your dog, but are still a good option and can be used as a treat.
Chews are great for cleaning your dog’s teeth while freshening his or her breath, as well as keeping them busy for a couple of hours. Most of these will need to be added into your pup’s diet as extras (if you know how many calories your dog needs and feed them accordingly, a couple off chews could mean they’re eating more than they should be).
Water additives are great if your pooch really doesn’t like anyone near his or her mouth and is fussy about fresh-smelling treats. Simply add a few drops to your pet’s water and it will help spruce up his or her breath when they have a drink of water.
There are even ways you can freshen your pup’s breath using ingredients you may have in your cupboard at home.
Is there a particular kind of breath freshener that is better than others?
What type of breath-freshening product you choose to use will depend largely on you and your fluff. If you know your pup isn’t too keen on having something sprayed in their mouth, then obviously a spray would be a bad choice for them and something like a water additive may be a good idea. If your pooch is one who will happily lick anything you offer them, then you have pretty much all the choice in the world.
There is really no type of breath freshener that can be said to be far better than the rest. There are many factors that go into the breath-freshening process, and what works for one dog may not work for another.
Typically, when it comes to cleaning and freshening at the same time, a chew is a great option. But that doesn’t mean the other choices are less – they’re simply different, and you will need to put a bit of thought into what would work best for you and your fur baby.
What should I be looking for in a breath freshening product for my dog?
As with everything that goes into your dog’s mouth, the product you choose here should be all-natural and contain no harmful or chemical ingredients. The membranes that line your dog’s mouth absorb chemicals far more quickly than you realize, so it’s essential that there’s nothing dodgy in these products that could end up in your pup’s bloodstream and cause trouble.
You’ll also want something that tastes good to your pet. You don’t really want to be fighting with your pooch to get this in their mouth, so if it’s tasty then it will make everyone’s lives easier. It should also be easy to use, both for you and your pup. If it’s a mission to use, eventually you’ll lose motivation and your pup just won’t care anymore.
You should also try and get a good idea of the cleaning power of the product in addition to the freshening properties. It’s great to find a product that hides a bad breath smell, but if it can work on the root of the problem while keeping your pup’s mouth smelling decent, then all the better.
Can there be dangers if my dog has too much?
If the product you’ve chosen for your pooch is all-natural and doesn’t contain artificial or chemical stuff, the only dangers might be a rather upset stomach and a pup who doesn’t want to try breath-freshener again for a long time.
As long as the product is filled with natural stuff it shouldn’t do any lasting harm. Your dog may vomit or have diarrhea, so just make sure they have plenty of water to keep hydrated until they’re feeling better. If you are worried about the way they’re reacting or if they’re showing more severe symptoms, take them to the vet to get checked out.
