Essential Oils For Dog Breath – Which Ones Work Best?

The best essential oil to use for bad dog breath is peppermint oil. However, it’s important to remember that essential oils are incredibly potent, so be sure to dilute the oil in plenty of water. Just put a few drops of peppermint oil in the water bowl each morning.

If you have had a dog at any point, I am sure you have experienced how truly abhorrent a dog’s breath can be. Some dogs only have halitosis once in a while, while others have it chronically.

There are many ways to approach this issue, including the popular dental chews. However, dental chews can get expensive. There may be better and cheaper solutions out there.

Some people use essential oils to fight off the bad breath and keep their dog’s mouth smelling fresh. But what essential oils are the best? And how should you use them?

The Pros and Cons of Essential Oil

It is important to know all the pros and cons of a product before you start using it. Essential oils have become popular in the last couple of years in products ranging from vaporizers to diffusers. Dogs are way more sensitive to most essential oils than humans , so keeping that in mind is important.

Benefits of Essential Oils

• Value: Essential oils, because they are so concentrated, are usually very cost-efficient. You only need a drop or two for it to work as it should.
• Effectiveness: Essential oils are also very effective! Even a few drops of the concentrate are enough to have an effect on your dog’s system. This could be something as simple as improving digestion or, in this case, getting rid of your dog’s bad breath.
• Accessible: In addition to being good value for the money, essential oils are easy to find at health food stores. They are also straightforward to use, even without any specific expertise.

Dangers of Essential Oils

• Concentrated: Essential oils are undiluted and therefore very concentrated. Any reaction will be stronger if you use the oil undiluted.
• Irritating: In some cases, dogs react to specific oils. Some essential oils act as an irritant for certain dogs, but not for others. This means your dog could have some form of reaction, even if someone else’s dog did not have one.
• Potential Reactions: If your dog has any health issues, it is important to check with your veterinarian before using essential oils. Sometimes, essential oils can have a negative effect when combined with a health issue or a particular medication.

How to Safely Use Essential Oils for Dogs

While essential oils are natural, they can still cause harm to your dog if misused. The most important thing is to manage the amount of essential oil that touches your dog. It’s important to pick the type of oil carefully. Additionally, you need to make sure to dilute the oil before using it.

If your dog has any kind of medical issue or is on any medication, you should always consult a vet before giving them anything.

Best Oil to Use For Bad Dog Breath

Both peppermint and cardamom oils are common choices. Peppermint is highly potent, and too much can irritate your dog’s skin or stomach. That is why it is crucial to use very little and watch for any reaction.

When using peppermint oil, use only a drop or two diluted in another oil, like coconut oil. You can also put a drop or two in your dog’s water bowl. Never put undiluted spearmint essential oils anywhere near your dog, including in diffusers. It is an irritant for many dogs.

Diluting The Oil

We have said it multiple times, but it’s important enough to repeat. You should NEVER use essential oils on your dog if it’s not diluted. Always dilute the oil or put it in a carrier oil. You can even try putting a drop or two on your dog’s regular toothpaste.

When it comes to bad breath, a great trick is to dilute it with coconut oil. Coconut oil is already great for bad breath, as it cleans your dog’s teeth very well on its own. Try putting a small amount of coconut oil on your dog’s toothbrush, along with a tiny amount of essential oil.

Causes of Bad Breath For Dogs

There are many reasons why your dog may have bad breath. Before figuring out how to treat it, it’s important to learn the cause. This may help you figure out how to solve the problem.

Teeth and Gums

This is a very common reason for bad breath in dogs. This is especially common as dog’s age. Older dogs are more likely to suffer from teeth decay or gum disease. Healthy gums are pink: if your dog’s gums are white, dry, or bright red, this could signify a deeper issue.

Food

Your dog may have simply eaten something rotten! Many dogs tend to get into the garbage when they are acting up or hungry. Make sure your dog is not eating anything they are not supposed to.

If you have recently changed your dog’s diet, there’s also a chance the new food is causing the bad breath. If your dog eats a lot of fish-based food, for example, this could give them bad breath.

Something Stuck in Their Teeth

A more straightforward issue, your dog can have something stuck in its teeth. This could be a piece of rotten food or maybe grass that has been lodged in their mouth for many days.

Other Ways to Help Bad Breath

If you have explored all the other options above and none have worked, you can try a few other things. Essential oils are a good option if they work, but they don’t always work for all dogs. Here are some other things you can do for your pup.

Celery

While there are many claims that vegetables help a dog’s breath, celery is one of the better options. Not only is it mostly water, but celery also contains lots of beneficial nutrients. Celery can also help remove plaque from your dog’s teeth as they eat.

Just make sure to cut the celery into small pieces to prevent your dog from choking! This is especially important for tiny dogs. You can even add some peanut butter to the celery for an extra treat! Celery is a cheaper and healthier alternative to regular store-bought dental chews.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an effective alternative to toothpaste in a pinch, in addition to being a great carrier of essential oils. It effectively cleans the teeth, as long as you don’t use too much.

Probiotics

In some cases, especially if your dog has chronic bad breath, they may benefit from probiotics. You can get prescribed probiotics from your veterinarian, or they can recommend a brand that suits your dog well.

Fresh Water

If your dog’s water bowl is dirty and full of bacteria, this can also cause your dog’s breath to stink! Make sure to clean your dog’s bowl properly every few days. Having fresh and clean water often is essential.

Regular Brushing

Make sure you brush your dog’s teeth often! This will ensure that nothing is stuck in their teeth and that there is no surface-level dirt causing the bad breath. This also gives you the chance to inspect your dog’s mouth to make sure there are no signs of deeper issues.

Safety First

There are many ways to use essential oils to cure your dog’s bad breath safely. The most important thing for you to remember is to always dilute any oils that you. Remember – the safety of your dog is the most important factor.

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