The addition of water additives to canine oral care helps keep bad breath at bay, but there are some ingredients to avoid.

Key takeaways:

• Dog water additives can help fight your pup’s naturally funky breath.

• Pet parents can make their own water additives or purchase a commercial product.

• Most dog water additives are safe, but there are some risky ingredients to avoid.

Dog parents the world over commiserate on one of the few prickly points to having a dog: their breath. While it will likely never smell minty fresh, simple water additives can go a long way in keeping your pup’s breath from clearing a room when they yawn.

Dental water additives are substances that clean and freshen dog mouths and improve oral hygiene. Some dog parents prefer an organic approach and use herbs and other items found in nature, others purchase products specifically formulated for canine oral hygiene. They have additional benefits, including:

• Cutting down on the amount of harmful bacteria hiding in their mouth. An abundance of bad bacteria causes tooth decay and gum disease, and seeps into the bloodstream, which can harm organs and trigger disease and infection.

• Keeping the water dish cleaner! Dog bowls are notoriously susceptible to dangerous bacteria. The additives that fight bacteria in a dog’s mouth also work in the water bowl to kill off bacteria before it even gets in their mouth.

Water additives are a helpful addition to an oral care routine at home. This guide will cover the different types of dog-safe water additives, how to use them, and which ingredients to avoid.

Homemade dental water additives

Some dog parents prefer natural, organic items to store-bought products when it comes to caring for their fur family. Here are a few natural dental water additives:

• Coconut oil – Coconut has antifungal and antibacterial properties that naturally fight off infection and help support the immune system. Coconut oil also has a high concentration of lauric acid, a beneficial saturated fatty acid that kills harmful bacteria that cause bad breath. Mix one tablespoon of coconut oil in your dog’s daily water content.

• Parsley and mint – Parsley and mint combat bad dog breath with an ample supply of chlorophyll, giving these herbs a vibrant green color and grassy flavor. Chlorophyll has antibacterial and deodorizing properties. Adding a sprig of chopped fresh parsley or mint to your dog’s food once a day can temporarily reduce bad breath.

• Apples and carrots – Fresh, crunchy treats like apples and carrots help clean the teeth by pushing out food that’s lodged in between them. They scrape away tartar and plaque that builds on the gum line and cause bad breath and decay. Apples and carrots contain vitamins A and C, too, which are fantastic for the immune system.

Professional water additive for dogs

There are many dental wash products dog parents can purchase to clean and protect their dog’s teeth. These items contain ingredients that safely fight against bad breath and bacteria, much like human toothpaste and mouthwash.

The various brands of canine water additives use different formulas and require specific dosage instructions. Always check the package for the correct dosage for the size and breed of your dog. Some ingredients you may find in commercial dog water additives include:

• Stabilized chlorine dioxide – When sodium chlorite is buffered with carbonate or phosphate and hydrogen peroxide, it becomes stabilized chlorine dioxide. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is a superb fungicide, bactericide, and antimicrobial agent and is also used in public water treatment facilities.

• Sodium citrate – The salt from citrus acid is called sodium citrate. It develops naturally in citrus fruits, corn, and other foods, and can prevent the build-up of tartar and plaque. It also regulates the pH of the mouth, which contains an overabundance of bacteria.

• Zinc chloride – Zinc chloride, an ionic salt essential for breaking down cholesterol, also plays a crucial part in several body systems such as immunity, cell growth, division, and wound healing. It is necessary for any commercial dog water additive because it stops the formation of odor-causing bacteria by binding itself to protein reactors.

Dangerous ingredients in canine water additives

The vast majority of water additives for dogs are 100% safe. Some, however, may contain harmful ingredients. A few to avoid are:

• Xylitol – Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. It can cause blood clotting, seizures, and pummeling blood pressure levels, even in small amounts. It’s quickly absorbed into the bloodstream after it’s consumed, resulting in a deadly release of insulin from the pancreas.

• Chlorhexidine gluconate – This chemical is most commonly used in pet shampoos but can cause stomatitis, which is an inflammation of the salivary glands, mouth, and gums. It’s also harmful if it contacts a dog’s eyes.

Additional ways to fight dog’s bad breath

Water additives are a great start keeping your pup’s mouth sparkling clean and healthy, but they won’t do the trick alone. There are several other components to a successful oral care routine for your pup. Factor these elements in as much as possible:

• Regular toothbrushing – Prevent plaque and tartar buildup with regular toothbrushing. It can be tricky to convince your dog to have their teeth brushed, especially if it’s a new experience. Leave it to our Scenthound pros! Our experienced technicians are trained to handle all kinds of dogs, and the more frequently your pup has their teeth brushed, the more comfortable they will be.

• Wipes and sprays – Dog teeth wipes and sprays work just like water additives. They fight against a build-up of tartar and plaque and help eliminate bad odors.

• Clean dishes – Dog food and water dishes can get dirty quickly. They are popular breeding grounds for bacteria and germs that can then easily find their way inside your beloved companion. Keeping your dog’s dishes sparkling clean is an easy way to protect their health.

More than 85% of dogs over the age of three develop a dental issue that requires a vet visit. Adding dental water additives helps combat bad breath but is not enough to maintain health. Routine care is essential in keeping your pup healthy and identifying minor health issues – such as bad breath – before they become more prominent or lead to bigger issues.

Let us help you keep your pup healthy

You care about your pup’s health, and we’re here to help. At Scenthound, we provide routine care and grooming to keep your pup clean and healthy. We offer three packages so you can choose the service that best meets the needs of your dog. After each groom we provide a detailed assessment of your pup’s external health to make sure you know about any small problems that might become big ones if ignored.

We love dogs and want to help your fur family live happy, healthy, long lives. Check out our monthly care club plans and find a Scenthound location near you.