DIY Dog Mouthwash: Safe, Effective, and Fresh

By the time your canine companion turns 3 years old, he will likely have periodontal dental disease like 80 percent of the canine population. Just like humans, dogs deal with tartar and plaque and need to have their teeth brushed daily. When your furry friend hates getting his teeth brushed — or just needs some extra dental care — DIY doggy mouthwash made from ingredients like peppermint and salt is a good way to keep his pearly whites gleaming and his breath smelling fresh between veterinary cleanings.

Echinacea, a plant-based supplement, is an anti-inflammatory. Pour 1 cup of water into a saucepan and add either 1 teaspoon of fresh echinacea root or 1/2 teaspoon of dried echinacea root. Boil the echinacea root and water in a saucepan for 10 minutes and then cover it and let the mixture steep and cool for one hour. Strain the cooled liquid before pouring it into a squirt bottle or onto a washcloth. Squirt or rub the echinacea solution onto your dog's gums.

Homemade dog water additive for bad breath

If your precious pup isn't a fan of having her teeth brushed, add a natural additive to her water bowl to eradicate bad breath. Adding apple cider vinegar to your dog's water bowl does more than freshen her breath. It's been shown to have antibacterial properties and aids the canine immune system.

Homemade dog water additives and mouthwashes aren't enough to clean a dog's teeth, but they will go a long way toward fighting plaque, bacteria, and tartar in between professional veterinary cleanings.

Avoid human mouthwash

Mouthwashes created for humans are dangerous for dogs because they contain toxic substances that dogs will swallow since they are unable to spit or gargle. Many dental products include fluoride or xylitol, which are substances that are poisonous to dogs. Xylitol is toxic even in small doses, as it causes a release of insulin that leads to a dangerous drop in blood sugar.

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, seizures, loss of coordination and appetite, and lethargy. If you think your dog has ingested a toxin, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately. Both xylitol and fluoride are quickly absorbed into canine's systems, so quick action needs to be taken. Poisoning can lead to coma or death.