Your Dog's Bad Breath Will Improve With The Help Of This Common Herb

Bad dog breath is no joke. One second you're smothering your pup with kisses and cuddles, and the next they pant in your face and your life flashes before your eyes. There are many reasons your canine's breath might stink; they could have eaten something foul, have dental or gum disease, or have a condition like diabetes. But often, dog breath is just kind of rank.

The best treatment for run-of-the-mill bad breath in dogs is good oral hygiene. Like humans, pups benefit from regular brushing with a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste. But that might not be enough for your stinky-breathed pooch. You may be wondering: Should I floss my dog's teeth? What about dental toys and treats? Does mouthwash for dogs exist? These can all be good approaches, but you don't have to rely on them solely.

Beyond taking care of your dog's teeth and vet intervention, you may have a common herb in your crisper drawer right now that could help improve your best bud's breath. It's the garnish on your shrimp scampi and the fresh green base of your chimichurri. That's right: Parsley can prevent your dog's breath from making you see stars.

We can thank one ingredient in parsley for its bad-breath-conquering abilities, and that's chlorophyll. "One of the most important ways that our pets benefit from chlorophyll is that it both treats and prevents bad breath from the inside out," veterinarian Dr. Liz Hanson told Heathline. "It also improves digestion, which is the most likely cause of bad breath, even in dogs with healthy teeth and gums."

As Dr. Hanson explained, "Chlorophyll ... helps cleanse all the cells of the body, fights infection, heals wounds, helps to build the immune system and replenish red blood cells, and detoxifies the liver and digestive system." It can have extraordinary benefits for your pooch. You'll find dog treats on the market that have chlorophyll-containing ingredients like parsley and mint. And there are also supplements designed to help with digestion and breath that contain similar ingredients. Of course, always consult with your vet before adding something new to your dog's diet.

First, and most importantly, if you are going to feed your dog parsley, only use the curly variety, as others, like Italian parsley, can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. As always when adding a new food to your dog's diet, start with a small amount and monitor them to make sure they don't have a bad reaction. Even lots of curly parsley can cause gastrointestinal problems or dermatitis if your pup eats too much.

In order to help your canine with their breath, chop up a small amount of the green stuff and sprinkle it over their food or bake it into homemade dog treats. Not only will the parsley assist in neutralizing your dog's breath but they'll also feel fancy, like they're eating at a five-paw restaurant. (Okay, maybe they won't, but it's fun to think about.) Once you know your dog can tolerate curly parsley well, feel free to add it to their meals on a regular basis. Just remember: Human food should always be served in moderation.