Can water additives really cure your dog's stinky breath? A vet weighs in

I have a 12-pound poodle, and every time we visit the vet, the doctor explains that small dogs are more susceptible to periodontal disease and that I should be brushing his teeth every day. Well, that's easier said than done — my little guy hates getting his teeth brushed. We've tried a range of toothpastes, brushes and treats, but it's always a struggle. Needless to say, we don't brush his teeth every single day, but we try to as often as we can. Our vet said we could try a dog-water additive to supplement our brushing, which would help prevent plaque buildup and freshen his stinky breath.

The suggestion had me curious, and I was also unsure of which additive product to choose, so I reached out to experts for further help. But first ...

What exactly is a dog-water additive?

If you’ve never heard of it, a dog-water additive is a liquid solution you add to a dog's water bowl that contain ingredients (more on what those are in a minute) intended to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup and freshen breath. While a lot of brands are marked as a “no-brush” solution, most vets recommend that you continue to regularly brush your pup’s teeth even when using an additive. They should be an additional part of canine dental hygiene and, if you brush your dog’s teeth every day, might not even be necessary.

Many dog-water additives are tasteless and only require a few drops per 8 ounces of water. They shouldn’t discourage your dog from drinking their water. (If they do, you’ll probably want to stop using them or try a different one.)

What dog-water additives are safe?

Dr. Shalom Cebollero, DVM at VCA Noah's Place Animal Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, agrees that dog-water additives can be safe to use, but gave me a few shopping tips. First, she says, look for products that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). "This ensures the product has been tested and shown to help reduce plaque or tartar," she says. Pro tip: The VOHC has a handy list on its website of approved dental products, including water additives.

Next, she says, look for a dog-water additive with a transparent ingredient list. "Chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride is an antimicrobial agent effective against oral bacteria. Zinc compounds (like zinc gluconate) help control plaque and reduce bad breath. Enzymes such as glucose oxidase can help break down plaque biofilms. And green tea extract [is a natural] antimicrobial and commonly used in dental products."

If you're already using an additive that isn't on the VOHC "safe" list, check the ingredients list to make sure it doesn't contain Xylitol — a sugar alcohol that is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts — alcohol, as it can cause gastrointestinal issues, or artificial dyes and sweeteners, which are unnecessary and can cause irritation, Cebollero says.

Can dental treats or water additives replace teeth brushing?

The short answer: No. (Would you replace your regular teeth brushing with mouthwash or eating mints?) I spoke to Dr. Ambika Vaid-Sidhu, an integrative veterinarian and veterinary advisor to Badlands Ranch, which specializes in pet nutrition, surgery and dental procedures. She recommends brushing your dog's teeth daily and said there's no real replacement for an old-fashioned toothbrush and toothpaste

"Toothbrushing is the only way to prevent dental disease," she stresses. "I know it can be difficult to brush daily, or even weekly, so when you aren’t able to brush as often as your veterinarian recommends, you can try supplementing with a treat to aid in breaking tartar accumulation while chewing." For instance, "a Kong filled with your pet’s favorite snacks and then placed in the freezer is a great option that requires chewing."

If you want to go for a more holistic approach, give your dog raw carrots. "[They're] a great source of vitamin A and beta-carotene and can naturally strengthen enamel," she says.

Of course, you should also talk to your vet at each checkup. They may recommend professional dental cleaning, which is advice you should heed when possible.

"Periodontal disease can lead to significant systemic disease if left untreated for too long. It is an underrated disease and prevention is highly effective in keeping your pet healthy for much longer," Vaid-Sidhu says. To avoid costly professional dental cleaning, "ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily. If this is not possible, as often as you can."

Check out a few VOHC-approved dog dental products

To help keep your dog healthy and freshen its breath, consider upgrading your dental routine with a few of the doggy dental products below. All have earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council's Seal of Acceptance.

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.