With all the dog breath freshener options available, it can be hard to make a choice. However, some of the best ways to freshen your dog's breath are simple to do at home. Prevent Bad Breath The best dog breath freshener is prevention. A good dental care regimen can eliminate the causes of bad breath in dogs. A proper dog dental care regimen includes: * Yearly veterinary dental exams and teeth-cleaning * Daily tooth-brushing * A diet that includes hard kibble and dry biscuits Bad Breath Warning Signs Warning signs that indicate that your dog's bad breath may be a sign of gum disease include: * Red, swollen, or bleeding gums * Cracked, broken, or missing teeth * Yellowish-brown tartar deposits at the gumline * Lumps or swellings on your dog's gums * Ulcers or lesions on your dog's gums Examine your dog's mouth during regular brushing and see your vet if these symptoms occur. Freshen Your Dog's Breath If your dog's bad breath persists in the face of good dental hygiene and your vet has ruled out underlying causes such as gastrointestinal disease, don't fret. There are still steps you can take to freshen your dog's bad breath. * Try a dog breath freshener treat made with cinnamon, peppermint, or spearmint oils. These are naturally occurring oils that won't harm your dog. * Dog dental treats are specially formulated to clean your dog's teeth and freshen his breath. * Mix a drop of peppermint or spearmint oil in your dog's drinking water. Use about one drop for 20 oz of cold water and mix well.