As kids, almost everyone had a run-in with hydrogen peroxide. Occasionally, even as adults we still find the need for this antiseptic. But these instances were to clean sores or wounds that we got while playing around. This was done to make sure that we were protected from nasty infections. So it is a bit controversial to hear about our handy antiseptic being used as a breath freshener. But many dog owners are using it exactly to cure their dog’s bad breath problem.
If this trend continues then it is highly possible to see in our local pet store tucked in its shelves a brand name called DOG BAD BREATH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE. But before anyone rushes to the nearest store for this medicine they better study this compound better or ask their vet about it. This way, they are better informed if ever they do seriously consider using hydrogen peroxide as a dog breath home remedy.
First of all, what causes bad breath? Bad breath results when the concentration of anaerobic bacteria in the dog’s mouth grows out of proportion because of poor hygiene. These anaerobic bacteria are normally found in the mouth of most animals, humans and dogs included. It is when dog owners neglect to clean their dog’s mouth regularly that these bacteria become too numerous in the dog’s mouth. This alone should be enough to convince every dog owner to make sure that they regularly brush their dog’s teeth with a pet toothpaste.
Second, how does bad breath develop from these bacteria? It is pretty simple really. The bacteria which have been left alone eat the food particles that accumulate in the dog’s teeth and gums. After this happens, the bacteria will then release compounds that are mainly sulfuric and then will mix with the air and these results in bad breath.
So why do some dog owners use hydrogen peroxide to treat their pet’s foul breath? Most dog owners value this compound to clean their dog’s mouth not because of any wound that they may blame for their dog’s foul breath. Rather, the substance can be valuable in treating bad breath because it adds to the concentration of oxygen in the mouth.
Anaerobic bacteria are unable to survive in an environment that is loaded with oxygen. Since hydrogen peroxide is loaded with oxygen it manages to do away with the excess bacteria in the dog’s mouth. Then the sulfuric compounds responsible for the bad breath also disappear from the dog’s mouth. This results in a fresher breath for the dog.
It is very important though that only hydrogen peroxide with less than 1.5% concentration is used. This is not one instance where a stronger concentration will do the trick. In this case, if a too strong hydrogen peroxide is used then chances are it will destroy the enamel in the teeth, leading to tooth decay.
Are there any side effects? Yes! If overused, it causes vomiting in the dog. While this may not be a cause for serious concern, it is still pretty uncomfortable for your dog.
With this in mind, it is more practical to use mouth rinses that can easily be mixed into the dog’s water. They are known to be safe and tolerable to the dog. So before anyone thinks of using dog bad breath hydrogen peroxide on their pet, they would be advised to use a product that has been specially formulated for the purpose.