As children, almost everyone had a problem with hydrogen peroxide. From time to time, even as adults, we still find the need for this antiseptic. But these cases were to clean sores or wounds that we had while we played. This was done to make sure we were protected from nasty infections. So it’s a bit controversial to hear that our handy antiseptic is 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, it is quite possible to see in our local pet store tucked away on their shelves a brand called DOG BAD BREATH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE. But before someone rushes to the nearest store to buy this drug, they better study this compound or ask their vet about it. This way, they are better informed if they ever seriously consider using hydrogen peroxide as a home remedy for dog breath.
First of all, what causes bad breath? Bad breath occurs when the concentration of anaerobic bacteria in the dog’s mouth grows disproportionately due to poor hygiene. These anaerobic bacteria are normally found in the mouths of most animals, including humans and dogs. It is when dog owners do not clean their dog’s mouth regularly that these bacteria become too numerous in the dog’s mouth. This alone should be enough to convince all dog owners to make sure to regularly brush their dog’s teeth with a pet toothpaste.
Second, how does bad breath develop from these bacteria? It really is quite simple. The bacteria that have been left alone eat the food particles that accumulate on the dog’s teeth and gums. After this happens, the bacteria will release compounds that are primarily sulfuric and then mix with the air and produce bad breath.
So why do some dog owners use hydrogen peroxide to treat their pets’ bad breath? Most dog owners value this compound for cleaning their dog’s mouth, not for any injuries they can blame for their dog’s bad breath. Rather, the substance may be valuable in treating bad breath because it increases the concentration of oxygen in the mouth.
Anaerobic bacteria cannot survive in an oxygen-laden environment. Since hydrogen peroxide is loaded with oxygen, it manages to eliminate excess bacteria in the dog’s mouth. Then the sulfuric compounds responsible for bad breath also disappear from the dog’s mouth. This results in fresher breath for the dog.
However, it is very important that only hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of less than 1.5% is used. This is not a case where a stronger concentration is sufficient. In this case, if too strong hydrogen peroxide is used, it is likely to destroy tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
Are there any side effects? Yes! If used in excess, it causes vomiting in the dog. While this may not be a cause for serious concern, it is still quite uncomfortable for your dog.
With this in mind, it is more practical to use mouthwashes that can be easily mixed with the dog’s water. They are known to be safe and tolerable for the dog. So before anyone thinks of using hydrogen peroxide for bad dog breath on their pet, they would be advised to use a product that has been specially formulated for that purpose.