Scientists develop new spray to help with a dog’s smelly breath

Health & FitnessPets
19 May 2026 • 7:34 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Scientists develop new spray to help with a dog’s smelly breath

  • Scientists have developed a new molasses-derived oral spray aimed at reducing bad breath and harmful mouth bacteria in dogs.
  • The low-cost treatment, made from polyphenols found in sugarcane molasses, was tested on 10 healthy pet dogs experiencing halitosis.
  • The study found that the spray significantly reduced the levels of bad-smelling compounds, such as esters, amines, and aldehydes, in the dogs' saliva.
  • Daily application of the spray over 30 days also led to a notable decrease in odour-causing bacteria, including Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium.
  • Researchers liken the polyphenols' action to a “molecular sponge,” a “switch” for bacterial enzymes, and a “gardener” for bad bacteria, with further trials planned.

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