Dog Bad Breath

As much as we love our four legged friends, we are often embarrassed by how terrible their breath can be. While there may be easy solutions to other problems our dogs encounter, there really is no easy solution to what causes a dog's bad breath. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes for a dog's bad breath and see what we can do to put an end to it.

Above most other reasons, an unclean mouth can cause bad breath in dogs. While you and I may rush off to the bathroom for a brush and a rinse when we realize we have bad breath, it isn't quite as simple for our pets. Responsible pet owners take their dogs to the vet at least once per year and part of that check up should include an inspection of our dog's mouth and teeth. Most vets these days offer a teeth cleaning service that can dramatically help reduce the amount of bad breath our dogs have. If you can't afford to have your dog's teeth professionally cleaned and you think your can perform the task yourself, you can find pet toothpaste and toothbrushes at some pet stores or you may be able to buy them from your vet directly. Make sure you clean your dog's teeth at least twice a year, or more often if you feel that it is making a big difference in the breath department.

If your dog's breath doesn't respond to regular cleanings, it could be an issue with his diet. Your dog's food can cause bad breath just as easily as a garlic rich diet can cause bad breath for any human. The first thing most doctors recommend is switching from wet or moist food to a dry food only diet for a period of time. Sometimes moist food can get caught between teeth and cause odor. Unfortunately, your dog needs wet food to help in digestion so it isn't a good idea to switch them for good. If you eliminate wet food for a period and realize that it was the culprit, you should try switching brands to see if that helps.

If the food isn't causing bad breath in the mouth, it may be causing bad breath in the stomach. This is also a very common condition in humans who suffer from poor digestion. You have several different ways you can try to deal with a digestion problem in your dog. There are treats and dog biscuits on the market that are made specifically for digestion, just like digestive cookies for people, or you may want to try switching brands of food. If the problem doesn't stop, talk to your vet. Your dog may need to be switched to digestive-friendly dog food that is only available by prescription.

Figuring out what causes bad breath in dogs can be a frustrating and even expensive experience. With a little bit of luck, however, your pet's breath will be sweet smelling in no time.