Bad Dog Breath Can Be Tackled Effectively

By Pat Hunter

A dog may be a man's best friend, yet the bad breath dogs can develop can seriously test this relationship. It's not pleasant to have your face licked by a friendly pooch whose breath could strip wallpaper. So what can you do about it?

Unsurprisingly, one of the main causes of dogs' breath problems is poor dental hygiene. It is very important to clean your dog's teeth regularly using a doggie-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. Your dog may resist your attempts at brushing them less if you use a meat-flavored toothpaste. Also, keep an eye out for any noticeable problems, such as an abscessed tooth or gum disease. Book your dog in to the vets every few months for a dental check-up and professional clean.

A canine mouthwash can improve a dog's breath, as well as reducing the build up of plaque and tartar on its teeth. Certain chew toys are also helpful in reducing plaque.

A dog's diet can also be a major contributor to foul breath. Many canned foods cause bad breath, so check your pets diet. If your dog is healthy, and has no reason to be on a specific soft food diet, make sure to feed him or her dry foods as well as the usual canned soft foods.

If your dog's breath problem persists despite taking these measures, it could be due to a more serious health problem. Bad breath can often be a symptom of gingivitis, an oral cancer, or having a foreign body stuck in the throat. It can also be caused by an infection of the kidneys, stomach and intestines, as well as diabetes. Thankfully, most cases of bad dog breath are the result of poor oral hygiene. However, if you have any concerns as to what is causing the bad breath, be sure to get your dog examined by a vet.