What Causes Bad Breath In Dogs

Bad breath in dogs is hard to deal with when they always want to lick your face and jump on you! To treat halitosis (bad breath) in dogs, you have to know what causes it.

When trying to figure out what causes bad breath in dogs, it's important to understand that there are several underlying factors that can be the main cause of halitosis. Bacteria that causes bad breath builds up in a dog’s mouth, lungs or stomach. Temporary bad breath is often attributed to an odorous meal or snack. However, persistent or recurring halitosis is something that needs to be treated.

The majority of dogs that have bad breath get it because of dental or gum disease. This can be caused by low-quality dog food that is hard for your dog to chew and digest. Small dogs are likely to have plaque and tartar build up in their mouths. Plaque and tartar build up can usually be taken care of at home.

Brushing your dog's teeth or giving it a chew toy that washes the dog’s teeth as it plays can help remove and prevent plaque and tartar buildup. There are also special dog treats that keep plaque off of the teeth and discourage foul-smelling breath. It’s important to take care of plaque and tartar early because it causes bad breath and too much buildup can lead to more serious disease. Mouth or gum disease is more serious and often requires a veterinarian's care.

When mouth disease isn't the culprit, bad breath in dogs is usually caused by more serious medical problems in the organs, gastrointestinal tract, or respiratory system. This is usually indicated by a combination of symptoms. Bad breath, vomiting, small appetite and strange smells in the breath are all symptoms of medical problems that are treated by a veterinarian.

Clearly, there are a number of things that cause bad breath in dogs. Humans wanting to protect their pets' mouths can learn how to prevent bad breath and keep their dogs' mouths safe and clean. The reasons for bad breath in dogs can help you decide what course of treatment is necessary.