Causes of Bad Dog Breath

Oral Hygiene and Periodontal Disease
The most common causes of bad breath in dogs are bad oral hygiene and periodontal disease. Just like in humans, the build-up of plaque and tartar can lead to the development of the bacteria that cause bad breath. If your dog is not a chewer and you do not regularly brush his teeth or have his teeth cleaned, then the most likely cause of his bad breath is plaque build-up.Over time, poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease.

Unpleasant Dietary Habits
Dogs can be gross. Sometimes their habits translate directly into bad breath. If your dog regularly gets into the garbage, or has access to decomposing animal remains, then his bad breath could be the result of unsupervised snacking. Dogs also universally seem to love cat poop, and a household with cats can offer too much temptation for your dog to resist. Not only is this smelly, it is also unhygienic.

Diabetes
If your dog’s bad breath has a sweet or fruity smell to it, you need to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Sweet, fruity breath is a symptom of diabetes, a serious but treatable condition. Talk with your veterinarian about the other symptoms of diabetes to look out for, like more frequent drinking and urination, and set up an appointment to get your dog examined.
Kidney Disease
A dog that eats poop might have breath that smells like poop, but if your dog’s breath smells like urine, it is most likely not because she has been drinking pee. A urine odor to your dog’s breath is a warning sign of kidney disease, and warrants a visit to your veterinarian. Kidney disease is serious and could be a symptom of a larger medical problem.
Liver Disease
If your dog’s breath is truly foul and she is also vomiting, exhibiting a lack of appetite, and has a yellow tinge to her gums, she may have a liver problem. Like kidney disease, liver problems can be a sign of a serious condition, and it is vital that you get your dog into the veterinarian or emergency clinic as soon as possible.

Preventing Bad Breath in Dogs

The simplest way to prevent bad dog breath is to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis. Teeth brushing reduces plaque and promotes better oral hygiene, much as it does in humans, and with a little training, most dogs learn to enjoy having their teeth brushed.

Providing your dog with plenty of chew toys helps them take care of their teeth naturally. Chewing prevents plaque and tartar build-up and relieves boredom, keeping your dog healthy and happy. Just make sure you select chew toys appropriate for your dog’s size and age.