How to Cure Bad Breath in Dogs

Dogs get bad breath. Whether a build up bacteria from gum disease, an abscessed tooth or a rotting piece of grass is lodged between your pet's teeth, you need to learn the root cause of the offensive odor to get rid of the bad dog breath.

Veterinary Examination
If your pet's bad breath is accompanied by vomiting, yellowing of the gums, the breath has an uncommon sweet odor, or the pet has other unusual symptoms take it to see a veterinarian. The only way to get rid of bad dog breath is by diagnosing and treating the cause of the problem.

Medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, gastrointestinal illness or dental disease can cause canine halitosis and require veterinary care.

Once your pet has a clean bill of health, examine your pet's diet and start a routine dental care program to keep your dog's bad breath at bay.

Reducing Bad Breath Through Diet
Some dog foods have a naturally unpleasing residual odor. If your pet frequently eats moist dog foods, table scraps or lamb-based foods, consider altering its diet.

Hard, dry dog food kibbles scrape against the surface of the teeth while the pet eats and loosens odor-causing residual foods and tartar. And, dry foods leave less lingering odors on the pet's palette.

If your pet will only eat soft food, try adding sodium-free chicken or vegetable broth to dry dog food to create an odorless semi-moist food.

Dental Care to Reduce Stinky Dog Breath
Just like humans, dogs require daily tooth brushing. To make the task easier, try using a finger cot style toothbrush. Rather than inserting a long toothbrush handle into the pet's mouth, the finger brush allows you to rub the dog's teeth with the tip of your finger.

Place a pea-size dab of canine toothpaste on the brush and work in a circular motion over the pet's teeth and gums. There's no need for rinsing.

If your pet has never had it's teeth brushed, get it used to the movement by practicing several times a day without the toothpaste on the brush. After the pet allows you to place your finger in it's mouth for a few moments, offer a reward.

Never use toothpaste intended for humans with your pet. Pets can't spit and rinse like humans. If the pet swallows toothpaste intended for humans it could be poisoned or have gastrointestinal upset. Canine toothpaste does not foam and comes in a variety of pet-friendly flavors such as beef or chicken.

Maintain your pet's fresh breath between brushings by offering dental chew treats, hard bones for chewing or adding liquid dental cleansers to the pet's water bowl.

Related Dog Articles:
Causes of Chronic Bad Dog Breath
When Do Canines Develop Permanent Teeth?
Can Dogs Take Aspirin for Arthritis Pain?
Are Bones Safe for Dogs?

Sources and Suggested Further Reading:
Dr. Debra Primovic, "Halitosis (Bad Breath) in Dogs ", PetPlace.com
Dr. Rob Sharp, "How Do I Cure My Dog's Bad Breath?", Country Living Magazine
VetInfo.com, "Preventing Bad Dog Breath Through Diet", VetInfo.com
VetInfo.com,"What Causes Bad Breath in My Dog?", VetInfo.com
Norma Bennett Woolf, "Canine Teeth", Dog Owner's Guide
Personal Experience