Dogs are different form us in many ways. One way is that they do not care at all about dental hygiene. They arent concerned with getting the right toothpaste to fight tartar and gum disease and they especially dont care if their breath stinks. In fact, they love eating the smelliest things possible while we look on gagging. So, it is up to us to make sure they have the best possible dental health and (for our sake) decent breath.

The most common cause of bad breath in dogs is periodontal disease which can be life threatening if left untreated. Bacteria that grow in a dogs mouth eventually mineralize into tartar which can progress into an infection of the gums. From there, it spreads to the bones which means serious trouble. Your vet may prescribe an in office cleaning, tooth brushing or even antibiotics. The best way to fight this cause of periodontal disease is through prevention by brushing your pets teeth everyday. This is especially true of smaller breeds as they tend to have more trouble with their teeth.

Other infections and diseases can also cause bad breath and should be considered if dental hygiene is not an issue. Sinus infections, upper respiratory infections or even cancer can cause disagreeable breath. Dogs with lips larger than their mouths may also develop an infection of the skin in their lip folds. Other diseases that affect breath are kidney disease or diabetes. If your dog has bad breath and you take care of their teeth, take them to the vet right away.