Canine halitosis, or bad breath is a common problem that can keep you from having the close relationship you want to have with your canine. Bad breath in dogs and other animals is most frequently caused by oral bacteria. Just like in humans, there will be food particles left in your pet”s mouth after eating a meal. These food particles can create an environment where oral bacteria start to accumulate. Therefor proper dental care for your pet is important to avoid bad breath. Not only does it smell bad, but it could also be a symptom of a serious condition, so be aware of other signs and symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, facial swelling, drooling and depression in your canine.

Causes

There are many different causes to canine halitosis. It is frequently caused by a problem in the canine”s mouth, but the bad breath can also come from other parts of the body or be caused by medications.

Treatment

Determining the treatment for your pet’s bad breath depends what is causing it. If the underlying cause is a medical condition, it must be treated by a veterinarian. Since canine halitosis most frequently is caused by a problem in the tooth or mouth, professional dental care by a veterinary dentist may be necessary. To maintain good mouth hygiene in your canine, you can brush the teeth every day with an electric tootbrush and a pet toothpaste or gel. There are also other types of bad breath remedies on the market made for pets, such as mouthwash and oral spray.