Just like humans, dogs can have bad breath too. Bad breath is technically called halitosis. It is caused by your dog's poor digestion. Also, if your dog has food deposits in between his teeth, then bad breath may be caused. To solve this problem, many consumers buy products that are specially made for their pets. Products designed to fight your dog's bad breath, such as toothbrushes, can be purchased in pet shops or veterinary clinics.

Brush, Don't Rush

• Why Brush Your Dog's Teeth? -- Brush your dog's teeth to reduce the bad odor of your pet's breath. You can purchase dog toothpaste along with a specially designed toothbrush for dogs. Do not use toothpaste for use by humans because this can be harmful to your pet.
• Using Dog Toothpastes -- Dog toothpastes are intended to be swallowed and are generally harmless. Popular flavors include vanilla, chicken and beef. Experiment with the flavors available on the market and buy one that is compatible with your pet.
• Using a Finger Brush -- If you find the dog toothbrush difficult to use, you can try a finger brush. A finger brush refers to a brush that you can put onto your finger so you can easily brush your pet's teeth. You can also use it to clean areas that are difficult to reach inside your dog’s mouth. A finger brush can also aid in the removal of any foreign objects trapped in its mouth, like small bones.
• Dog Mints and Mouthwash -- If brushing the teeth of your dog is not enough or if it proves difficult, you can offer your pet mints or mouthwash. These products can prevent the build up of tartar in his mouth, decreasing the possibility of a dog's bad breath. These treatments also come in different flavors. You can also let your dog use plaque sprays to prevent plaque build up. Another option is to let your dog chew toys that aid in removing and reducing tartar build up.

Your Dog's Diet

Diet Essentials -- Too much meat can create unnecessary deposits in your dog's teeth. Try adding variety to his diet. You can include veggies or rice for a balanced diet. Make sure the feeding bowl is clean and free from expired or spoiled leftovers. Spoiled food does not only give your dog bad breath, but it can also harm the health of your pet in general.

What Not To Eat -- Observe your dog's dietary habits. When you're not there to check on your pet, he may have the tendency to eat unhealthy food and even non-edible stuff like soil, dead plants, your garbage and even his own poo. If you notice your pet eating any of these, break the practice by making the first move, which includes cleaning his surroundings before he sees anything he shouldn't eat. Make sure that your dog has no contact with any of these dirty things because once he eats them, foreign bacteria can live in his mouth, translating to instant bad breath.

Dog's Health Watch – Your dog's bad breath can sometimes be caused by swelling or a blistered tooth. If your pet has a blistered or abscessed tooth, then he cannot eat properly. Another sign that he has abscessed tooth is if he drops his food after putting it inside his mouth. Also, check whether your dog is drooling. These can all be signs that your dog has a damaged tooth.

Other signs and diseases that can cause bad breath in dogs are as follows:

• Gastrointestinal Disease – Different communicable infections and diseases may cause this disease, which is why germs and bacteria have gained entry to the dog's gastrointestinal tract. Among the signs that your dog is suffering from gastrointestinal disease are vomiting and diarrhea.
• Mouth Tumors – Mouth tumors in your dog's mouth can either be soft or hard, depending on their consistency and origin. Examples of mouth tumors are soft gum tumors and hard bones.

• Gingivitis – Dogs suffer from gingivitis, too. Gingivitis refers to a condition where the gum tissue inside your pet's mouth is inflamed. Gingivitis in dogs is usually a result of dental plaque, characterized by swelling and redness. You should go to a veterinarian for your dog's oral and physical examination. Treatments will be determined based on your dog's medical history.
• Kidney Diseases – Canine kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, so you have to make sure that this isn't the cause of your dog's bad breath. Among the symptoms of canine kidney disease are: diarrhea, muscle wasting, mouth ulcers, pale mucous membranes, weight loss, diminished appetite and chemical odor to your dog's breath.

Vet To The Rescue

A vet can give your dog the right medicine to cure any disease or medical problem, including your pet’s bad breath. You can also ask the vet to give your pet a thorough dental cleaning. Dental cleaning in dogs can be expensive, but you can guarantee that your pet’s mouth will be thoroughly cleaned. At the same time, the pet doctor can check for diseases and give you the prescribed diet and oral treatments.