Let's be honest, nobody likes to smell a dog's hot, bad breath. More importantly, bad breath might be a sign of more serious dental health issues. 1stpetnaturals.com can help you learn how to protect your dog's teeth and gums naturally.

We're all familiar with bad breath, and we've probably smelled a dog's bad breath. In fact, many dogs suffer from halitosis which results from the build-up of odour producing bacteria in his mouth, lungs, or stomach. And while we may think that a dog's bad breath is no big deal, the truth is that halitosis can be a sign of more serious health concerns.

Causes

There are a number of causes of bad breath in dogs, namely poor dental health. Periodontal disease, or gum disease and other oral conditions are common causes of bad breath in dogs. Without proper dental care, plaque and tartar begins to build-up on teeth and around the gums making the perfect feeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. But bad breath may also be associated with problems in the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and other organ systems.

How do you know if your dog's bad breath is serious enough to visit a veterinarian? First of all, persistent bad breath despite regular brushing and other dental health routines should be investigated by your veterinarian. Also, the following signs may indicate a more serious health issue:

• Sweet or fruity breath may indicate diabetes,
• A urine-like odour to the breath may indicate kidney disease,
• Foul breath along with vomiting, decreased appetite, and yellow-coloured corneas or gums may indicate a liver problem.

Preventing Bad Breath

If your dog is suffering from bad breath, there may be no need for alarm. Certainly, you should monitor your dog's breath and check for other signs of disease, but proper dental care may be all that is lacking.

• Brush your dog's teeth daily (or weekly at the very least),
• Ensure regular (ideally twice/year) dental checkups with a veterinarian,
• Feed your dog only natural, high-quality foods,
• Let your dog chew on hard toys that aid in cleaning his teeth,
• Feed your dog treats that are designed to improve dental health,
• Ask your veterinarian how you can improve your dog's dental health.