Catching a whiff of your furry friend’s breath can be a wake up call. Bad breath, or Halitosis, has a variety of causes. Some of these are more serious than others, so if you notice any abnormal smells coming from your dog’s mouth, you should probably plan a visit to your local vet. That being said, there are some more basic causes that you can fix with some simple TLC.
Check the diet!
One of the biggest causes of a stinky burp is going to be dietary issues. Feeding your pet a low quality kibble is going to have an effect. Kibble itself has a tendency to stick to pet’s teeth and cause plaque, contrary to popular belief. Also, normal store-bought kibble tends to have bad grains in it, such as corn, which causes digestive issues in the dog including gas. For these issues we always recommend a high quality kibble such as Orijen or Acana, or even better, a raw food option like Primal.
Brush the teeth!
Pet owners often forget to brush their pet’s teeth! Plaque build up is the single biggest cause of bad breath in dogs and it’s easy to counter-act. Buying a finger brush or toothbrush and pet-approved toothpaste (normal human toothpaste can cause stomach problems) and devoting two minutes a day to brushing their teeth can work wonders on that bad breath problem you may be having. If, for whatever reason, you find that brushing your dog’s teeth is a no-go, there are a number of options like dental treats such as Z-bones or brushless toothpaste treats. Tropiclean also makes fantastic Fresh Breath Drops for your pet’s water that is both convenient and effective.
Check for strange smells!
If all of the above fails, pay closer attention to what the smells coming out smell like. Is it overly sweet? That could be a sign of diabetes. Does it have a urine smell? Kidney problems might be the issue. Is your dog vomiting, eating less, and generally having unusually foul breath? Liver problems are a likely offender. All of these issues are serious problems and should be immediately met with a visit to your local pet physician.