Bad breath sign of bad dog health? Nah, that can’t be possible! Well it is true. While it’s perfectly acceptable to have your pooch’s breath smell of scavenged or raw meat, every time he breathes into your face, unknowing of the torture he subjects you to, you should have alarm bells ringing if his breath smells really-really bad every single time. Highly offensive bad breath means your pet health is at risk.

Halitosis, or bad breath, is a horrible odour coming from mouth of your doggie. There is more than just your pooch’s breath that is unpleasant. While there are plenty of pet products available to help all you pet owners deal with bad breath and the overall dog health. These pet products include dog toothbrush and toothpaste, treats that are meant to reduce tartar, and doggie breath drops or breath fresheners! However, it’s very important to know what really causes Halitosis and affects the pet health as well as the treatments that are available for this condition.

Typically, halitosis affects the pet health due to oral causes, but in some cases bad breath can be caused by other diseases or dog health conditions that include:

1. Gingivitis (inflammatory gums)

2. Periodontitis (inflammation of the tissues, which surround the teeth)

3. Infected tooth/teeth

4. Foreign bodies such as piece of bone, hair, or plant material stuck in the dog’s mouth

5. Oral ulceration/ Oral neoplasia

6. Lung diseases (ex: lung cancer)

Halitosis can be discomforting for the dog as well. He may not be able to convey his pain or discomfort. So don’t risk the dog health and watch out for symptoms such as:

1. Oral pain and discharge

2. Bloody discharge from the mouth

3. Excessive Drooling

4. Dysphagia (or difficulty in swallowing food)

5. Depression

It can be depressing not just for the pooch but for you as well, if you dog is no longer smiling or if you have to shove his off every time he approaches you. The best thing to do when you notice any or some of the above symptoms is to get medical advice. Only a vet can assess the cause or extent of damage caused by Halitosis and its affect on the pet health. The veterinarian will most likely make a complete oral examination as well as subject your dog to periodontal probing. Sometimes, a full mouth X-ray may be necessary.

While the vet will do what is best for the dog health based on the correct diagnosis and tests, you can also ensure that the pet health is maintained by brushing your dog’s teeth every day. There are several products on the market to help you deal with doggie breath including dog toothbrush and paste, dog treats that can help minimize tartar or freshen dog breath as well as doggie breath drops. It is first important to understand and treat any underlying diseases that may be causing the foul odour. You can also follow dietary recommendations (as advised by the veterinarian). Vets suggest Hill's Prescription Diet T/D or Eukanuba Restricted-Calorie Rewards for Halitosis.