A kiss before work, a cuddle before bed – dogs being affectionate is the best. But those face licks are less cute when there\u2019s smelly dog breath involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a whole host of reasons your dog might have bad breath, but most are an easy fix and – especially when it comes to cleaner teeth<\/a> – you\u2019ll be able to stop it from becoming a more serious problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your dog\u2019s bad breath isn\u2019t something to worry about if it\u2019s only every now and then. If it\u2019s persistent, or it can clear a room, there might be something more at play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you clean your dog\u2019s teeth<\/a> regularly to stop plaque and tartar build-up. These attract bacteria which can be smelly and can lead to gum disease<\/p>\n\n\n\n These give off a strong, unpleasant smell and will need a trip to the vet to sort<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quite normal behaviour for young dogs, but not a habit you want them to get into. Have a chat with your vet nurse about the best way to steer them away from the poo – and back to sweeter-smelling treats!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bad breath in dogs isn\u2019t just sour, it can be sweet and this is one bad breath smell that\u2019s definitely worth checking with your vet\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The nose and mouth are all linked to the sinuses, so any bacteria or infection (like sinusitis) in the nose can also cause your dog\u2019s breath to smell bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like humans, your dog\u2019s dental health<\/a> is key, and they\u2019ll always benefit from regular teeth brushing – which helps their breath, too. Cleaning your dog\u2019s teeth<\/a> isn\u2019t as tricky as it sounds, it just takes a little patience (and practice!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n To reward them when you brush<\/p>\n\n\n\n To put them at ease<\/p>\n\n\n\n In meaty flavours they\u2019ll love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid using human toothpaste as it usually contains ingredients (xylitol and alcohol) that are toxic for dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you find your dog\u2019s breath isn\u2019t improving, take them in for a check-up with your vet or vet nurse. Deposits of plaque and tartar in hard to reach places can be left behind – especially if your dog only gives you 20 seconds to get a brush in. These can cause gum disease so it\u2019s good to keep an eye on these signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A dark red line where the gum meets the teeth<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where the root of the tooth is exposed<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually noticeable on the upper canines first as these aren\u2019t used for chewing. Try lifting up your dog\u2019s lip to check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In an ideal world, you\u2019d clean your dog\u2019s teeth<\/a> twice a day. But that\u2019s easier said than done especially if you\u2019ve got a dog that hides at the sight of a toothbrush, or one that gives you about 5 seconds to get the job done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies show that just brushing them two or three times a week can help prevent plaque build-up and tackle that stinky bad breath. On the days you don\u2019t get round to brushing, a dental stick<\/a> is a good alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interested in finding out more? Check out our blog on dental health here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Why does my dog have bad breath?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not enough brushing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An infection or an abscess<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Coprophagia (eating poo)<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diabetes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Respiratory problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How can I improve my dog\u2019s bad breath?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pop a treat on the toothbrush<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lots of praise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dog-friendly toothpaste<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What if brushing doesn\u2019t help?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Inflamed gums<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Receding gums<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yellow or brown deposits round the teeth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How often should I clean my dog\u2019s teeth?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n