Sometimes dogs have bad breath and brushing their teeth does nothing to solve the problem. Bad breath, also known as halitosis is not exactly a major concern of many pet owners but it can make it difficult to get close to your dog. Even though we often make jokes about “dog breath” this does not mean that it’s normal for dogs to have bad breath. Quite the contrary, bad breath may be a sign of an infection or gum disease and should be taken seriously to ensure the health of your dog. Periodontal disease, gingivitis, or bacterial infections can all be a cause of bad breath and the best way to solve the problem is to prevent it.

To keep your dog’s mouth healthy, thereby eliminating your dog’s bad breath, there are a number of steps you can take. First, encourage chewing as it helps to keep your dog’s teeth clean. Dental dog biscuits are a great investment as are chew treats, rawhide chews, or safe bones. Moreover, you should take some time every week, if not every day, to brush your dog’s teeth. This will prevent cavities and bacteria from spreading so that they are less likely to have bad breath or other mouth problems.

If you’re still having problem with dog bad breath, you may want to consider changing his diet. Some food will lead to bad breath and eliminating these foods may do the trick. Also, lemon juice is a great, safe, home remedy for dog bad breath. Simply squeeze a few drops of fresh lemon juice into your dog’s water and the citric acid will help to cleanse your dog’s mouth. Likewise, milk bones can strengthen your dog’s teeth and jaw while working off plaque and preventing bad breath. If none of these solutions prove effective, it may be time to visit the veterinarian. As bad breath may be a sign of a more serious mouth condition, your veterinarian is best equipped to help you understand bad breath.