We often use the expression “dog breath” to refer to bad breath, but dogs do not deserve this reputation! Ok, so a dog’s breath may not be as pleasant-smelling as a human’s, but there is no reason it has be foul, too! If your dog has severely bad breath to a point where it becomes uncomfortable to be around him or her, you might want to check for signs of periodontal disease, which is one of the primary causes of bad breath in dogs.

What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease or gingivitis is the inflammation of gums and the loss of the support structures of the teeth, which may eventually cause your dog’s teeth to fall out.

How can you tell if your dog has this disease?
In healthy dogs, the gums are a pink color and although the breath may not be pleasant, it is also not extremely foul. In the early stages of this disease, you might find brown deposits on you dog’s teeth and there may be a red line running around your dog’s gums.

How do you prevent it?
Regular dental care (see our previous articles on the subject here and here) can go a long way in preventing your dog from developing this disease. Make sure you brush your dog’s teeth and gums regularly. Studies have also shown that dogs with dry kibble diets are less prone to the disease than dogs who eat soft food.

If you think your pet may have periodontal disease or gingivitis, please consult your veterinarian for treatment options.