Why Does Your Dog's Breath Stink? Common Causes of Dog Halitosis

''Doggy breath'' is often a term used to define the typical odor deriving from the dog's oral cavity. Often, this breath may be acceptable and almost pleasant as in small puppies that are just being weaned, or the breath may be quite more on the unbearable side especially in dogs that do not follow a good oral hygiene protocol.

So what to do if Rover gives you a smooch and sends you running away to seek cover in the dog house? The answer can be simple: take him for a routine check up.

The causes of a foul breath can be various. Following are some of the most common.

• Dental Decay

According to theAmerican Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs by age three have some form of oral disease. The most common issues? Periodontal disease, gingivitis, a tooth abscess an oral ulcer or even oral cancer.

• Foreign Objects

Inspect your dog's mouth carefully and look for any foreign objects (grass, hair, sticks) stuck somewhere. If this the case, very likely the foul breath will disappear once the object is removed.

• Anal Glands

Smelling some odd, fishy smell in your dog's breath, like if he stole your can of sardines. It could be the dog's anal glands. Wait, how can anal glands be the issue if they are at the opposite side if where the bad breath is coming from? The answer is simple. Your dog just licked its anal gland and very likely expressed them. Tada!

• Coprophagia

This term may sound quite complicated but what it really depicts is the obnoxious habit of dogs eating poop. It can be its own poop, your neighbors dog's poop or the result of a trip to your cat's litter-box. In any case they all translate into one end result; foul breath!

• Diabetes

A fruity smell may indicate diabetes, often if similar to nail polish remover it may be symptom of ''ketoacidosis'' a potentially fatal complication of diabetes that needs immediate vet attention.

• Kidney disease

A breath resembling sour urine may be indicative instead of kidney problems.

• Gastro-Instestinal Disorders

Sometimes the problem may be down in the stomach or lower in the intestinal tract.

As seen, there are various causes of that smell, foul breath. If your vet has already excluded all medical causes, you may  want to consider putting your dog on a raw meat diet. Owners of pets on raw meath diets claim that their dogs get a more pleasant, sweeter breath. If, this is not feasible, simply pass down the breath mints, there are a lot of products that will make your dog's breath beat any Hollywood kisser's.