When you’re dog snuggles up to you and wants to give you a kiss (ok lick) are you overpowered by a wicked bad breath?  In a dog, bad breath is usually caused by a dental problem, either plaque build up or the dental disease gingivitis.  This bad breath is caused by bacteria and that's where the odor is originating from and no amount of breath mints, or rawhides or chew toys is going to make it go away.

Have a look at the incisors on your dog.  Look at where the tooth meets the gum and see if you spot brownish material.  If you do that’s plaque and or tartar.  Look at the gums, if they are reddened and inflamed then your pal may have gingivitis and that’s really not a good thing.

If your dog’s breath is really, really bad then his gums are probably infected.  This is a condition that requires immediate dental care as the infection will attack both the tissue of the gum and the bone structures that support teeth and can easily lead to tooth loss.

Think for a minute what that means to a dog.  Unlike humans you can’t replace teeth with a set of doggie dentures.  No teeth means no way of sufficiently crushing solid food before swallowing.  Food that is not adequately masticated will in all likelihood result in digestive problems which in turn can lead to a whole host of complications.  Dental care for a dog is vital to his good health.

If the condition in Fido’s mouth is beyond what you can repair at home you’ll have to take the dog to the vet who practices canine dentistry.  It’s going to be an expensive trip as the dog will have to be put under general anesthesia for the tooth and gum cleaning. 

Once it’s done, it’s time for you o keep those canine pearlies white.  What this means is you’re going to have to brush his teeth and you’re going to have to do it at least once every 3 days as that’s about how long it takes bacteria to form plaque and tartar.  This may sound like a real chore but if you approach it right you might be surprised how much your dog likes it once you get started.

Actually “brushing” his teeth is not quite accurate.  Most vets will recommend rubbing his teeth and gums using a “brush” that resembles a rubber thimble.  Make sure you use dog formulated toothpaste and not your favorite human brand.

Here's a quick video that gives you the basics: