Doggy breath is a phrase that’s not usually used as a compliment. But your dog doesn’t have to have foul breath, and if they do, there are lots of ways to fix it.

If oral health that is causing the issue, a dental cleaning can help, but if the cause is not addressed, it can come back quickly.

Brushing after meals can be one important tool. We have to flush the carbohydrates out of the dog’s mouth to prevent nasty bacteria from using them as food. Things like dental chews can help, but most are made with carbs, so while the chewing action may be beneficial, they can feed the tartar-creating bacteria.

There are a vast array of choices in toothpaste, some with flavours that appeal to dogs (beef, peanut butter) and some that appeal to us (mint), and others that simply clean. There are many recipes online for making your own, using items such as coconut oil and probiotics, which can be very effective.

Meaty bones, as I talked about I my last column, are a better choice. These don’t have carbs and, if chosen appropriately, they can have both a cleaning action from chewing as well as getting the dog’s saliva working as a rinsing agent.

Bully sticks, collagen chews, pigs’ ears, antlers or other carb-free, single-ingredient chews can work just as well as meaty bones, without the stigma of raw meat. Given after a meal, they provide enrichment and enjoyment for the dog as well as having dental benefits.

Bad breath can also be caused further along the digestive system, in the gut. If your dog’s gut is out of balance, it can cause bad breath. A simple addition of a probiotic to the diet can usually fix this. There are many probiotics out there and comparing them can be confusing. Look at the ingredients and the CFUs (colony forming units). Those will tell you how well-made the product is, and how strong it is.

Bad breath can also be an early signal of bigger health problems. Dental issues are fairly easy to see just by looking at your dog’s teeth (especially the molars). If the dog’s breath is truly foul and they are vomiting, they could have a liver issue. If the breath has a urine odour, they could have a kidney issue. If it is sweet or fruity smelling, they could have diabetes. Potential health issues need to addressed with the vet as soon as you spot them.

There are also solutions you can put in your dogs’ drinking water or spray into their mouths. Some of the water additives work just by masking the odour with mint or parsley, while others have therapeutic value. Some sprays are like a mouthwash, great for use before company comes over, while others work on breaking down plaque and tartar.

Many times, once you figure out the cause, keeping ahead of doggy breath is an easy task. It is worth the time and effort to figure it out, and it could even save your pet’s life.