There’s nothing quite like puppy breath, but as your dog ages those sweet kisses may turn a bit funky. It’s not uncommon for dog owners to overlook dental hygiene until it’s a bit too late. Luckily, there are simple solutions when it comes to beating bad dog breath. The first thing to note is that bad breath can have many causes. From poor diet, to age, to more serious things like kidney disease. At a starting point, it’s always best to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian to dispel anything more serious going on than just bad breath. Your vet may even suggest a dental cleaning as a first step. However, if that is not medically necessary for your pup, here are some other options available to you. Brush your dog’s teeth That’s right, your dog can have his teeth brushed just like you. Special brushes, including convenient silicone finger gloves, allow you to reach all the nooks and crannies inside your dog’s mouth. The most important part of brushing your dog’s teeth is using a dog-specific toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste as it can contain ingredients harmful to them. Brushing the teeth once a day should be enough to help improve the dental health of your dog. Chew toys Chewing is a natural way dogs help ward off tartar build up that can cause bad breath. Providing plenty of sturdy chew toys can help stave off that smelly breath – especially if you offer dental specific chews. Many dental hygiene specific chews are lightly mint flavored to help instantly freshen breath. In addition, there are products that can be added to your dog’s water that also help fight bad breath. However, it’s recommended to consult with your veterinarian before trying these. Feed a quality diet If your dog’s food is low-quality then he runs a higher chance of developing oral complications. Take some time to investigate your dog’s food and the ingredients it contains. If it’s found to be subpar, then it may be in his best interest to switch to something else. Quality food improves the overall health of your dog and that includes his oral health. It may also provide insight into why his breath is bad – if he’s eating a fish-based food (which works for many dogs) then it may explain why his breath is fishy. In circumstances like this, brushing and providing dental chews is a simple way to combat the bad breath.