Bad breath in dogs usually comes from periodontal disease. (Image source: RubenPH/Getty Images)

Bad breath in dogs, also called bad breath in medical terms, usually develops into periodontal disease due to the accumulation of tartar and dental plaque.

Certain breeds of dogs with flat faces and short noses, known as "short-headed" dogs, seem to be more prone to halitosis.

If you see--or, more likely, smell! -There are signs that your dog may suffer from bad breath, then you must consult your veterinarian for the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Here are the symptoms, causes, and treatments you should know about dog bad breath.

You can usually detect bad breath in a dog from an unpleasant smell. In addition to actual breathing, this condition also produces other symptoms, including:

(Photo credit: dimarik/Getty Images)

Bad breath in dogs is most often caused by periodontal disease, especially the accumulation of plaque and tartar; however, there are other problems that may also be at work.

Some other common reasons include:

In rare cases, some kind of trauma is also related to causing bad breath in dogs.

In terms of specific dog breeds, short-headed dogs are generally more susceptible to bad breath. Some of the most common dog breeds include the Boston Terrier, Pug, and Pekingese.

If you start to smell bad breath in your dog, your veterinarian will want to perform a proper examination of their mouth and teeth. Veterinarians can find that X-rays are very useful for finding the root cause of dog periodontal problems.

In terms of treatment, a thorough cleaning of the teeth is usually the starting point. Your veterinarian can perform this procedure, which also includes polishing your teeth.

If tooth damage or decay is the cause of the problem, your veterinarian may need to remove individual teeth.

If the problem is caused by oral bleeding, your veterinarian may recommend medication. As always, if your veterinarian prescribes any medicine for your dog, then you must follow the precise dosage and frequency instructions and complete the entire course of treatment.

In general, it is best to try to reduce your dog's chance of developing bad breath by maintaining proper dental care and cleaning procedures at home. Your veterinarian can advise you to use safe and suitable products and recommend a regular cleaning schedule.

In addition, try to avoid letting your dog into the trash can, where they may secretly eat stinky and rotten food.

Has your dog ever had bad breath? How can you help them keep their breath fresh? Tell us all about it in the comments below.