Why Does My Shih Tzu Have Bad Breath?

Coming home to our little furry friend is most probably the most wonderful time of the day. For sure, you will want to hug him right away when you see him. After all, we all love the feel of his long and silky fur. But if there is one thing you hate about this perfect scenario is smelling your dog’s bad breath.

Surely, you may be wondering what can you do to solve your shih tzu’s bad breath issues. To do that, you have to first determine what is the cause of his stinky breath. Here are some of the things that you should look into.

• Dental issues

Just like us, our dogs need regular dental care too. This is because the particles of their food may also lodge in between their teeth. Plus, plaque may also build up in the teeth when you will not brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis with an appropriate toothbrush. If you have been neglecting your dog’s teeth, it is about time that you make an effort to take care of it.

• Health conditions

Bad breath may also be a symptom of a more serious health condition. Some of the canine diseases that may cause such symptom include diseases of liver, lung, kidney and diabetes.

• Imbalanced diet

Diet can have a great effect on your dental health too. If your dog’s diet is made up of meat, then there is a high chance that he will have bad breath issues. To prevent this, make sure that your dog gets a balanced diet. You are able to achieve a more balanced diet by giving your Shih Tzu apropriate food that limits tartar formation while encouraging chewing.

It is expected that shih tzus will not smell like roses all the time but it is also not normal for them to have a really stinky breath. If you are bothered by the smell of your shih tzu’s kisses, then it is best that you bring him to the vet right away.