Bad breath in dogs, while widely considered normal, can be an indicator of poor oral health and other health problems. While this may not always be the case, dog owners should be aware of what it could mean and how to deal with it. Read on to find out the most common causes of bad breath in dogs, how to prevent and treat it, and when to worry.
What causes bad breath in dogs?
It is important to note that individual cases of foul-smelling breath are not necessarily a sign that a dog is suffering from serious health problems. If a dog consumes feces, garbage, or anything else he shouldn’t eat, for example, his breath will inevitably stink.
On the other hand, bad breath could in fact be indicative of a problem. Possible causes of bad breath in a dog include the following:
- Poor oral hygiene: The buildup of plaque and tartar leads to dog bad breath and health problems for long periods of time.
- Periodontal disease: This condition can develop due to poor long-term dental hygiene.
- Gingivitis: Causing inflammation of the gums, this condition can also develop due to the buildup of bacteria along the dog’s gums.
Non-dental conditions that can cause bad breath in dogs include liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and more. Because the causes can be as serious as a dog’s kidneys malfunctioning, owners should pay attention to their dog’s breathing and take him to the vet if they notice any drastic changes.
Prevent bad breath in dogs
In most cases, good dental hygiene is the key to keeping a dog’s breath from smelling bad. Since poor hygiene can lead to both bad breath and oral health problems that cause bad breath, you should make sure your dog’s mouth is cleaned regularly.
Regular toothbrushing, whether at home or professionally, not only ensures that no food residue remains that causes bad breath and plaque buildup, but also helps avoid oral infections and conditions such as gingivitis, periodontal disease and others.
Other measures dog owners can implement to improve their dogs’ dental health include switching to dog food that reduces plaque buildup, using water additives, and feeding dental treats.
How to Treat a Dog’s Bad Breath
To get rid of bad breath, dog owners need to find out the cause first. If a dog’s bad breath is due to him eating something he shouldn’t be eating, brushing his teeth should be the solution. If it is related to a disease or condition, dental or otherwise, your dog’s veterinarian will be able to determine what it is and how to treat it.
Frequently asked questions about bad breath in dogs
Is bad breath in dogs a sign of illness?
In some cases, yes. However, as mentioned above, diseases are not the only thing that can cause bad breath in dogs.
How do you fix bad dog breath?
If cleaning your dog’s teeth isn’t part of your pet’s grooming routine, you can start there. Your dog’s smelly breath could just be a matter of poor dental hygiene. If proper dental care does not improve your dog’s breath or has never been a problem, a veterinarian is the best person to determine both the cause and the best course of treatment.
Should I worry if my dog has bad breath?
It should, at the very least, prompt you to incorporate teeth cleaning into your dog’s routine if it isn’t already a part of it. If it already is, it may be best to take your dog in for a dental visit and general checkup to rule out any health problems.
Summary of Money Bad Breath in Dogs
- Bad breath shouldn’t always be a cause for alarm; your dog may have just eaten poop.
- Your dog’s grooming routine should include professional dental cleaning and regular tooth brushing at home to avoid bad breath and dental disease.
- There are additional steps owners can take to care for their dogs’ teeth, including giving them dental treats and improving their diet.
- If a dog’s breath always smells bad, he should be taken to the vet for a checkup.