Bad Breath
There are very few smells that are as unpleasant as Doggy Bad Breath. Your dog might think that you appreciate his kisses, but if he has bad breath, then getting up close and personal is the last thing that you want to do.
Whilst dogs aren’t known for having wonderfully minty breath, if you notice a marked change with even a little halitosis, it might be time to take a trip to the veterinarian. There could be something wrong with your dog’s oral health.
Dog owners tend to dismiss bad dog breath as just “dog breath,” but there is usually a very good reason behind the odor.
Causes of Bad Dog Breath
Oral Hygiene and Periodontal Disease
The most common causes of bad breath in dogs are bad oral hygiene and periodontal disease. Just like in humans, the build-up of plaque and tartar can lead to the development of the bacteria that cause bad breath. If your dog is not a chewer and you do not regularly brush his teeth or have his teeth cleaned, then the most likely cause of his bad breath is plaque build-up.
Over time, poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease. Too much plaque and tartar build-up can push the gums away from the teeth, exposing new areas for bacteria to develop. This not only inflames the dog’s gums, but it can lead to cavities, infection, tissue destruction, tooth loss, and even pus formation. Needless to say, it also leads to very, very bad breath.
Health Issues
If your dog’s bad breath has a sweet or fruity smell to it, or has a strong urine odour about it or your dog is showing other symptoms such as loss of appetite or vomiting you need to make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately as these could be symptoms of more serious health issues
Unpleasant Dietary Habits
Sometimes dogs have bad habits that contribute to bad breath. If your dog regularly gets into the garbage, or likes to eat dog poop (gross), then his bad breath could be the result of his extra-curricular habits.
Treating Bad Dog Breath
Establishing the underlying cause behind your dog’s bad breath is important. This knowledge will help you understand how to treat it.
If plaque, tartar, and periodontal disease are behind your dog’s bad breath, then the best thing you can do is make an initial appointment with your veterinarian. Your vet will establish if your dogs teeth need professional dental cleaning and will ensure there are no other underlying issues.
Prevention
There are a few simple ways to help prevent bad dog breath.
Treats for dental health – Chewing prevents plaque and tartar build-up and relieves boredom, keeping your dog healthy and happy. Make sure you select treats that are healthy, are designed for dental health and are appropriate for your dog’s size and age.
Teeth Brushing – You could brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis ( this is often harder to do unless you have introduce this into your routine from when your dogs was a puppy )
Chew toys – Providing your dog with plenty of chew toys helps them take care of their teeth naturally.
Feeding your dog a quality, balanced diet and providing them with healthy, natural options for dental health will help keep your dog’s breath fresh and smelling healthy.
Australian Pet Treat Co
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