One of the ways through which man’s best friend shows affection is by giving us kisses. However, whether or not you let your dog express this sign of love you may notice that their breath is not all that pleasant. We dont expect the dog’s breath to be fresh and minty, hence one may easily shrug off any concerns. However, just like humans, dogs can suffer from bad breath. Reasons for a dog’s bad breath varies from to diet to underlying health issues.
If your Mr. Doggie is emitting bad breath then he might be a victim of the following four factors.
A puppy enjoying play
Poor Oral Health
One of the main reasons your dog may be suffering from bad breath could be due to their oral health. Bad breath can be a sign of many oral health problems such as gum disease, which is commonly found in dogs. Dogs, like humans, can build up a mixture of bacteria and plaque in their mouth which, if left untreated, can be the root cause of gum disease. If gum disease is allowed to progress, it can lead to further health conditions such as periodontitis.
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can help avert bad breath
Brushing your dog’s teeth twice a day is an excellent way to reduce plaque and help keep gum disease at bay. This can also improve your pup’s bad breath. In addition, providing your dog with a good diet supplemented with treats and toys that prevent the build-up of plaque is also an excellent preventative measure. If you have concerns, you should visit your vet who can diagnose gum disease and offer treatment like removing tartar and giving those teeth a real good polish.
Infection and disease
Bad breath can also be a sign of infections caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth such as periodontitis. Tumours and oral cancer could also foul a dog’s breath. Epulis in dogs are gum tumours which have an enormous impact on the teeth, even dislodging them as they grow. Some oral tumours in a dog’s mouth, even if they are non-cancerous, can be fatal if left untreated. A trip to the vets is a must to rule out any problems when bad breath is noted. Although there are no known causes of oral cancer in dogs its a common ailment. The tumours appear on the roof of the mouth and spread very fast sometimes affecting teeth. Halitosis, a growth in the mouth, eating difficulties, weight loss and swellings are key indicators of tumours.
Kidney Problems
A dog suffering from kidney disease, common among old animals, emits bad breath due to toxic build up in the blood stream. If your dog suffers from bad breath alongside other symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss or walking in an usual gait and posture, run to the vet you go. A blood test will be able to determine whether the kidneys have a problem.
The type of meal consumed can also affect a canine’s breath quality
Diabetes
All dogs are at risk of diabetes. When our pets eat, their digestive system works to break the food down. In some cases, when the body fails to make enough insulin this causes problems with the body’s blood sugar levels, which then causes damage to the body’s cells and organs. Dogs can be at risk of both types 1 and type 2 diabetes, just like humans. Although disease cannot be cured, it can be managed well enough for your pet dog to enjoy a long and happy life.
Dogs, just like humans, are susceptible to diabetes which can also lead to bad breath
The best way to ensure your pet is at less risk of developing diabetes is prevention through a balanced diet and a healthy weight. Being aware of the symptoms of diabetes is also crucial. Increased thirst, toileting accidents, increased appetite, weight loss, a change in behaviour and bad breath are all common signs of diabetes. If your dog expresses any of these symptoms, a vet can diagnose diabetes and provide treatment and advice on how to manage the condition.
Smelly Bite
We all know dogs love to eat new foods, and sometimes they manage to eat things they shouldn’t. Whether their their meal has smelly foods, they’ve managed to grab something from the kitchen, nose-dived through the bin or enjoyed human dung (it does happen), sometimes what they eat is the primary reason for bad breath. If this is the case, investing in a toothbrush and a dog-friendly toothpaste is the way to go.
If you are concerned that your four-legged buddy is suffering from bad breath, a trip to the vets is the best way to determine the next steps. As a professional, your vet can give you advice on how to keep your pet’s bad breath at bay. They can also offer any treatment your dog may need, or look into any further medical causes for their symptoms. For those who want to try a DIY approach, there are some things you can do on your own to rid your pooch of bad breath.