Why Does Your Dog Have Bad Breath and How to Resolve It?
Many dog owners agree that their dog’s breath can sometimes smell worse than a lot of other odors. This is a common issue that is frequently associated with poor dental care or oral health, but it can also be an indication of a medical problem. There is a lot we can do as owners to keep our dogs’ mouths fresh and clean so that this problem does not arise. But why does cause bad breath and how do we fix it?
Plaque and tartar buildup, just like in humans, can promote the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath. If your dog does not chew and you do not brush or have his teeth cleaned regularly, plaque buildup is the most likely cause of his foul breath.
What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs?
To begin, there are some indicators to look for, such as
- Gums that are inflamed and bleeding
- Changes in Chewing Habits
- Scratching around the nose and mouth
- Extreme Licking
These are all signs that your dog has oral problems, and you should take him to the vet to check for things like gum disease, cavities, or plaque and tartar buildup. These issues are associated with poor dental hygiene and can result in stinky breath caused by Periodontal Disease. This disease is caused by plaque and tartar buildup that pushes the gums back, allowing bacteria in the mouth to enter places they should not be. All of this can be avoided with regular cleaning techniques for your dog’s mouth.
Other Severe Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs
Some other conditions that can cause dog bad breath are more dangerous to a dog’s health. Among these health concerns are the following:
- Diabetes
- Kidney failure
- gastrointestinal issue
- The disease of the liver
- Metabolic disorder
- In addition, a poor diet
These can be severe problems if not addressed, and bad breath is just one of the side effects that can occur. It is critical to keep your veterinarian involved in these matters because they will be able to help dogs stay healthy and have fresh breath.
How to Help Your Dog and Prevent it?
There are numerous ways to help a dog with dental issues, some of which are extremely simple.
Let’s start with some things you can give your dog as a treat or as an additive to help with their breath. Coconut oil, yogurt, and a few drops of lemon are all good for keeping their mouths clean of bad bacteria that cause bad dog breath. These are all excellent ways to improve one’s breath, but they do not address some dental diseases. There are two options for this, but one is far more recommended than the other.
Brushing is the best way to keep your dog’s teeth and mouth healthy. This is more complex than it sounds because many dogs dislike the taste of toothpaste or the sensation of brushing. In addition, certain products, such as human toothpaste, should be avoided. When deciding what to brush a dog’s teeth with, it is best to look for a dog-safe brand or use something like coconut oil.
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly should result in a significant improvement in their dental health as well as their breath in dogs.
A dental chew is another option for bad breath and oral health. Many dog owners use some dental hygiene chew that is designed to reduce plaque and freshen their breath. These are excellent options for improving oral health, but they are far less effective than cleaning. Many chews can help remove plaque, and dogs who chew these tend to have better teeth than others when paired with a brushing.