What to Do If Your Dog Has Bad Breath

If your dog has bad breath or halitosis, you should take the condition seriously as it might be caused by dental or gum disease or there might be something wrong with his gastrointestinal tract, liver or kidneys. Bad breath is the accumulation of bacteria in the dog’s mouth, lungs or guts.

Causes of Canine Halitosis:

  • Build up of plaque or tartar
  • Gingivitis or inflammation of gums
  • Periodontal disease or infection of the tissues that support the teeth such as the gums and the gingiva
  • Consumption of canned foods
  • Consumption of feces or garb age
  • Liver disorder
  • Kidney disorder
  • Infection of the gastrointestinal tract

Treatment of Halitosis in Dogs

If your dog has persistent bad breath, you should conduct a vet check to identify the underlying cause. The vet will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your dog’s diet, exercise routine, oral hygiene and general behavior. Remember to seek vet help at the earliest if your dog’s breath has a fruity odor, as this can indicate diabetes. Conversely, if the breath smells like urine, it can indicate a kidney disorder. If dental hygiene is the reason for the halitosis, the vet will thoroughly clean the teeth. If canned food is the cause, the veterinarian might suggest changes in your pet’s diet. The underlying cause will be treated if it is a gastrointestinal, liver or kidney disorder.

In general, your dog should be checked by the veterinarian regularly. The state of his teeth should be monitored on a regular basis and they should be cleaned routinely. You should brush your pet’s teeth daily and the toothpaste you use should be pet friendly so that it doesn't cause digestive tract disorders. You should also buy your pet some hard chew toys to get rid of his dental plaque. The dog’s diet should include high quality food that's easy to digest. If canned food is the reason for your pet’s halitosis, it might be best to switch to dry food. You should also clean your house and surroundings to ensure that your dog doesn’t have access to feces or garbage. Remember to avoid feeding chocolate to your pet as it can prove toxic.

Significance of Bad Breath

Canine bad breath shouldn’t be taken lightly or ignored. Sometimes, bad breath can mean that the food is not properly chewed. This means that the saliva that’s responsible for softening and lubricating the food is inefficient due to an underlying bacterial infection. He might also be allergic to certain foods or experience tooth decay or digestive problems. These problems may be harmful for your pet’s continued good health.

Bad breath may not sound like a serious problem but this is not true. If the underlying cause is left untreated, bad breath can cause permanent damage and hence must be cured at the earliest. Your pet relies on you to take care of him and you can do this by giving him nutritious food, plenty of exercise and visiting the vet periodically

 

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