Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?
“Dog Breath” is a term used to describe breath that is somewhat less than fresh and clean. We all know how off putting bad breath can be in humans but what does it mean when our furry friends have a bout of stinky breath and how can we remedy the situation when it occurs?
Bad doggy breath is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in your dog’s system. The locations of this bacterial build-up can range from the mouth to the lungs to parts of the digestive system. For the most part bad breath in dogs can be attributed to gun disease which is caused by a build-up of tartar and plaque around the dog’s teeth and gum line. Chronic bad breath in dogs can indicate a more serious dental or internal problem and should be checked out as soon as possible. It can also be an indication of larger medical problems in the respiratory and digestive system if it continues despite better dental care.
It can be difficult to try and determine for yourself the cause of a pet’s consistently bad breath so it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian in order to get a more accurate analysis. A proper examination and some simple tests can help target the real cause. You should be prepared to field questions regarding your dog’s current diet, dental care, and activity routine.
Obviously you are not going to want to rush Fido to the vet every time he has bad breath. You would most likely be making a whole lot of trips to the animal hospital. Below are a few warning signs that could indicate a potential serious problem and should be checked out immediately just to be on the safe side.
- If you dog’s breath suddenly has a bad odor and they are also vomiting, not eating normally, or have a yellowish tint to their eyes then this could be a sign of a problem with the liver.
- If you dog’s breath suddenly smells like urine then there may be an issue with their kidneys.
- If your dog’s breath is suddenly sweet smelling accompanied by an unusual amount of drinking and urinating then this could be an indication of diabetes.
What Can I Do About Existing Bad Breath in Dogs?
In order to alleviate bad breath in dogs it is important to first determine the specific cause. If poor dental care has resulted in the problem then you might want to start a stricter dental regiment for your pup including regular brushing and the occasional professional cleaning. There are also treats available that help reduce the amount of plaque and tarter that can build up in their mouths. Another option is to re-evaluate your dog’s diet and change their food to something that is less likely to contribute to the bad breath problem.
If the bad breath is being caused by something more internal in your dog’s system (liver, kidney, or lungs) then you should consult your vet about possible treatments as they will know what you can do depending on each specific ailment.
What Preventative Measures Can I Take Against Bad Breath in Dogs?
| • Put your dog on a high-quality pet food that is easy on the digestive system. • Look into various teeth cleaning products you can use at home regularly. Your vet can give you some suggestions. • Offer you furry friend a treat that is specially formulated to clean teeth and prevent bad breath. • Visit the vet for regular checkups; make sure they are carefully inspecting their teeth and gums as well. • Brush teeth and gums for your pet daily with a special toothpaste formulated for canines. • Look into chew toys that promote healthy teeth and gums. |
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It is a general assumption that all dogs have bad breath, especially as they get older. This is inaccurate because with proper care and preventative maintenance you can ensure that your dog and their exhalations are clean and healthy. Follow the steps above to prevent bad breath in dogs and make your interactions with them more pleasant for the both of you.
 | It is a general assumption that all dogs have bad breath, especially as they get older. This is inaccurate because with proper care and preventative maintenance you can ensure that your dog and their exhalations are clean and healthy. Follow the steps above to prevent bad breath in dogs and make your interactions with them more pleasant for the both of you. |
| Russ Barker knows a case of "Dog Breath" when he smells it and has often wondered why dogs have this problem at certain times. He did some research and wrote this article to share his findings. Russ is one of the coolest members of Dog Tag Art, a website known worldwide for their amazing pet ID tags. Their unique and colorful personalized pet tags come in a huge variety of creative designs as well as offering the option to upload your own photos and artwork. |  |
