Dogs Bad Breath
Yes, Dogs Can Have Halitosis To
Let’s face it, many of us have done the quick breath check. You know, the sharp exhale followed by the quick sniff, before that important job interview or that big date you finally worked up the nerve to ask for. Well, if you’ve ever wished your dog could do that check before licking your face, then read on. A number of factors can cause bad breath in dogs, and thankfully there are ways to deal with the problem that don’t involve getting a cat instead.
Causes of Dogs Bad Breath
The first thing to do if you realize that your dog has bad breath is to identify the cause. Sometimes a quick check of your dog’s teeth may reveal the problem.
Dogs may fall victim to the same dental problems that plague humans. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two dental problems that can affect canines and lead to bad breath. Gingivitis is caused by bacterial plaque which builds up in the small spaces between the teeth and the gums, and by tartar which accumulates on the teeth. The gums become inflamed and the spaces between the gums and the teeth become enlarged, leading to periodontitis. The resulting infection from these conditions can cause dogs to have bad breath.
Like humans, dogs can also get tooth abscesses. This occurs when bacteria builds up in the soft pulp of the tooth, enclosing pus in the tissue. This condition can result from damaged teeth, tooth decay or advanced periodontal disease. If you are concerned about your dog’s bad breath, chances are the problem is caused by an abscess.
If you feed bones to your dog, be aware that bone fragments can get stuck in your pet’s throat and sometimes in the gums. This can lead to infection which in turn causes bad breath. There are other things that can get stuck in a dog’s mouth, causing a foul odor to develop. These include hair or any other foreign particles from something the animal has chewed on.
A dog’s bad breath could also be due to oral ulcers. These are open sores in the mouth resulting from damage caused by chewing bones or some hard substance, or some chemical which finds its way into the dog’s mouth. Luckily, these ulcers are not usually difficult to spot. Keep in mind that oral ulcers could also be a sign of cancer, so if these are observed, the dog should be taken to a vet as quickly as possible.
Poor digestion can affect your dog’s breath. Often, a dog may have stomach problems that the owner is unaware of, or may not respond well to certain types of dog food. What you may think is coming from the dog’s mouth, could be poorly digested food. A vet can determine whether your pet’s problem is oral or related to digestive issues.
Treating Your Dog’s Bad Breath
There are a number of options for preventing bad breath in dogs. Visit your pet store for a toothbrush and toothpaste and begin a regular brushing regimen. It’s not necessary to brush more than once per day. This combined with regular visits to the vet should help to prevent any oral problems which can lead to bad breath, plus any visible problems will be detected early on. Try to start this routine early so your dog gets used to it. Otherwise be prepared for a bit of a struggle.
Some dog food brands are specially designed to help prevent oral problems in dogs, including bad breath. You can also purchase doggie breath drops, some of which prevent indigestion and come in refreshing flavors like peppermint.
Just like you need to make regular visits to the dentist to keep your teeth looking their best, a dog’s teeth also need to be checked. While some cases of bad breath can be remedied with a change of dog food, ultimately most problems will require medical attention.
So now that you know what can cause your dog’s bad breath and how to deal with it, go ahead and let him lick your face. Just make sure he wasn’t just drinking from the toilet.
Thank you to Jessica McCurdy Crooks for this "Dogs Bad Breath" article.
|