The Truth About Your Dog’s Bad Breath And How To Help

It’s been a long-standing butt of many jokes, but what is it about a dog’s breath that is so bad? Well, it depends on whether or not it’s just regular old smelly dog breath, or instead of the potential for a bigger problem like canine dental disease. Now you can learn the truth about your dog’s bad breath and how to help.

What Causes Your Dog’s Bad Breath?

Let’s be honest – anything that your dog expels is never going to smell like roses. In fact, it would be a concern if it did. In general, you probably aren’t going to want your dog breathing in your face all that much, no matter how great their breath smells. But it’s important to understand pet dental care and that there is a difference between regular, everyday dog breath and dog halitosis. The simplest indicator of whether or not there may be something wrong is whether your dog’s breath has always smelled the same (especially if you have had them since they were very young). If the dog was re-homed with you and comes with unusually bad breath, it’s a good idea to check it out with your vet, and see if it indicates a bigger problem. Also, when you’ve had a dog with (relatively speaking) decent breath, and it suddenly begins to decline rapidly, you will also want to get them to the vet since it likely indicates a problem.

Also Reference – Senior Dog Dental Care

What Kind Of  Bad Breath Problem Could It Be?

Just like with people, dogs have bad breath for some the same reasons. Most of the time, it’s a simple lack of dental care. Gum or dental disease can cause canine halitosis, and certain breeds (especially small ones) tend to struggle with tartar and plaque more frequently. But that breath can indicate other medical issues in the mouth, GI tract, and/or organs, or in the respiratory system.

So What Should I Look For To Help My Dog With Bad Breath?

If their breath is bad in certain ways (such as sweet/fruity or urine-smelling), it may indicate a culprit such as diabetes (if sweet smelling) or kidney disease (if his breath reeks of urine). Also notice if your dog has changed other daily habits, such as urinating more frequently, drinking more, eating less, vomiting, and other indicators of a physical change.

How Do We Treat Dog Bad Breath Issues?

Treatment and curing you dogs bad breath will depend on what your vet discovers. If plaque or other dental issues are at fault, your dog may need a professional cleaning at a pet dentist to be followed up with regular, at-home dental care. If the issue is diet, you may simply need to change your dog’s regular food. Anything trickier, such as diabetes or an abnormality in your dog’s system or organs, will require various treatment plans.

What Can I Do To Prevent Canine Halitosis Or Bad Breath?

Smart preventive medicine such as basic dental care (including brushing your dogs teeth, safe chew toys, and other oral health treats and products) can go a long way towards keeping it your puppy healthier, and you happier. Feed your dog a high-quality and easily digestible food (which will also decrease smelly flatulence as well). Make sure that you are getting your dog in to see the vet on a regular basis for checkups to detect any problems.

You may not ever want your dog right up in your face, but sometimes they’re going to get there any way (occasionally managing to lick your lips somehow or even inside your mouth as well). Make everyone’s lives easier, happier, and healthier by not ignoring your dog’s dental needs and by responding when you have cause for concern.