You may love your dog more than anything else in the world, but even that won’t always make your dog’s breath bearable when it is. While a clean and healthy dog’s breath isn’t the sweetest smelling odor in the world, persistent bad breath (or halitosis) in dogs may indicate health problems in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, or even kidneys. When dog breath smells bad, you should have it checked out as soon as possible.
What Causes Bad Breath?
The cause of bad breath in dogs is very similar to the cause of bad breath in humans; most often, it will be the result of dental or gum diseases, creating a build up of plaque and tartar that creates bad breath. However, if your dog has persistent bad breath, it may also indicate more severe health problems in its digestive or respiratory system.
How Should I Treat Bad Breath?
You should go to a veterinarian to get a full diagnosis for your dog since there can be a multitude of underlying problems. If you are still looking for a veterinarian, TalkLocal can help make that process simple by automatically connecting you to the highest quality local veterinarians in the area in just minutes!
If it’s just plaque and tartar build-up, your dog is going to need a professional dental cleaning. You may also need to change your dogs diet to prevent halitosis. Always consult your vet to find out what needs to happen if there are more serious underlying health problems.
How can I prevent bad breath in the future?
Dental hygiene is the easiest way to prevent halitosis; for the best results, your dog needs to have his or her teeth brushed daily with a dog-formulated toothpaste. Certain dental treats containing a special formulation to mask the bad odor can also improve your dog’s breath. Lastly, provide your dog with hard and safe chew toys, as the natural chewing action will automatically clean his or her teeth. As always, consistent check-ups with the veterinarian can help monitor and track your dog’s health and teeth, making sure that your dog is always as healthy as can be!
