If your dog suffers from bad breath it isn't necessarily just a smelly annoyance anytime your furry friend nuzzles up to you.
Bad breath in your dog could be an indicator of a number of different issues, from poor diet to serious medical conditions. So what can cause bad breath and what can we do about it?
Dental or Gum Disease
As dog owners, it is wise to arm ourselves with knowledge concerning our pup’s oral health. Dental or gum disease often afflicts our canine friends and manifests as plaque, bad breath or swollen gums. If left untreated these issues can cause tissue damage and result in serious pain for your pup.
Early preventive steps dramatically improve the prognosis of dental and gum disease. Regular brushing of teeth leads to fewer build-ups of bacterial-rich plaque on teeth that give rise to infection and inflammation in the mouth. Use toothpaste specifically designed for dogs as other brands may contain ingredients that are toxic for them if swallowed. Additionally, periodic professional cleaning by a veterinarian can help remove tartar built up along the gum-line which is not removable any other way at home. This can prevent further problems from occurring down the road with periodontal disease being an issue no one wants their furry companion to deal with!
Unpleasant Dietary Habits
As a responsible pet owner, it is important to be aware of any unpleasant dietary habits your dog may have.
Please note that while these dietary habits can be unpalatable to you, they should not be considered abnormal as they may occur in dogs of different breeds, ages and sizes.
The most common unpleasant dietary habit is referred to as pica. This condition involves ingesting or chewing on non-food items such as stones, dirt or clothing. Although this behaviour can sometimes look amusing from an outsider’s perspective, it is often dangerous for the animal and should be addressed if noticed in your dog with prompt medical attention by a veterinarian.
Another unpleasant dietry habit that can occur in dogs is coprophagia - consuming feces. This occurs when a pet will consume fecal matter from other animals or humans, which often leads to an unappetizing smell emanating from their mouth and coat. In most cases coprophagia is a behavioral issue that can usually be addressed by using positive reinforcement techniques to deter them from such behavior in the future.
Diabetes
Diabetes, the metabolic disorder caused by insufficient production of insulin, is a growing concern for many dog owners. Even though it is more often discussed in relation to human health, diabetes can also affect our canine companions. Pet owners should be cognizant of the symptoms and proactive when it comes to managing this potentially-debilitating disease.
Diabetes impacts our beloved pets in much the same way as it does humans -- blood sugar levels become too high due to lack of insulin and can adversely impact their vision, energy level and overall wellbeing if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of chronic complications associated with diabetes in dogs. However, prevention is always preferable; pet owners should be aware of what causes diabetes in their pet and take steps to lower those risks where possible.
To stay ahead of potential canine diabetes issues, dog owners should practice good nutrition habits such as feeding small amounts multiple times a day rather than one large meal or limit carbohydrates intake like sugary snacks or processed foods that could schlep glucose levels; additionally regular exercise can help keep weight off which reduces both stress on joints as well as stress on pancreas which helps with proper production of insulin.. By understanding early warning signs such as increased thirst or excessive urination along with maintaining consistent wellness checkups for your pet can all make a difference in avoiding this life-altering condition.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a medical issue that can affect all dogs. To keep your beloved companions healthy and happy, it is important to be aware of the warning signs and preventive measures of this affliction. In certain cases, kidney disease can be chronic and incurable; however, with proper proactive care, it can be managed successfully.
As canine kidney disease progresses, it takes a toll on the internal organs of the animal which leads to fatigue and a decrease in appetite. Pet owners should take note if their pup behaves differently by sleeping much more than usual or refuses to eat its meals; these could very well be indicators that something is amiss internally. Urinalysis are an effective way to diagnose any issues early on as they test for albumin levels within the bloodstream which reveal the health of various bodily functions including the kidneysand liver.
Overall, pet owners should make sure they stay vigilant by noticing any subtle changes in their pooches eating habits or changes in behavior as this could mean big trouble for furry friends later down the line if left unchecked!
Liver Disease
Liver disease is an increasingly common ailment among man's best friend, and dog owners should be aware of the potential symptoms. This pervasive health problem can have quite serious consequences if left unchecked.
By recognizing the early signs of liver disease, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, jaundice and vomiting, dog owners can take proactive steps to ensure their pet's wellness and longevity. Further proactive measures include annual vet visits or other preventive exams that could potentially identify underlying issues before they become serious.
Though the causes of liver disease vary greatly among individual dogs, an understanding of the elements that can increase your furry friend's risk is invaluable in preventing long-term complications in their health — not to mention sparing your four-legged family member a great deal of discomfort. Unsurprisingly, poor diet plus certain medications or illnesses may increase your pup’s chances for developing this ailment; however many other factors come into play as well. Being informed about these potential risks and regularly monitoring any changes in your dog’s behavior are essential ways to protect them from harm due to liver damage or dysfunction over time.
Ate Something Toxic
Every dog owner worries about their pup ingesting something toxic, but with vigilance and preparation, you can protect your pup from inadvertent harm. Be it an unattended houseplant or a week-old food item, many objects within the home contain ingredients that can be poisonous if consumed by an animal.
It is important to stay informed of what items may appear inconspicuous but could cause immense discomfort in your canine companion. Therefore, take some time to familiarize yourself with a list of hazardous materials regularly found around the home. As vital as knowing what toxins are potentially lurking in common rooms is recognizing the signs and symptoms of sickness following ingestion; early detection and hospitalization may very well be lifesaving for your pet.
Oral Tumors
Oral tumors are a serious health hazard for canine companions, yet they’re not widely discussed. With access to the right information, pet owners can better educate themselves on the topic and prepared to act fast if their pup develops symptoms.
Oral tumors start as abnormal tissue growths in or around the mouth’s soft tissue areas such as the gums, lips, tongue and throat. Though potential causal factors for these malignant masses remain under debate in veterinary circles, some of the possible causes include tobacco exposure, poor oral dietary habits and certain viruses. If a pet exhibits any firm mass formation near its mouth area accompanied by persistent bad breath or blood loss from chewing, it is advisable to take them immediately to an experienced veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
How to Get Rid of Your Dog’s Bad Breath
Dog owners everywhere have unfortunately come across their pet's bad breath from time to time. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to effectively curb this unpleasant odor and make sure your pup’s breath is in tip-top shape.
The first step is to evaluate your dog’s diet and look for any potential disturbances. Regular dental care is paramount, as plaque buildup could be causing the telltale whiff. Make sure to brush your pup’s teeth regularly with a toothpaste formulated specifically for canines, paired with biteable chewables or toys that provide added oral hygiene assistance.
Paying particular attention to what kind of treats and food your pup consumes can also help mitigate the smelly culprits; look out for bacon-flavored snacks, rawhides, garlic products, and more that may be upping the ante in terms of stench! Offering natural options such as carrots or frozen blueberries between mealtimes will provide oral refreshment without sidelining pesky halitosis!
Final Conclusion
If your dog's bad breath persists and/or worsens then it is best to take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. There are several potential causes of bad breath in dogs, some of which can be serious. Your vet may need to perform tests in order to diagnose the specific cause, so an early visit is always encouraged. It’s important that you stay vigilant when it comes to caring for your pet’s health—especially their oral health!
