All dogs will occasionally blast you with bad breath. It is important to understand the difference between breath that is foul because the dog ate something he or she should not have and bad breath that can be a sign of a serious health issue.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is the result of a buildup of odor-producing bacteria in the dog’s mouth, lungs or gastrointestinal tract. Persistent halitosis can mean you need to clean the dog’s teeth more frequently or it can be a sign of a serious illness. Dogs with persistent halitosis should be taken to the veterinarian for a check up.
Improper dental care is one of the most common causes of bad breath. Dogs that are prone to getting a buildup of plaque and tartar will benefit from regular teeth brushing or a thorough teeth cleaning by a veterinarian who will also perform a complete oral examination.
Once oral problems such as gingivitis, periodontitis, a stuck foreign body, abscessed teeth or oral tumors have been ruled out as the cause of the bad breath, it is important that you have your dog’s veterinarian do further tests to rule out other serious medical problems.
Be prepared to share information about your dog’s diet, oral hygiene regiment, exercise habits and behavior to help the veterinarian make a determination about the cause of the halitosis. In addition, the doctor may have to perform blood work to help pinpoint the cause.
Pay very close attention if the smell of your dog’s breath suddenly changes because this is a good indication that there is a deep underlying medical problem for which treatment should be sought.
For example, breath that smells of urine can be an indication of kidney disease.
Unusually sweet or fruity breath could be an indication of diabetes.
If this is the case, you need to monitor how much water the dog drinks and how frequently he or she urinates. Be prepared to share this information with the dog’s veterinarian.
Unusually foul breath accompanied by vomiting, a loss of appetite, yellow-tinged corneas and/or gums could be signs of a liver problem.
Other causes of halitosis can include lung problems such as cancer or a bleeding stomach ulcer. Some medications can cause bad breath.
Treating bad breath depends on the cause of the halitosis. In the event of oral problems, routine brushing and cleaning will go a long way in keeping Fido’s breath sweet and clean. There are many oral products available for canine use. Do not use human products to clean the dog’s teeth and gums.
In addition, make sure the food you are feeding is of high quality. Some foods actually attribute to plaque and tartar buildup. You may want to ask the dog’s veterinarian for a recommendation. There are many canine treats and snacks that are designed to help clean rid teeth of plaque and tartar.
In the event of serious health issues, the veterinarian will spell out the necessary treatment once he or she has determined the cause of the problem. Treatment of serious diseases causing the halitosis could include medications, surgery and/or chemotherapy.
Related posts:
- How to Fix Smelly Dog Breath
- Puppy Dental Care
- Options for Canine Dental Care – Alternatives to Brushing Teeth
- Brushing Your Puppy’s Teeth
- Keep That Puppy Clean!
