Get Rid of Stinky Dog Breath
One of the worst smells is a dog’s bad breath. Although your dog thinks you appreciate their kisses, if they have bad breath, being that close and personal is not going to be up your alley.
Bad breath can be a sign of a health problem. Below we will discuss the causes of bad breath and how to treat and prevent it.
Causes of Bad Breath
Owners tend to dismiss bad dog breath as just dog breath, but there are typically other reasons behind the odor.
1. Oral Hygiene and Periodontal Disease
The most common cause of bad breath is oral hygiene and periodontal disease. The build up of tartar and plague can lead to the development of bacteria which causes bad breath. If you do not regularly brush your dog’s teeth or have their teeth cleaned, this is most likely the cause of bad breath.
2. Unpleasant Dietary Habits
Dogs can be very unsanitary. Sometimes these unsanitary habits correlate with their bad breath. If they get into garbage or have access to decomposing animal remains, your dog could be snacking on these things causing bad breath. Dogs sometimes love to snack on cat poop or even their own poop, and this can cause bad breath and even mild nausea.
3. Diabetes
If your dog’s bad breath has a sweet or fruity smell, you need to make an appointment with your vet. Sweet or fruity breath can be a sign of diabetes, but it is treatable. Talk to your vet about other symptoms to look out for, and set up a vet appointment.
4. Kidney Disease
If your dog’s breath smells like urine, they most likely didn’t drink their pee, but they may have kidney disease. This can warrant a visit to the vet. Kidney disease can be serious and a symptom of a larger problem.
5. Liver Disease
If your dog’s breath is very foul, they’re vomiting, showing lack of appetite, and have a yellow tings to their gums, they may have a liver problem. This is a serious condition and it is key to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Treating Bad Breath
It is important to understand the underlying issues behind bad dog breath, it’s also important to know how to get rid of it. Curing bad breath depends on the cause, but there are a few treatment options out there.
If plaque, tarter, and periodontal disease are behind your dog’s breath, then the best option is to schedule a cleaning with your vet. During the cleaning your vet will rule out other causes and may remove loose or damaged teeth.
If snacking is the problem, secure your trash can and limit your dog’s access to outdoor finds. Place the litter box out of reach of your dog.
Diabetes, kidney, and liver disease are all conditions that require treatment from a vet.
Once underlying issues are resolved, your dog’s bad breath should clear away.