If you have ever wondered what the cause of bad breath in dogs is, you’ve come to the right place. Bacteria-laden plaque and tartar are the main culprits.
KAMPALA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Bad breath in dogs can be an indication of a more serious medical condition, such as periodontal disease or oral/dental disease.
- Some common causes of bad breath in dogs are periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene. Dogs with crooked or crowded teeth are more likely to suffer from secondary dental problems.
- The best treatment for dog bad breath involves eliminating the source of the problem and providing your pet with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- In addition, regular visits to a veterinarian can prevent a whole host of health problems that may result in dog bad breath.
- Veterinary professionals can also recommend safe dental products and supplements that will lessen the problem.
- And while these treatments may not completely eliminate the problem, they can help control the smell and prevent it from recurring.
- Please read also: The reasons why you have bad breath.
To determine the cause of your dog’s breath problem, visit your veterinarian. He or she can run additional tests and procedures to determine whether your dog is suffering from oral or dental disease.
If your dog’s breath smells foul, consider giving him or her a bath or applying Neem oil.
Periodontal disease
Dogs can develop gum disease at any age, and some are predisposed to it from an early age.
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Early signs include bad breath, tartar on the teeth, and red inflammation along the gum line. While these early signs may not be visible to pet parents, your dog will certainly know it’s not healthy.
Your pet may also start to pick up and drop food or chew on one side only. If your dog is exhibiting these signs, it may be an indication of a periodontal problem.
Your vet may recommend dental hygiene chews or toothpaste for your pet. Regardless of the cause, addressing your pet’s oral health is vital to maintaining your pet’s good health and preventing gum disease.
Earlier detection is crucial to preventing the development of periodontal disease and avoiding more costly treatments. While gum disease and dog bad breath are typically small issues, they can have a dramatic impact on your pet’s overall health.
Early periodontal disease is often accompanied by mild to moderate bone and ligament loss, and red, inflamed gums.
In advanced stages, the gums may recede and the roots of teeth may become exposed.
Advanced periodontal disease can cause significant pain for your dog, and your vet will likely prescribe some type of antibiotic to reduce the inflammation.
In severe cases, extraction of the affected tooth may be necessary.
Inflammation caused by bacteria can cause bone loss around the jaw and sinuses.
Besides causing bad breath, periodontal disease can cause or even result in oral-nasal fistulas, which can lead to chronic nasal discharge.
In addition to being uncomfortable, untreated periodontal disease can also cause infections of the eyes. Without proper care, your dog could end up losing his eyesight.
Coprophagia
Behavioral modification alone is not effective for all cases of coprophagia in dogs.
However, if your dog suffers from underlying medical conditions, medications or hospitalization may be necessary. Sometimes a change in diet can help as well.
Listed below are some tips for managing coprophagia in dogs. These methods can work for some dogs. If none of these options seem to work, consult your veterinarian.
A dog may be tempted to eat poop to attract attention. While eating feces can attract attention, it does not provide the essential nutrients your dog needs.
In fact, there are several reasons why dogs engage in coprophagia, and owners must look for them before passing judgment.
Intestinal parasites, nutritional deficiency, and attention seeking are some of the most common causes.
Although coprophagia is an abnormal dietary habit, it is not a life-threatening disorder. In fact, dogs who eat feces normally do not have a dietary deficiency.
Rather, severe disorders of the intestines and malnutrition may contribute to this condition. However, severe cases are rare. It is best to consult a veterinarian if your dog is consistently coprophagic.
Some breeds are genetically predisposed to eating poop. Labrador Golden retrievers are twice as likely to eat poop as other breeds, and so are Terriers and Shetland sheepdogs.
But while coprophagia in puppies is perfectly normal, if your dog keeps eating stools after puberty, it might have a serious medical condition.
It’s best to seek medical attention immediately if you notice this behavior in your dog.
Kidney disease
When your dog has bad breath, it may smell like urine, poop, or feces. If your dog has these symptoms, you need to have them checked out by a veterinarian.
The kidneys are important organs in the dog’s body, removing toxins and other waste materials from the body. Without them, the breath of your dog could smell like urine, feces, or both.
If your dog’s breath smells like urine or poop, you may be wondering why he or she has such a bad smell. It could be because your dog recently ate poop.
Other times, bad breath in dogs is a sign of a kidney issue. When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, waste products build up and can be harmful to the dog’s health.
Depending on the severity of the kidney disease, treatment will depend on blood tests to determine which drugs will work best for your dog.
In some cases, the disease may be too advanced to be treated, but aggressive treatment can prolong your dog’s quality of life for months.
Treatments for chronic kidney disease are divided into three phases. The first phase involves flushing the kidneys and removing toxins from the blood.
The second phase includes treatments to control the disease.
Another cause of bad breath in dogs is dental disease. Approximately 80% of dogs experience dental problems by age two.
The buildup of plaque in the mouth results in a hard film called tartar. When this film hardens, it forms tartar, a deposit that coats teeth like cement. This deposit will eventually produce a noxious smell.
Symptoms include persistent odor, a lowered appetite, and gum disease.
Neem oil for dogs with bad breath
Although the smell of neem oil may deter you from using it for your dog’s bad breath, it has many other benefits. The oil can be diluted and applied to areas with infection or irritation.
It can also be used on hot spots and sunburn. Use caution, as neem oil can be toxic to dogs. Dilute it at least five times before applying it to your dog’s gums.
The oil is extracted from the neem tree, a tree related to mahogany that grows abundantly in India.
Neem has long been revered as a “curer of all ailments” and has been referenced in ancient texts as an antiseptic, antioxidant, and antiviral.
It can also improve your dog’s coat health. So, if your pet is suffering from bad breath, neem oil may be an excellent choice.
There are also some homoeopathic remedies that may help. For instance, a homoeopathic remedy called Fragaria can help remove tartar from a dog’s mouth.
This remedy can be administered in the form of one or two pellets two times a day for one month. It is a natural remedy that melts in the mouth.
A dog with bad breath will appreciate the smell! It is important to remember that your dog’s health is also dependent on the food you give him.
If you choose to use Neem oil on your dog, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Neem oil is not recommended for human consumption.
It is best to apply it topically to the mouth instead of ingesting it. Commercial products are available in the form of topical sprays, shampoos, and toothpastes.
Be aware, however, that neem oil is not regulated, so it’s important to check the label before using any product.
Dental diet for dogs with bad breath
Good oral health is essential for your dog’s overall well-being. Your best bet for dental hygiene is to provide your dog with fresh, high-quality food.
Your dog may develop bad breath as a result of bad diet, but the problem is often not that severe. You can try various natural remedies, most of which are readily available from your kitchen.
Dental disease affects 80% of dogs by the time they’re three years old, compromising both the quality of life and overall health. Periodontal disease affects the structures holding teeth in place.
Some dental diets are filled with wheat, corn, or soy, and this isn’t always the best choice.
These grains are difficult for some pets to digest, and if you don’t know which ones are best for your dog, you can consult your veterinarian for recommendations.
Wheat and corn-based dental treats are high in calories and contain fillers that don’t add any nutrients to your dog’s diet.
When you give your dog a treat to freshen its breath, make sure it’s VOHC-approved. Dental chews and treats are great for a dog’s oral health, but you should make sure you don’t give them more than one per day if your dog is on a diet.
Besides chews, dental sticks help dogs with bad breath stay fresher longer. Regular cleanings promote overall health and prevent dog breath.
In addition to good dental hygiene, your dog’s mouth should be free from bacteria. Excess bacteria cause foul-smelling breath. Bacteria release sulfurous gases, which are unpleasant to us.
Excessive bacteria in the mouth is the most common cause of dog bad breath. A diet high in carbohydrates and lack of brushing may also contribute to this condition.
Regardless of the cause, it is important to see your vet right away if your dog’s breath is persistently foul.
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