Why is my Dog’s Breath so Bad?
Does your dog suffer from bad breath? If so, you’re not alone! Doggie parents everywhere complain of their canine’s bad breath, or halitosis. While poor dental hygiene is one common cause of bad breath, it’s not the only cause. There are a few other causes of doggie bad breath that you need to know about. Burying your head in the sand is not the best way to go. Your dog’s breath will get worse and similarly, so will his health.
So what else causes bad breath in dogs?
- Cancer of the mouth
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Intestinal issues
- Dental diseases or infections
- Digestive issues such as constipation and/or diarrhea
- Liver disease
- Poor diet
Now what?
If your dog suffers from bad breath, the first thing you should do is assess his diet. If you are feeding your dog a low quality, commercial dog food then, switch his food. Look for a high quality alternative – the more natural, the better. If you are unsure about which food to select, your veterinary doctor can steer you in the right direction.
Next, are you providing your dog with any dental care? You should be brushing his teeth at least a few times a week and providing him with dental chews or toys that help keep plaque and tartar build up to a minimum. Rope toys are a good choice as they mimic the action of a dental floss. Choose sugar free biscuits or healthy vegetables or fruit. Apples and carrots are loved by most dogs and they help keep the teeth clean. You know that clean feeling you get after eating an apple? Your dog can experience that too.
If you already have your dog on a high quality diet and have an established dental care regime in place then you must take your dog in to see his veterinary doctor. The veterinary doctor will perform a full examination which may lead to a few more tests to determine the root cause of your dog’s bad breath. Be patient and remember, a small vet bill today can prevent even larger vet bills in the future as well as spare your dog months or years of suffering. A minor infection can spread to your dog’s brain and kill him.
If it turns out that your dog simply has a case of ordinary doggie bad breath, consider yourself lucky. Continue to keep up with routine examinations and continue to follow the tips above. At any stage in your dog’s life, good health should never be taken for granted.
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