Say Goodbye to Dog Bad Breath + Hello Canine Kisses
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Is stinky dog breath getting in the way of enjoying time with your furry friend? Occasional bad breath happens. However, a persistent foul odor may be a sign of underlying health problems or dental disease.
Understanding the causes and solutions can help keep your dog's breath fresh and their overall health in check.
Dog bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is a common issue for many dog owners. There are various causes of bad breath, including periodontal disease, gum disease, oral infections, poor oral hygiene, or an underlying health issue.
Keep in mind this is not medical advice and is for informational purposes (based on my vet's recommendations for Kai and Bydie). If your dog's breath persistently smells, it's always a good idea to consult your vet to evaluate your dog's health, rule out an underlying problem, and provide an accurate diagnosis of your pet.
3 Products You Need to Solve Dog Bad Breath
These three products were recommended by my vet and have been a game changer for Kai and Byrdie’s dental care:
Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste (Poultry Flavor)
Dog Finger Toothbrush (4 Pack)
Common Causes of Dog Bad Breath
Poor Oral Hygiene and Dental Disease
Lack of regular brushing and dental care leads to plaque and tartar buildup, causing bacterial overgrowth and bad breath.Dietary Factors
Consuming inappropriate foods, such as table scraps, spoiled food, or feces (coprophagia), can contribute to foul breath.Gastrointestinal Issues
Digestive problems like acid reflux or gastrointestinal infections can result in bad breath.Underlying Health Conditions
Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease can manifest through distinctive bad breath odors.Oral Infections or Tumors
Infections, abscesses, or oral tumors can produce a persistent foul odor in a dog’s mouth.
Good Oral Health Is Good For Your Dog
Good oral health is essential for dogs, as it directly impacts their overall well-being and quality of life. Additionally, poor oral hygiene can result in bacteria entering the bloodstream, potentially causing serious health issues, such as liver disease, heart problems, and potential kidney failure.
Let's take a look at the most common cause of bad breath and the best way to take care of your dog's mouth.
What is Tartar?
The most common underlying cause of persistent bad breath is the bacteria that accumulates on a dog's teeth and gums. The result is tartar build up, which leads to a persistent smell, tooth decay, and eventually, dental disease.
Routine oral hygiene care helps prevent tartar buildup and plaque.
Effective Solutions to Improve Dog Bad Breath
Fortunately, there are a couple of easy measures you can take that help resolve the underlying cause of your dog’s bad breath.
Regular Brushing
Just like humans, regular brushing help ensure that dogs stay happy and healthy, reducing the risk of health problems and costly veterinary treatments in the future. Brush your dog's teeth daily with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup and bacterial growth. Use this finger toothbrush and pay special attention to brushing around the gum line. (I have found the finger toothbrush to be the easiest way).
My vet recommended this poultry-flavored enzyme toothpaste that helps break down food debris on the teeth. This toothpaste has now made it possible for me to brush Kai and Byrdie's teeth every day. I've always had trouble getting them to relax enough to let me brush their teeth until I started using this toothpaste. They now love the experience of tooth brushing.
Dental Chews
Dental chews, dental treats, bones, and chew toys can help clean teeth and reduce tartar accumulation. While there are a wide variety of dental chews available that claim to improve a pup's bad breath, some are better than others at fighting the precise cause of bad breath: tartar buildup.
I have found one brand that specifically attacks tartar and plaque. My vet recommended Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews. I can honestly say they have improved Kai and Byrdie’s dental care. One chew each day creates a protective layer on the teeth to help keep tartar at bay. Plus, they love them.
Fresh Water
Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water at all times. This helps wash away bacteria and food particles that stick to the teeth.
Natural Remedies
Consider adding some of these natural additives to your dog's diet.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in your dog's water bowl provides bacteria-killing benefits to help prevent tartar.
Coconut Oil
Add some coconut oil to your dog's food for its antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
Fresh Mint
Fresh mint contains chlorophyll, which has natural healing properties and can help promote healthy digestion.
Annual Professional Dental Cleanings
A routine of regular at-home brushing combined with visiting a professional for deep cleanings is the best way to keep your dog’s teeth healthy. While it can be expensive, routine veterinary dental cleanings will remove plaque and tartar that cannot be addressed through brushing alone. It's the best way to ensure your dog's mouth stays free from bad bacteria.
Regular Veterinary Checkups
Routine vet visits can help identify and address any underlying health conditions or oral health issues contributing to bad breath. Your vet will check your dog's teeth, gums, tongue, tonsils, and other areas. They'll look for signs of gum disease, like bleeding, swelling, or discoloration. They may also recommend x-rays to check for periodontal disease below the gum line. In addition, your vet will provide personalized advice on at-home dental care and recommend products specific to your dog's needs.
Know the Signs of Potential Dental Disease
In addition to bad breath, be on the lookout for other symptoms that could be a sign of dental disease. Watch out for bleeding gums, discolored teeth, loose or missing teeth, weight loss, decreased appetite, or excessive drooling. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian right away.
Say Hello to Fresh Canine Kisses
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage and prevent bad breath in your dog, ensuring their overall well-being and a fresher-smelling breath. If bad breath persists despite proper care, consult your veterinarian to rule out any serious health issues.
