Phew! My Dog Has Bad Breath!

"What Causes My Dog's Bad Breath And What Can I Do About It?"

If your dog has bad breath, (Canine Halitosis) his health may be at risk!

Despite the term 'dog breath', canines are not meant to have bad dog breath; if they do, it may be a sign that all is not well with your pet.

The most likely causes of bad dog breath are dental problems such as gingivitis and peridontal disease, decaying teeth, or mouth infections.

Your dog's bad breath can also be a sign that he has a serious health problem such as gastrointestinal disease, cancer, or kidney disease.

Therefore, if your dog has bad breath, it's very important that you take him to his vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes Of Dog Bad Breath

Food particles left in your dog's mouth attract bacteria. When food and bacteria combine, plaque is formed and your dog will develop bad dog breath.

If plaque is not removed, a hard residue called tartar will form, attracting more bacteria to the tooth surface and gum line, which then creates even more plaque and tartar - and so the cycle continues.

If your dog has bad breath, and you don't clean his teeth regularly, begin today!

Gingivitus and Peridontal Disease

Bacteria will cause your dog's gums to become inflammed and infected, and may cause bleeding.

This condition is known as gingivitus and, if not treated, will progress to peridontal disease.

If the tartar is not removed, it builds up underneath the gums causing damage to the tissue that surrounds and supports your dog's teeth.

It's at this point that the damage is referred to as 'peridontal disease', which can be very painful for your dog, and can lead to abscesses, loosening of teeth, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

Advanced peridontal disease is irreversible.

In severe cases of peridontal disease, the bacteria enters the bloodstream and can lead to damage of vital organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys.

Symptoms of gingivitis and peridontal disease may be manifested as:

• Really bad 'dog breath'
• Inflamed, red, or discoloured gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Swelling of the gums
• Pockets of pus
• Damaged, loose, or missing teeth
• Sensitivity around the mouth (your dog may paw at his mouth)
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat hard foods
• Drooling.

The good news is that gingivitis and peridontal disease are easily prevented. Brushing kills bacteria, and by regularly brushing dog teeth and periodic dental inspections from your vet, you can ensure your dog's teeth and gums remain healthy.

Unfortunately, tartar cannot be removed by brushing. If tartar is present, you will need to take your dog to see the vet for de-scaling under anesthesia. You will then be able to keep plaque and tartar at bay by brushing your dog's teeth every day.

Feeding your dog dry food (kibble) rather than the wet dog food will help to keep his teeth clean. You can also encourage your dog to chew on rawhide chews, chew toys, raw vegetables, or raw bones (not chicken) to help keep his teeth and gums healthy.

Additionally, you can buy dental chew toys which are specially developed to help clean your dog's teeth as it chews.
If your dog has bad breath, you can also buy 'dog breath mints' which can sometimes help with the problem.

Whether or not your dog has bad breath, we strongly recommend that you establish a good dental health routine for him. An ideal time to begin is when he's very young; however, you will first need to accustom your puppy to having his teeth brushed. This is a gradual process, so don't try to rush it.

If your dog is older, please don't let that stop you - begin today. It may take a little longer to accustom him to having his mouth and teeth inspected and brushed, but it will be the first step to ensuring your dog's mouth stays healthy.

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