Why does your dog have bad breath?

If you’re the proud owner of a fluffy canine or two, you might have got a whiff of a few unpleasant breaths from them on occasion. Though dogs’ mouths aren’t the freshest-smelling things on the planet, if they start to smell truly horrible, it might mean there’s something more serious at play. Here are the possible reasons why your pet is developing bad breath and the ways to get it treated:

Bad dental health

A common cause of bad breath would be your dog’s bad oral hygiene. A build-up of plaque and tartar on their teeth can cause bacteria to develop, leading to bad breath. If left untreated, it could lead to periodontal disease, causing cavities and infections. To mitigate this, be sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly to get rid of the plaque and tartar, and to remove the bad breath as well!

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Diabetes

If your dog’s mouth has an unusually sweet, almost fruity smell, it might be a symptom of diabetes. Other signs of diabetes you should look out for are frequent drinking and urination; if you suspect that your dog might be diabetic, bringing them to the vet would be the best decision, so as to figure out the proper treatment they should get! It can be a serious condition, but as long as they get the proper care, it’s still treatable.

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Kidney disease

However, if your dog’s breath smells like urine, it’s most likely a problem with their kidneys, where waste products that are usually discharged build up in their bloodstream instead, causing bad breath that smells like ammonia. This is usually a serious condition, and could also be a symptom of a larger medical problem, so be sure to bring your dog to a vet as soon as possible to get a thorough check-up.

Liver disease

Another reason for bad breath could be liver disease. Apart from rancid breath, other symptoms include vomiting and a yellow tinge on your dog’s gums. If you spot these signs, a trip to the vet is essential and will help determine the treatment your dog should get!

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Dietary habits

There could also be a simpler and less serious reason for your dog’s bad breath, and that may just be because of their bad dietary habit. Your dog could have eaten something from the trash, or even poop from a cat or other dogs. These nasty eating habits can develop bad breath in your pet, and if some bits are stuck in their mouth, such as bones or sticks, it could cause an infection when it starts to rot.

In such cases, be sure to secure your trash and get rid of unsanitary items as soon as possible. A visit to the vet will also help to clear out anything stuck in their teeth, and give them a proper dental cleaning.

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Bad breath is an unfortunately common problem in dogs, but with the proper care and treatment, your fluffy friend will be cured of it in due time.

However, prevention is still the best cure, so constant cleaning and brushing of your dog’s teeth and gums is essential for maintaining their dental health. Stay stocked up on their oral care supplies, and you’ll certainly be able to keep them safe and healthy!