Embracing Your Dog: Overcoming Bad Breath
Hugging your dog should be the happiest moment for every pet owner.
However, that warmth often lasts only until you catch a whiff of their bad breath!
A dog's bad breath not only affects the daily interactions with their owners, but it is also a warning sign about the dog's health.
Understanding the causes of your dog's bad breath and how to handle it can help you regain the close bond with your beloved pet.
Why Do Dogs Have Bad Breath? 3 Main Causes of Dog Mouth Odor!
Bad breath is not a disease itself, but a symptom or sign that can arise from various possible factors. Understanding the following three main causes of bad breath in dogs can also help you better understand your dog's health condition!
1. Oral Hygiene and Oral Diseases in Dogs
The most common cause of bad breath in dogs is neglecting proper oral hygiene. When there are too many food residues left in the mouth, they combine with proteins in saliva to form dental plaque that clings to the dog's teeth. This plaque serves as a breeding ground for bacteria. The type of bad breath associated with this condition is produced by bacteria breaking down food residues.
Over time, the accumulated dental plaque and tartar will gradually erode the dog's gums, leading to gum redness, swelling, inflammation, and eventually periodontal disease. If a dog develops bad breath suspected to be caused by dental plaque, this can be seen as an early warning sign of periodontal disease.
2. Dietary Issues
Impact of Carbohydrate Foods on Dogs' Oral Health
When dogs consume excessive amounts of carbohydrate foods, their mouths gradually become acidic. This acidic environment promotes the growth of bacteria.
As the bacteria multiply abnormally and excessively, the dog naturally develops bad breath caused by the same reasons as dental plaque.
Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs
Improper diet: If a dog regularly rummages through garbage for food or chews on things that are not meant to be eaten (such as the owner's socks, cigarette butts, etc.), it will naturally lead to bad breath over time. Additionally, consistently feeding a raw food diet may also increase the likelihood of bad breath in dogs.
3. Diseases
Oral Cancer in Dogs
Oral cancer in dogs usually occurs because of abnormal replication and growth of the cells that make up the mouth, leading to the formation of tumors that gradually invade surrounding tissues.
The causes of oral cancer are not particularly distinct; environmental factors, genetics, and age are all related contributors.
Bad breath caused by oral cancer is typically due to tissue necrosis, bleeding, and abnormal secretions from the tumors.
If a dog is suspected to have oral cancer, abnormal tumors can often be found on the gums and upper jaw.
Diabetes in Dogs
Diabetes occurs when a dog's body is unable to properly secrete insulin. The most severe consequence of this condition is developing diabetes.
Diabetes causes the body's physiological mechanisms to change abnormally. It continuously breaks down fat to produce ketones, which provide the energy the body needs. After the ketones evaporate, their smell resembles the sweet and sour odor of rotting fruit.
Understanding Canine Gastrointestinal Issues (Indigestion, Gastroenteritis)
Gastrointestinal issues refer to common digestive problems in dogs that affect their ability to properly process food. When dogs consume food, digestive system issues can prevent the food from being fully broken down.
Partially digested food can ferment inside the dog's body, where it is broken down by bacteria present in the body. This bacterial activity often produces unpleasant odors that emanate from the digestive tract.
Kidney Disease in Dogs
Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are unable to effectively process waste materials in a dog's body. This causes the level of urea to gradually increase within the body. When these ammonia-containing waste products cannot be expelled properly, it results in the dog's mouth emitting a foul odor similar to that of urine.
Liver Disease in Dogs
Liver disease refers to conditions affecting the liver, a vital organ responsible for metabolism in dogs. The liver's role includes breaking down toxins and medication components in the dog's body into less harmful substances. When the liver is damaged due to disease, these toxins accumulate, leading to symptoms such as bad breath resembling the smell of spoiled food. Additionally, affected dogs may exhibit vomiting and a loss of appetite.
How to Solve Dog Bad Breath? 3 Ways to Restore Fresh Breath!
According to the different causes of bad breath in dogs, owners can also apply targeted remedies to help protect their dogs' oral hygiene!
1. Building Your Dog's Teeth Cleaning Habit
It is essential for preventing bad breath, which is most commonly caused by inadequate cleaning. So, start helping your dog develop the habit of brushing its teeth right away!
As a general rule, it is recommended for pet owners to brush their dogs' teeth daily. However, if time is tight, brushing once every three days can still effectively maintain your dog's oral hygiene.
For dogs brushing their teeth for the first time, it usually takes a lot of patience for them to adapt. Therefore, owners should gradually help their dogs get used to the routine. Additionally, choosing a good quality dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste is an indispensable step.
If your dog strongly resists tooth brushing, you can start by giving them dental chews certified by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council), which can serve as a transitional measure to maintain oral health.
2. Attention to Dog Food Hygiene and Safety
Maintaining Your Dog's Oral Health through Hygiene
It is essential for preventing bad breath in dogs. We all know that bacteria are a major cause of unpleasant odors from a dog's mouth. Therefore, regularly cleaning your dog's water bowl and food dish can significantly reduce the chance of bacteria entering their system directly.
In addition, to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and other pests, it's important to frequently replace your dog's drinking water as well as any leftover dog food and fresh meals. Keeping these areas clean not only helps maintain your dog's oral hygiene but also supports their overall health.
Choosing the Right Dog Food for Dental Health
It is important for maintaining your dog's dental hygiene. Wet dog food and canned food tend to get stuck easily between your dog's teeth, leading to bacteria growth.
In contrast, dry kibble and high-fiber foods are less likely to remain in the mouth and foster bacteria. At the same time, these foods help your dog's teeth by providing friction, which assists in removing larger food debris.
Supporting Digestive Health in Dogs
It is essential for maintaining your dog's overall health. Ensuring proper gastrointestinal function can also help prevent bad breath.
Adding probiotics and enzymes to your dog's food can contribute to maintaining a healthy gut and support digestive tract functions.
3. Seeking Professional Medical Care
Dog Teeth Cleaning: Importance and Procedure
Besides maintaining good daily oral hygiene habits, regularly cleaning your dog's teeth can help remove hidden plaque and debris that are usually hard to detect. Professional veterinarians recommend having your dog's teeth cleaned once a year for the most effective oral health care.
However, it's important to note that dog teeth cleaning requires anesthesia!
Regular Health Checkups: Understanding the Causes of Bad Breath
As we mentioned earlier, bad breath can often originate from various diseases beyond just the oral cavity. Although regular health checkups are primarily intended to assess the overall condition of the body, they can also help identify the sources of subtle symptoms.
Seeking Immediate Veterinary Care for Your Dog
If you notice that your dog has a bad breath that might stem from a physical illness — such as a fruity sour odor or the smell of decaying food — it is reasonable to suspect that your dog is facing a more serious issue than just simple bad breath.
Contact a professional veterinarian as soon as possible to seek assistance!
