If your canine companion has bad breath, then you should assess this issue.
If your canine companion has bad breath, then you should assess this issue. Not only are smelly doggy kisses a problem for you, but bad breath could be a sign of gum disease. Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, we specialize in veterinary dentistry. If your dog has chronic bad breath or other oral health issues, then we can take care of them for you. Merely popping in a mint could only be masking a more significant concern. It’s vital to know the causes behind halitosis and what you can do to treat it. To learn more, keep reading!
What are the Top Two Causes of Halitosis in Dogs?
Poor oral hygiene or periodontal disease (gum disease) are the top two causes for halitosis in dogs. Plaque and tartar buildup leads to bacteria that causes sour-smelling breath. If you don’t regularly brush your dog’s teeth or have a vet clean them, then your dog having halitosis makes sense. A poor oral health routine can lead to periodontal disease in both humans and pets. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to inflammation, cavities, infection, tissue damage, and pus formation. Passing an unpleasant smell off as just “doggy breath” can lead to significant problems.
Other Causes
- Poor Diet Habits- When we aren’t looking, dogs can get into a boatload of trouble. Sometimes they eat out of the trashcan or lick out of the toilet bowl. Make sure that you close bathroom doors when you aren’t tending to your furry friend and trash cans have a lid.
- Diabetes- A sweet or fruity smell may not seem alarming, but it could mean that your dog has diabetes. Bring your pet into us if you notice that your pet’s breath smells sweet. Other signs of diabetes include excessive drinking and urination.
- Kidney and Liver Disease-If you notice that your pet’s breath smells like urine, then this could be a sign of kidney disease. If you notice that your dog vomits a lot, has a yellow tinge to their gums, and eats noticeably less this is an indicator of liver disease. Both of these conditions are serious problems that should not go untreated.
How Do I Treat the Bad Breath?
Scheduling a dental appointment for your dog is the best way to treat bad breath. Other ideas include hiding things that your dog can get into, which may be the cause behind the unpleasant smell. To prevent the bad breath in the first place, don’t skimp out on a proper oral health care routine. Brush their teeth regularly and make sure that you’re feeding them a healthy diet.
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!