Puppy breath has a unique quality that is enduring to most pet owners, but as dogs age, the breath turns into something less enduring. Halitosis, the name veterinarians refer to when the odor becomes an issue, is a result of bacteria that has built up around the dog’s teeth, inner mouth, lungs and gut. But it is an issue that can be treated successfully.
Bad breath is not always a symptom of bacteria. In some cases, the odor is an indication of other health issues that can be quite serious. A veterinarian can determine if it’s simple halitosis or something deeper and more serious than dog bad breath. The vet will need to know what your dog eats, how much it exercises, if its behavior has changed since the foul breath became noticeable. So, be prepared to answer these questions.
The distinctive odor of the breath can sometimes be an indication of what type of ailment your dog is facing. For instance, liver problems are often present with dogs that have yellowing eyes, rotten-smelling breath and a change in appetite. Dog bad breath that smells like fruit can be an indication of diabetes. If the dog bad breath smells like the dog has been drinking urine, it could indicate a problem in the kidneys.
Once the vet has determined the ailment associated with the dog bad breath, a treatment regimen can be assigned. Sometimes, it’s as simple as treating the plaque in your dog’s mouth. A cleaning can wipe out plaque and a change in diet with regular brushing can keep it from coming back. Some pet owners will brush their dog’s teeth daily. Others will take their pet into a professional for regular cleaning.
Not all dogs are keen to having you stick objects in their mouth and scrubbing their gums. The best advice is to approach your dog when it is very relaxed and at the same time of the day each time you do this. The brush you use should be designed for a dog’s mouth. Toothpaste is also formulated for canines – use it. Toothpaste made for humans can hurt your dog’s digestive tract.
Approach the dog from a sitting position and never force the brushing. If your dog resists, work up slowly by touching its gums and maybe brushing the front teeth. The goal in brushing is to work up to two minutes of brush time with each session. Regular brushing has proven to not only address dog bad breath, but gum disease and other oral issues.
Other actions for better oral hygiene include giving the dog toys that are safe to chew, but hard enough to assist in cleaning the teeth. Many pet companies offer treats that are designed to cleanse the oral cavity and the teeth of your pet, keeping breath fresh and certainly non-offensive.
There are a variety of products on the market today designed by companies like ProLabs. Ask your veterinarian which products best suit your canine.
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