It becomes painfully obvious how spatially unaware dogs are when your “best friend” gets up close and personal, panting in your face with dog bad breath. It’s got a unique aroma all it’s own and in some cases, all the brushing in the world won’t get rid of it. What’s a pet owner to do?
Most of the time we think the odor is emanating from the mouth. But the dog bad breath that seems to never go away is the type that can originate in the gut, lungs, throat or stomach. Even the best toothbrush won’t solve issues this deep.
Most of our dogs get bad breath from tartar and plaque build-up, most often caused by using a lower quality food or allowing your dog to eat off your plate or table scraps too often. Not all dogs are accepting of a toothbrush in the mouth, which means the owner is less likely to brush on a regular basis. If left untreated, this tartar and plaque build-up can get into the gums and cause some serious problems.
Brushing isn’t the only way to keep teeth and gums healthy. Several pet care companies offer dental products that are good at keeping the build-up to a minimum, and your dog probably sees these products as a treat. Dental bones, as most companies label them, not only clean the teeth, they also provide some vital nutrients to keep your dog healthy. Some dental treatments can be a bit harsh on dogs with sensitive stomachs, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you’re new to the dental bone market.
Rawhide bones are also an effective means of keeping your dog bad breath from waking you up at night. A common warning with these rawhide bones is that if swallowed in too large of pieces, it can block your dog’s digestive tract, which can be deadly. It’s best to only allow your dog to enjoy the rawhide while under your supervision.
There are also sprays on the market now that will treat dog bad breath. Some of these treatments are made with all natural ingredients and some come in powder form. Read the ingredients carefully and give your vet a quick call to make sure what you’re putting in your dog’s mouth meets their standard for safety and good health.
Some dog bad breath is a clue to a serious health issue. Sweet or fruity-smelling breath is often a symptom of diabetes. If your dog smells like he’s just taken a gulp of urine, it’s possible that he/she is experiencing an issue with the kidneys. Liver disease often comes with a bit of vomiting, yellowing eyes and skin, and a particularly horrid case of dog bad breath.
ProLabs is one of the companies that veterinarians across the country have recommended for problems like dog bad breath. ProLabs has a line of veterinarian-quality products for many issues that affect your dog – from fleas to joint problems to bad breath.
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