Dog Bad Breath: What to do Besides Brushing

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.

Dog Bad Breath – You Don’t Have to Grin and Bear It

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.