If you find yourself recoiling from your dog's bad breath, it might be time to seriously consider a trip to the vet. Bad breath is common in dogs as they age and can be a sign of serious health issues. In this post, our Babcock Ranch vets share causes and treatments for bad breath in dogs.
What causes bad breath in dogs?
While it's perfectly normal for your dog to have some smell on their breath from eating, playing with toys, and just living their normal doggie lives, this smell can sometimes grow overbearing to pet parents.
Common as it is, your dog's bad breath could be a sign of underlying health issues, so it's important to know when to take your dog to see the vet for it.
Oral Health
Oral health issues are the most common cause of bad breath in dogs. Poor dental health, ranging from tooth decay to gum disease, can contribute to your pup's poor health. Regardless of the precise cause, bacteria and food debris build up over time in your pup's mouth if not regularly cleaned away, resulting in plaque and a persistent bad smell.
If your dog's breath smells a little bit, it is likely caused by emerging oral health issues.
Kidney Disease
If you noticed your dog's bad breath smells like feces or urine, it is either because they ate poop (which is another common problem that should be investigated by your vet) or a they are displaying symptoms of kidney disease.
When your dog's kidneys aren't working properly, they are unable to filter and process toxins and waste materials. This can lead to a buildup of waste product in your pup's body which can cause bad breath and be detrimental to their overall health.
Liver Disease
If your dog has recently developed seriously bad breath and their new scent is accompanied by concerning symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, then liver disease could be the underlying cause of their symptoms.
How is bad breath in dogs treated?
Treatment for your dog's bad breath will depend upon the underlying cause of the condition. That said, once your pooch has been successfully treated for the underlying health issue their bad breath should begin to clear up.
If you notice a sudden change in your dog's breath, particularly if your pooch is older, it's important to see your vet in order to get a diagnosis as early as possible. Treatments are typically most successful and easiest when conditions are caught in the early stages.
Treatments for your dog's bad breath can range from prescription medications, specialized diets, therapies, and even surgeries depending on the cause and severity of the underlying condition.
What can I do about my dog's bad breath?
While you aren't able to treat kidney or liver disease at home, one way you can help to treat or prevent bad breath in your dog is ensuring your pup gets the routine oral hygiene care they need every day in addition to annual professional dental cleanings.
Our vets recommend that while your canine companion is still a young puppy you should begin brushing their teeth. This may sound crazy but spending the time when they are young to help them get used to the experience of tooth brushing can help to avoid more serious dental health issues when they are older.
If you aren't able to train your pup to tolerate having their teeth brushed there are a wide variety of dental chews and dog foods formulated to promote good oral health. Ask your vet about these and other oral health solutions for your dog.
When it comes to preventing internal organ damage and disease that could affect your dog's liver or kidneys, there are also a couple of easy measures you can take.
- Make sure to keep human medications out of your dog's reach. Many are toxic to pets and can lead to severe organ damage.
- Ensure that any houseplants or foods within your pup's reach are safe for dogs. Foods such as raisins and chocolate can be deadly for our canine companions, and countless houseplants can be problematic for your pup's health.
- Keep known toxins locked up such as antifreeze which can lead to severe and sudden organ failure in dogs.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.