Being pampered and cuddled by pets is indeed such wonderful moments, isn't it? However, there are times you might notice unpleasant odors from your dog, especially if they have bad breath. So, what causes this, and how can it be treated? Let's find out with petncute.com right now!
1. CAUSES OF DOG BAD BREATH
A dog's bad breath could simply be because they have eaten or chewed something unusual. But sometimes, it can also be a warning sign of health issues in pets! Let petncute.com help you understand these causes in detail:
1.1. Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is considered the most common cause of bad breath in dogs. Food plaque that hasn't been cleaned thoroughly over a long period will form tartar, which then breeds bacteria that give your dog's mouth an unpleasant odor!
Moreover, dogs suffering from dental and gum diseases can also experience bad breath. If you notice bad breath accompanied by swollen red gums, owners should take their dogs to a vet as soon as possible.
Causes of bad breath in dogs that owners should know
1.2. Inadequate Nutrition
While eating, if you feed your dog food with a strong smell like fish, raw meat, or spoiled items, it can result in bad breath. For puppies that are teething, they might feel itchy in their gums and tend to bite or chew on anything they see, including trash, feces, or animal carcasses, leading to bad breath, so owners need to pay close attention to this issue!
1.3. Foreign Objects or Age
When chewing bones, toys, or other items, dogs can chew or swallow small fragments while playing. These objects can get stuck in their teeth or gums and over time cause bad breath! Moreover, as dogs age, their immune system weakens, making them more susceptible to oral issues such as periodontal disease, dry mouth, or tooth loss, all of which can lead to bad breath.
1.4. Other Internal Diseases
1 - Kidney disease: The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste. If their function is impaired, the body will no longer be able to eliminate urine. The accumulation of substances in the dog's body over time will cause their breath to smell like urine. Additionally, kidney disease in dogs often accompanies symptoms like loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, etc.
2 - Liver disease: When the liver is not functioning normally, it can also cause bad breath in dogs. If you notice symptoms in your dog such as bad breath, yellowing skin, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, it's important to have them checked at veterinary clinics immediately, as these could indicate liver issues!
3 - Stomach disease: Stomach issues in dogs can disrupt normal digestion, leading to fermentation in the stomach and intestines. This creates gases and compounds with foul odor, which escape through the mouth causing a bad smell.
Having other internal diseases can also be one of the reasons causing bad breath in pets.
4 - Diabetes: When you notice a sweet smell in your dog’s breath, it might mean they have diabetes due to the accumulation of ketones in the blood. If not treated timely, this condition can weaken the immune system, providing an environment for bacteria to cause bad breath and other health issues!
5 - Cancer: In cases of cancer, the cancerous cells can develop in any part of the body, including the mouth. These cells can die or necrotize, causing a foul odor.
2. HOW TO TREAT DOG'S BAD BREATH
Bad breath is a common issue among dogs of all breeds, and owners can relatively easily treat this as long as no serious underlying conditions are present. Here’s how:
2.1. Clean the Dog’s Teeth
When you notice your dog's mouth has a bad odor, the best approach is to clean their teeth. Regularly brushing your dog's teeth 2-3 times a week is recommended. If you prefer not to brush, you can use other cleaning products like mouthwash, dental gel... Remember to check for potential allergies before using any product!
2.2. Use Herbs Under Veterinary Guidance
For bad breath, pet owners can utilize natural products such as mint, parsley, perilla leaves to make teas or mix them into your dog's food! Ensure the products are fresh to guarantee safety, and start with small amounts, gradually increasing over time!
Summary of various treatments for bad breath in pets.
2.3. Establish an Appropriate Nutrition Plan
Pet owners should design a healthy diet using specialized dog food and avoid foods that cause bad breath such as raw meat, animal organs, greasy foods, etc.
In particular, ensuring your dog drinks enough water daily is crucial. A lot of water is beneficial not only for your dog's body but also helps in removing leftover food and bacteria, reducing plaque, and preventing dental decay in their mouths!
If you've tried the above solutions and the bad breath persists, it’s time to take your dog to the vet for prompt and early diagnosis!
Through this article, petncute.com has explored 10 causes and treatments for bad breath in dogs. Petncute.com hopes this article helps in addressing your concerns in caring for your pet. See you in future articles!