So your dog has bad breath. Must be something he ate, right? Wrong. Unless you just caught them gulping down something really gross, bad breath in dogs is seldom caused by what they ate. Here are three common causes of bad breath in dogs and how to fix it. Hopefully, we'll have you back to getting fresh doggy kisses in no time!
While there are many different causes of bad breath in dogs, this article will discuss the three most common ones. These are poor dental health, gastrointestinal issues, and more serious health issues.
How does poor dental health cause bad breath in dogs?
Poor dental hygiene can cause plaque and tartar buildup, which is a problem all its own. The bigger issue though, is that this plaque will lead to gum disease, which in turn can lead to bad breath. This is the leading cause of bad breath in dogs.
Gum disease is a serious problem but can be avoided. This is why it's important to have your best furry friend's teeth cleaned annually by the veterinarian and also take care of your dog's teeth at home in between their yearly dentals.
Another way to keep plaque and tartar at bay is to give your dog dental treats. Your lucky pup thinks they're getting a tasty snack, meanwhile, they're getting their pearly whites scraped clean while they happily gnaw at them! Einstein Pets is proud to recommend our new Dental Stix. They're made with only 4 easy-to-digest ingredients — one of which is finely ground oyster shells that will gently clean your dog's teeth.
How does poor gut health cause bad breath in dogs?
But what if your dog's teeth look terrific but they still have stinky breath? You'll have to look beyond the teeth and gums to find the source of the stench. There's a good chance the bad breath is a result of poor gut health and gastrointestinal issues.
This is the second most common cause of bad breath in dogs. If you suspect your dog may have an unbalanced gut causing their bad breath, you should consider a diet change and try adding probiotics to your dog’s diet to help maintain a balanced intestinal tract.
What other health issues cause bad breath in dogs?
If you suspect your dog's bad breath may be caused by a health problem other than poor gut or dental health, it's time to see the veterinarian! Poor dental health and gastrointestinal issues are the most common causes of bad breath but there are other, less obvious, and more severe causes.
For example, kidney failure can cause halitosis, as can liver disease and heart disease. It's good to have your best friend checked by the veterinarian just in case!
What can I do about my dog's stinky breath?
You should never recoil from your dog's kisses! So if they have stinky breath, the first thing you need to do is get to the root of the problem by taking your dog for an "R-I-D-E" to the veterinarian and finding out exactly why they have yuck mouth.
Then, you will know how to solve the problem. Don't just try to cover it up with minty-flavored biscuits or peppermint sprays. You may get one or two nice kisses out of it, but the stink will just keep coming back.
Final thoughts
If your dog has stinky breath, don't panic! Think about your pooch's overall health first, and use some common sense. Keep those canines clean at home with Dental Sticks and brushing, and talk to your veterinarian about an overall health check-up.
Remember, dogs can't brush their own teeth! They rely on you to help them. Do you have any tips for keeping your dog's breath fresh? Please comment below! We love to hear from you.