Possible Reasons Why Your Dog Has Bad Breath
Bad breath is a common condition in dogs, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be concerned. Bad breath can be a sign of a health problem that your dog needs to have treated. Like with humans, bad breath can come and go depending on what your dog eats, but if the condition is chronic, take your dog to a veterinarian for an examination. Here are some possible causes of bad breath in dogs.
Tooth Decay Or Gum Disease
If your dog sneaks human-food snacks, the sugar in the food can affect your dog's teeth and lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Poor oral health can make your dog sick or cause pain from a toothache. You'll want dental problems treated promptly, and this might include having a tooth pulled when necessary. Your dog's vet can show you how to brush your dog's teeth regularly with products your dog will tolerate to keep your dog's mouth healthy.
Your dog may also need periodic teeth cleaning from the vet to make sure gum disease doesn't become more serious. By brushing your dog's teeth, giving your dog chew toys that clean the teeth, and limiting unhealthy snacks, your dog's mouth will be healthier and fresher smelling.
Eating Rotten Foods
Dogs often eat anything they can find outdoors, and they seem to enjoy rolling in the smelliest messes they can find. Go outside with your dog so you can scout for things like a dead animal, animal droppings, or rotten food from the garbage can that your dog might get into. As you can imagine, these foods are not healthy for your dog, and in addition to making your dog's breath smell bad, they might make your dog sick. If your dog has a tendency to eat weird things, talk to your vet. Your dog could have pica, malnourishment, a medical condition, or psychological problems that cause your dog to eat things other than their dog food.
Medical Conditions
Your dog can develop a variety of medical conditions that affect the odor of the breath. Infections, kidney problems, liver disease, diabetes, cancer, and stomach problems can all cause your dog to have bad breath. Bad breath could be the first noticeable symptom that your dog has a medical problem and needs a veterinary checkup.
When you notice your dog's breath is bad, be alert to other symptoms you may have overlooked, such as drooling, bleeding gums, lethargy, loss of appetite, and not feeling well. It's always best to take your dog to the veterinary clinic when you suspect your dog has a medical problem or doesn't feel well. You know your dog better than anyone and you're able to pick up on subtle symptoms when something is wrong that needs medical attention.
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