How to Get Rid of Your Dog’s Bad Breath? Signs & Prevention.

We love to get kisses from our pups, but as pet parents don’t you think it would be even better if you just knew how to get rid of your dog’s bad breath.

Most of the times as pet parents we think that stinky dog breath is normal, but that’s not true as bad breath can signal dental disease or some serious health concern

Below is everything you need to know about bad breath in dogs, including why it happens, how to fix it and how to prevent it in the first place.

Helpful Dental Dog Chews – 1. Woof Brush 2. Natura Nourish (Click to Shop)

Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs.

That stinky smell coming from your fur baby’s mouth can be due to multiple reasons as mentioned below.

1. Plaque and Tartar Build-up

One of the most common reasons of bad breath in Dogs is PLAQUE and TARTAR build-up.  As bacteria builds up on a dog’s teeth it releases by products that contain stinky sulphur, which in turn causes the smell you notice when your furry baby kisses your face. 

Please call your vet as they can inspect plaque and tartar build up and help you prevent it and get a better understanding of it being formed in the future.

• Periodontal Disease

Over a period if plaque and tartar continue to grow on a dog’s teeth it may lead to periodontal disease If plaque and tartar continue to grow on a dog’s teeth, it may lead to periodontal disease.

STAGES IN PERIODONTAL DISEASE

STAGE 1

At this stage,

• The pet’s mouth is still basically healthy.
• Plaque is slowly starting to accumulate.
• Mild gingivitis will show as inflammation and sensitivity of the gums.
• Easiest ways to recognize stage one periodontal disease is to look for a thin red line on the gum next to the teeth of the animal.
• Most likely, there will also be some amount of visible plaque. It is a viscous, creamy film that can be wiped off with relative ease.

Periodontal disease at this stage is reversible if no calculus has yet formed. After a thorough cleaning of all accumulated plaque, daily use of Dental Water Additive for Pets will do the trick.

STAGE 2

This stage presents more noticeable inflammation.

• Swelling and sensitivity of the gums.
• There is a moderate accumulation of plaque.
• Calculus can also be spotted at this stage and some amount of bad odor is clearly noticeable.
• At this stage, the red line on the pet’s gum will probably be wider and more evident.
•  This is a big problem because, apart from producing pain to the pet, it can destabilize its immune system, very often leading to infections.

Unfortunately, if an animal’s periodontal condition has advanced to this stage, it can no longer be treated at home.

STAGE 3

Reaching the third stage of periodontal disease in dogs should be avoided at all costs.

• It implies that serious periodontal damage has already occurred, risking the pet’s overall health, and greatly complicating any potential treatment.
• Not only are the gums irritated and swollen, but they also bleed easily.
• Calculus will be present forming accumulation around the base of the animal’s teeth.
• Bad odor is immediately noticeable.
• Along with producing discomfort and pain there is evidence that bacteria originated in the mouth can affect kidneys, liver and heart.
• Periodontal disease at this stage is treatable with professional dental care and diligent home maintenance.

STAGE 4

Periodontal disease in the fourth stage is considered extreme.

• At this point, there is severe inflammation, gum recession, deep periodontal pockets, bone loss, tooth mobility and profuse bleeding.
•  Unfortunately, extensive, and irreversible damage has already occurred by this point.
• Medical treatment will undoubtedly be necessary, sometimes including extractions.
•  If a pet’s condition has gotten to this point, it is extremely important to have it checked out by a veterinarian immediately.
•  The reason for this urgency is that extreme periodontal disease can cause other health problems, putting the animal’s life at risk.

• Something Stuck in Their Teeth

Unless you are brushing your dog’s teeth every day, it’s quite possible your pup may have gotten something caught in between their teeth or gums.When a piece of food or another foreign object gets stuck, bacterial infection may begin to set in, causing your dog’s bad breath.Consult your veterinarian immediately if you think a foreign object is stuck in your dog’s mouth.

• Curious Habits like Eating Trash

A lot of dogs have the habit of getting into questionable things throughout the day, and this mischief can have an impact on how their breath smells. If a dog rummages through the garbage for scraps or is inclined to eat poop, whether it be their own, another dog’s, or a cat’s, then their breath may stink.

• Another Potential Health Issue

Unfortunately, sometimes bad dog breath can be a sign of a serious health issue, like diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease.

• A sweet or fruity smell [on your dog’s breath] could be a sign that your dog is diabetic.
• A urine odor could mean your dog is suffering from a kidney problem.
• And if your pooch is vomiting, or has loss of appetite, gums with a yellow tinge or extremely foul breath, it could be a sign of liver disease.

 Be sure to call your vet ASAP to schedule an exam.

How to Get Rid of Your Dog’s Bad Breath?

 It is very important to work with your vet to determine the underlying reason for your poor pet’s stinky breath.

Your veterinarian may determine a specific health issue (like the ones described above) is at play and may recommend appropriate medications, such as antibiotics and supplements, to properly treat it and prevent it from progressing.

If your dog’s bad breath is caused by plaque and tartar build-up, or if that build-up has progressed to periodontal disease, your vet may want to schedule a thorough teeth cleaning.

1. Brush Your Pup’s Teeth Daily

Well, your pet’s daily dental routine is just as important as yours. It is recommended that pet parents brush their pup’s teeth every day.

It is the best way to reduce the amount of plaque build-up and keep food particles from sitting on the teeth.

Please use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs that means no sharing your own toothpaste with your pup! (It most likely contains ingredients that are unsafe to dogs.)

• Let Your Dog Chow Down on Dental Chews

While it’s best to brush your dog’s teeth every day, one can also use enzymatically coated dental chews as a supplemental way to better their dental health. These teeth-cleaning treats can help remove plaque from your dog’s teeth, keeping their breath smelling beautifully fresh.

• Use a Water Additive

Water additives can also help prevent bad breath by fighting off plaque, tartar and the resulting bacteria growth.

Like dental treats, these supplemental solutions contain plaque and bacteria-fighting ingredients, but in liquid form. They can be added to your dog’s water for an easy way to help boost their dental health.

• Schedule Your Pup for an Annual Checkup

Your dog’s veterinarian is their dentist, too, so regular vet check-ups are important in keeping their teeth and mouth healthy and key in keeping bad breath away.

Their annual check-up can help your veterinarian pick up on the underlying cause of your dog’s bad breath before it gets serious.

Treating bad dog breath at the source (and preventing it in the future) helps keep your furry pal at their healthiest and their kisses smelling delightful!!