Bad Dog Breath – What You Should Know
Bad dog breath isn’t a pleasant smell at all. Unfortunately, this common problem is often seen with poor dental care or oral health. It can also be a sign of a medical problem. Throughout this article, we will explain some of the reasons why some dogs have bad breath and some tips on how you can take care of it.
You must be aware of the signs of bad breath, which include:
- change in chewing behavior
- scratching at the nose or mouth
- excessive licking
- inflamed, bleeding gums
All of these can be indicators that your dog is having oral problems. We recommend that you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so that they can check things like plaque, tartar, gum disease, and cavities. These problems are associated with poor dental hygiene and can lead to horrible-smelling breath caused by periodontal disease. Remember the health issues that may also cause bad breath. These include kidney disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, liver disease, and a poor diet.
Now that you understand the reasons behind the bad breath, it is time to help your four-legged friend tackle the issue. Teeth brushing is the best option to keep dogs’ teeth and mouths healthy. The bad news is that it is a complex process. Most dogs hate getting their teeth brushed or their mouth messed with! You will need a lot of patience when brushing your dog’s teeth. Start slowly by brushing one tooth at a time with a finger or a toothbrush. Each day add a bit more pressure to ensure the teeth are getting clean. Reward your dog for a job well done!
Another option to tackle bad breath is letting your dog chew on a dental chew. The good thing about dental chews is that they are made to reduce the amount of plaque while freshening breath at the same time. Furthermore, things like coconut oil, yogurt, and a few drops of lemon have been known to keep mouths clean and kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.
If you follow our tips, you should see an improvement in your dog’s dental hygiene. You should visit your veterinarian soon if your dog has bad breath. You will improve their dental health or discover an underlying medical condition.