Halitosis in Dogs: Treatment, Causes & Symptoms

1. Halitosis in Dogs: Treatment, Causes& Symptoms Causes of Halitosis (Bad Breath) In Dogs and Its Prevention You can’t expect pets to have fresh smelling mouths just as humans. Every pet has a different mouth odor and a pet owner eventually realizes it after spending just a couple of months with their furry companions.Once they understand this normality, parents get accustomed to the odor of their pets. However, if you get a whiff of an extremely bad breath coming from your dog’s mouth which smells like rotten feces, or is fruity, rancid or perhaps just more pronounced, it’s time to see a vet. A pet’s breath can never be fresh that is a given. But, if it has worsened from the normal odor, it may be an indication of some underlying health issue. The best way to assure this is by brushing your pet’s mouth. If the strong odor doesn’t fade away even after the oral care, better get your canine checked for any disease.More so, if it is in conjunction with any sort of appetite changes, diarrhea, excessive urination or increased drinking. As a pet owner we must stay informed about the possibilities that deteriorate his health to get him instant professional help.

2. What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs? Bad breath (halitosis) in dogs may be an outcome of a serious health problem that has been overlooked or has just started to take the form. The intensity of the odor however depends on the issue his body is dealing with. It could be due to several reasons like- •Periodontal diseases- mainly gum infection or tooth decay •Improper functioning of kidneys or their failure •Toxic substances ingested by the pet •Diabetic ketoacidosis or simply diabetes •Objects(non-food items) or feces eaten by pets •Cancer or mouth tumor •Some foods •Improper oral care Foul smell can emanate from varied reasons thus it is always better to confirm with the vet for the cause behind it. Tips To Prevent Bad Breath in Dogs •Brush, brush and brush! That is the most effective and the topmost preventive measure you can take to avoid your dog from getting foul smell. Choose good toothpaste specifically formulated for pet like Dentipet, to clean his mouth weekly or preferably twice a week. •Make use of spray gels or mouthwash that prevent the plaque or tartar formation and also controls gingivitis. •Feed high-quality food. •Give him raw bones instead of boiled ones. •Buy chew toys that help maintain your pup’s oral health •Bad substances must be kept far, far away. Ensure you cover the trash bin after dumping left- outs. •Check his mouth regularly for any kind of infection or cuts. The gum should be healthy and pink instead of red which indicates inflammation. •Give dental treats that strengthen his oral health. Halitosis can be easily prevented if the pet owners consciously put efforts to maintain a regular dental check on their pets. We groom our pets with good shampoos and make sure he looks clean as a whistle. But we often forget to pay heed to his dental health as well because it is one of the most important factors in his overall wellbeing. So next time you whiff a rotten odor while holding your pooch, alarm yourself!