It is a divine feeling when your furry friend greets you with a kiss when you are back home after a day’s hard work. However, things may turn sour if your dog has foul breath. Many dogs have bad breath issues, and numerous pet owners are often stressed out and looking for effective ways to prevent stinky breath. According to WebMD, bad breath may imply much more than merely your pet requiring proper tooth brushing. Experts point out that your pet may be suffering from some serious problems, such as gum disease or oral infection. Facts reveal that over 75 percent of dogs suffer from gum disease by the time they are in their middle age. 

It is crucial to understand the underlying cause of bad breath in your dog. It is the first step toward treating the issue. The most effective way of preventing foul breath in your pet is by focusing on maintaining perfect oral hygiene and regular teeth cleaning or brushing. Avoid giving them smelly food. When despite maintaining oral hygiene, your dog still suffers from bad breath; you may consider visiting a vet to fix the perpetual issue.

Understanding the Top Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs

Gum Disease: A Common Cause

Bad breath in dogs is often referred to as ‘halitosis’, and gum disease or periodontal disease is often the underlying cause of foul breath. Dogs with misaligned, crooked, or crowded teeth are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease. Usually, dogs encounter gingivitis, plaque, or tartar buildup sometime during their lifetime. Due to excessive bacterial growth, dental diseases may develop in dogs due to plaque and tartar formation.

Poor Oral Hygiene: Primary Reason

Poor oral health and hygiene often culminates in foul breath in dogs. If a dog’s teeth are not regularly brushed or if there is a buildup of plaque and tartar, it can lead to dental diseases such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, or infected gums. These oral health issues can result in foul-smelling or doggy breath.

Dental Infections & Abscesses: A Serious Cause

Infections or abscesses in the teeth, gums, or oral cavity can cause a significant odor in a dog’s breath. These infections can arise from tooth decay, broken teeth, or untreated dental issues. While these conditions are not directly related to kidney health, advanced dental infections can potentially affect overall systemic health, including the kidneys, if left untreated for an extended period.

Kidney Disease: A Predominant Cause

The kidneys play a pivotal role as the filtration system operating in a body. Remember that often due to kidney failure or kidney disease, your pet may start building and accumulating toxins in the blood in the form of urea. In this context, you may know that urea is instrumental in making your pet’s breath smell foul, like urine or ammonia. This can be a warning sign of grave kidney issues or dysfunction. Although bad breath is not typically considered a primary symptom of kidney disease in dogs, advanced kidney disease can result in a distinctive breath odor. Dogs with severe kidney disease may develop a condition called uremic fetor, which produces a characteristic ammonia-like smell on their breath. This odor is a result of the accumulation of waste products in the bloodstream that is usually eliminated by the kidneys.

Diabetes: A Common Underlying Cause 

Diabetes can contribute to bad breath in dogs, and it can also affect kidney health. Dogs with uncontrolled diabetes may have breath that smells sweet or fruity due to the presence of ketones, which are byproducts of fat metabolism. When diabetes is poorly managed, it can lead to complications like diabetic ketoacidosis, which may affect kidney function.

Liver Disease: Another Common Cause

If you notice the yellowing of your dog’s eyes or skin along with foul breath, poor appetite, vomiting, or weight loss, it may be a warning sign of an underlying liver issue. The liver and kidneys are effective filters for getting rid of the toxins from the body. When your pet’s liver is not functioning optimally, toxins start building up and trigger a stinky breath.

Smart Tips to Prevent Foul Dog Breath

Focus on Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most effective ways to prevent bad breath. Use a top-quality toothbrush and toothpaste meant specifically for dogs to eliminate undesirable plaque and avert tartar buildup. Aim to brush your dog’s teeth at least 2-3 times per week, if not daily.

Go for Professional Dental Cleanings

Schedule regular professional dental cleanings for your dog! Veterinarians can perform a thorough cleaning, including scaling and polishing, to remove stubborn tartar and address any underlying dental issues.

Encourage Your Pet to Use Dental Chew Toys & Treats

Dental treats are most effective in physically eliminating plaque when your pet indulges in chewing them. Moreover, these treats often have useful additives for promoting oral health and boosting oral hygiene. Provide your dog with appropriate dental chew toys and treats. These can help reduce plaque buildup and promote healthy teeth and gums. Look for products that are specifically designed to improve dental health and have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval.

Consider Using Water Additives

Some water additives are formulated to help combat bad breath in dogs. These additives can be added to your dog’s drinking water and can help reduce bacteria in the mouth.

Schedule Routine Veterinary Check-Ups for Thorough Dental Exam

Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian! They can examine your dog’s teeth and gums, identify any dental issues or underlying health conditions, and provide appropriate treatment. It is a good idea to take your dog to a reliable veterinarian annually for a meticulous dental examination. If your dog has a history of dental disease, see your vet more often. 

Conclusion: Addressing Underlying Health Issues is the Way to Go

If your pet suffers from perpetual foul breath issues, it is pivotal to see a qualified and experienced veterinarian. He will examine your pet meticulously and come up with a prompt diagnosis. He can detect oral health issues at an early stage and recommend effective treatment to tackle underlying health issues leading to foul breath, like diabetes or kidney disease.