Why Your Dog Has Bad Breath
Dogs commonly have bad breath. Unfortunately, most owners attribute it to a dog’s inherent nature. But, canine halitosis can be due to a dental issue that requires an examination from a veterinarian. The odor may be caused by an infected or abscessed tooth, foreign material (for example, a portion of a plant) stuck in his teeth, or periodontitis. In most cases, your dog’s bad breath is cause for concern. In this article, we’ll describe 2 of the most common causes of canine halitosis and offer a few suggestions regarding how to treat it.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontitis impacts the bone and gum tissue that support your dog’s teeth. It manifests as an inflammation in the affected area and is usually the result of bacteria. Typically, the bacteria emerges when plaque collects on your dog’s teeth. As the condition progresses, the underlying support structure of the teeth begins to deteriorate. Most dog owners would be surprised to learn that nearly 80% of dogs that are 3 years of age or older deal with some level of periodontal disease. And it causes their breath to smell badly.
This is not a condition that can be reversed through regular brushing. Rather, it’s progressive and requires a veterinarian to x-ray and examine your dog’s teeth. And the sooner you do this, the better.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is often related to periodontitis. It is caused by the build up of plaque on your dog’s teeth and inflames the surrounding gum tissue. In many cases, gingivitis is a precursor to periodontal disease. A veterinarian will usually sedate your dog while performing a comprehensive examination of his teeth and gum tissue. This includes taking x-rays to examine the tooth area that lays under the gum line. If gingivitis is detected, there is a high likelihood that your dog has one or multiple cavities.
The veterinarian will clean the diseased tooth (including the entire structure) and seal it, thereby eliminating the gingivitis. If the condition is identified early enough, it can be neutralized before it progresses to periodontitis.
Improving Your Dog’s Breath
Your dog’s breath is a helpful barometer of his dental health. If his breath is bad, it may be due to something that is caught in his teeth that can be easily removed. Alternatively, the halitosis could be a sign that an infection or disease has occurred. Sadly, most owners remain ignorant of this and as a result, their dogs often develop gingivitis and periodontal disease. Not only do these conditions cause discomfort and pain for dogs, but it can lead to costly corrective dental procedures in the future.
If your dog has bad breath, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian. The earlier you can identify and resolve any issues related to dental disease, the better.
Also, as we always suggest use dog chews like bully sticks to naturally help keep teeth and gums healthy!
Dog Hygiene: Keeping Your Dog Clean
While many owners give their dogs periodic baths, their main goal is usually to eliminate odor and give their dog’s coat a glossy shine. But, his hygiene is far more important than odor elimination. Without properly cleaning him, small hygiene issues can eventually lead to bigger - and costlier - problems. Below, we’ll describe the main things you should devote your attention to when cleaning your dog to ensure he remains healthy over the long-term.
Cleaning His Ears
Over time, tiny ear mites can burrow into the waxy area of your dog’s ears. If allowed to live there, they’ll grow, eventually becoming black. This can potentially cause your dog to suffer from earaches. If the grown ear mites are not cleaned out, an infection can occur. Visit a pet supply store to buy a special treatment that can get rid of ear mites before they cause a significant health issue. You’ll apply the treatment to the affected area with a Q-tip. Your dog won’t like the procedure, but he’ll enjoy an earache even less.
Cleaning His Teeth
Your dog’s teeth can collect plaque and tartar if they’re not cleaned regularly. If the problem persists, cavities, gum disease, and infections can occur, causing him pain and discomfort. While you should take your dog to a veterinarian for an occasional dental checkup, most of the cleaning can be performed at home.
Buy a toothbrush and toothpaste that have been created specifically for dogs (toothpaste that is made for humans will taste and smell awful to dogs). You can purchase them at most pet supply stores. Brush your dog’s teeth 2 or 3 times each week to keep the plaque and tartar from building up.
Also make sure to give your dog plenty of dog chews like bully sticks as they will help keep teeth and gums clean naturally!
Checking His Eyes
Periodically, check your dog’s eyes and wipe away any excess discharge. Don’t be alarmed by the discharge; it manifests in most breeds (though some are more susceptible than others). Soak a washcloth in warm water before wiping it away. If you notice a green hue, contact a veterinarian to schedule an examination. Also, keep in mind that many dogs tear excessively and that tearing can leave a trail. There are treatments that you can use to reduce or eliminate the tear trail, but check with your veterinarian before doing so.
Clean And Happy
If possible, try to clean your dog’s ears, teeth, and eyes at the same time. If you’re planning to give him bath, that’s an ideal opportunity to get everything done. Even though your dog would prefer not to be inspected and cleaned, he will enjoy the attention that you’re giving him. Plus, by keeping these areas clean, you’ll ensure that his hygiene is properly maintained. And a dog with good hygiene is a happy dog.
Caring For Your Dog’s Teeth
Similar to people, your dog’s teeth need to remain clean, and free from decay and infection. When they eat, plaque can collect on their teeth. Left unchecked, the plaque can turn into tartar. Eventually, an infection can emerge causing severe discomfort and pain for your dog. Many owners, perhaps from negligence, fail to keep their dog’s teeth in good condition. Below, we’ll describe a few measures you can take to help ensure that your dog’s teeth are clean, healthy, and free from problems.
Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
Your dog’s teeth need to be brushed a couple of times each week at a minimum. This helps them to remain clear of plaque, and thereby prevents the build up of tartar. When you brush his teeth, don’t use the toothpaste from your grocery store. The mint taste may be pleasant for you, but it can be excruciating for your dog due to his heightened level of smell. Visit a pet supply store to purchase a toothpaste that is formulated for dogs. They’ll also carry special toothbrushes that are designed to reach your dog’s teeth.
Chewing For Good Dental Hygiene
When dogs chew on food or toys, the process can keep their teeth clean. For example, dog biscuits are usually hard and break easily. The small bits from the broken biscuits rub against your dog’s teeth, effectively keeping the plaque and tartar from collecting. Of course, chewing shouldn’t take the place of brushing, but it is an alternative for owners who are too busy to brush their dog’s teeth. Ideally, you should brush his teeth a couple of times each week and allow him to chew biscuits throughout the week. Some of the best chews on the market to keep teeth clean are bully sticks, make sure to checkout the selection at Bully Sticks For Dogs !
Time For The Dentist?
Occasionally, your dog will need to have his teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian. Even with diligent brushing and constant chewing, bacteria can build in the crevices between his teeth. With enough time, that bacteria can grow and enter your dog’s body, causing harm and impacting his overall health.
Typically, a veterinarian will use an anesthesia to keep your dog sedated during the cleaning process. Then, an x-ray will be taken to examine his teeth more clearly. If the veterinarian doesn’t find any teeth that have been damaged or have become abscessed, he will perform the cleaning. Otherwise, he may suggest that your dog receive a root canal or other procedure.
Only One Set
Your dog has only one set of teeth and can’t afford to lose them. To keep them clean and healthy, brush them regularly and give your dog plenty of opportunity to maintain their cleanliness through chewing. Then, schedule a visit to the veterinarian to have your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally. Through regular dental care, you can prevent your dog from enduring discomfort and pain.
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