{"id":9073,"date":"2023-02-16T15:15:45","date_gmt":"2023-02-16T15:15:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homeopet.kloudexpert.com\/unitedkingdom\/?p=9073"},"modified":"2024-09-03T09:31:48","modified_gmt":"2024-09-03T09:31:48","slug":"bad-breath-in-dogs-6-tips-to-help-freshen-your-dogs-breath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homeopet.kloudexpert.com\/uk\/bad-breath-in-dogs-6-tips-to-help-freshen-your-dogs-breath\/","title":{"rendered":"Bad Breath in Dogs \u00e2\u20ac\u201c 6 tips to help freshen your dog\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s breath"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
So, your dog has bad breath? While we may feel self-conscious, embarrassed, or maybe even genuinely anxious if our own breath started to smell bad, if our dogs\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 breath smells bad, they really don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t care! However, as a loving dog mom or pop you should care. And here\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s why…<\/p>\r\n
Bad breath in dogs can indicate an underlying health problem that may require veterinary attention. But not only that\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 Studies show that taking good care of your pet\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s teeth can add 2-4 years to your pet\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s life<\/span><\/a>! So then, what\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not to love about oral hygiene for dogs?<\/p>\r\n In this article we discuss the causes of bad breath in dogs and the steps you can take to freshen your pet’s breath and help to keep them healthy and happy.<\/p>\r\n 1. Oral hygiene:<\/strong> Plaque and tartar build-up on your dog’s teeth is a primary cause of bad breath. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can accumulate on the surface of your dog’s teeth, gums, and tongue. It takes just 48 hours for dental plaque to turn into tartar (a hard brownish-grey substance that is visible on teeth) which can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be removed by brushing.<\/p>\r\n 2. Diet:<\/strong> Feeding your dog an imbalanced diet or table scraps that are unhealthy for dogs such as foods that are high in simple carbohydrates (sugar) Many common foods convert to sugar in the digestive system which can cause digestive issues that may not only lead to bad breath in the short-term but can also negatively affect your dog\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s long-term health due to nutritional imbalance.<\/p>\r\n 3. Gum disease:<\/strong> Gum disease is an all-too common issue in dogs that can cause bad breath, pain and, if left untreated, tooth loss.<\/p>\r\n 4. Respiratory tract infections:<\/strong> Infections in your dog’s respiratory tract, such as bronchitis, can cause bad breath.<\/p>\r\n 5. Liver or kidney disease:<\/strong> These underlying health issues can cause a change in your dog’s metabolism, which can lead to bad breath.<\/p>\r\n 6. Foreign objects stuck between the teeth<\/strong> (or anywhere in the mouth for that matter!) such as a toy, twig or bone can be a cause of bad breath. It’s amazing what sorts of things veterinarians can find stuck in the mouths of various pooches!<\/p>\r\n 7. Oral (Mouth), respiratory, or gastrointestinal tumours and cancers<\/strong> can lead to bad breath, so it is always worth checking what the cause of bad breath (halitosis) is, especially if there is any sign of enlargement or growth in the mouth, face, or nose.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n 1. Brush your dog’s teeth:<\/strong> Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is one of the most effective ways to help prevent bad breath. Brushing your dog’s teeth should be done at least two to three times a week, so plaque is removed before it gets the chance to turn into tartar. While brushing your dog\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s teeth may seem like an arduous task, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not as difficult as you might think<\/span><\/a>!<\/p>\r\n 2. Offer dental chews and toys:<\/strong> Dental chews and toys can help to remove plaque and tartar build-up, freshen your dog’s breath, and help to keep their teeth and gums healthy.<\/p>\r\n 3. Feed a balanced diet:<\/strong> A balanced diet that is appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and activity level can help keep their digestive system healthy and help prevent bad breath. In some cases the diet will need to be appropriate to the condition causing the bad breath such as a kidney, liver or dental-friendly diet, taking advice from your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist.<\/p>\r\n 4. Keep your dog hydrated:<\/strong> Drinking plenty of water is essential for your dog’s overall health and can help keep their breath fresh. Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water. Some dogs, especially those elderly dogs with kidney disease, can benefit from a wet diet such as a stew full of water vegetables and a low protein residue meat such as chicken breast. <\/span>As always in such cases, seek veterinary advice.<\/p>\r\nCauses of bad breath in dogs:<\/b><\/h2>\r\n
<\/p>\r\nSteps to freshen your dog’s breath:<\/b><\/h2>\r\n