My dog’s breath smells

In many occasions we find that our dog’s breath smells when he approaches us. In this article we show you some of the possible causes and the tricks to know how to get rid of your dog’s bad breath.

Do all dogs smell bad breath?

No. Canine bad breath is neither natural nor inevitable. Dogs that maintain proper oral hygiene, eat a proper diet and are generally in good health do not usually suffer from halitosis.

My dog has bad breath, why?

Bad breath, in most cases, is caused by an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, but it can also be a symptom that something is not right in the health of our dog and its origin may be due to several causes such as diabetes, kidney disease or accumulation of plaque and tartar.

Causes of canine halitosis

Poor oral hygiene

How many times have you thought that your dog’s breath smells bad? Sometimes this is due to poor oral hygiene.  Bad breath or halitosis occurs when bacteria that accumulate in the food debris left in your dog’s mouth release certain sulfur compounds that produce an unpleasant odor.

One of the biggest problems faced by pet owners is gingivitis, as it leads to inflammation of the gums and oral mucous membranes, which can even lead to bleeding. If gingivitis is not treated in time, it can lead to another, more serious dental disease: periodontitis. This dental disease causes a loss of bone and the material that holds teeth in place, and leads to infection, pain and eventually even tooth loss.

Poor eating habits

Another possible cause of your dog’s bad breath may lie in his diet.  Some foods are more prone to leave residues between the teeth of dogs, such as soft diets or canned food, although poor quality dog food can also cause it. We therefore recommend that you check the composition of your dog’s usual food in case you need to change to a more natural food. Avoid human food! Remember that if you feed them human food, this will also help to leave more residues and make their breath worse.

Various diseases

Bad breath can also be a symptom of certain diseases, from gum infections (gingivitis, periodontitis) to problems of kidney failure, intestinal obstruction, diabetes, etc. Whenever you detect excessively odorous breath, you should consult your veterinarian to rule out more serious problems for your dog’s health.

How do I get rid of my dog’s bad breath?

Daily brushing

The most effective way to combat canine bad breath is daily brushing, but it has a major drawback: most dogs do not like it, and with some it is really impossible to practice it. If your dog refuses to do this on a daily basis, try at least brushing his teeth once a week. To facilitate this arduous process there are some gels and sprays that help with this task.

Dental snacks for dogs

Another trick to get rid of your dog’s bad breath is dental snacks, and all dogs love them. They are snacks that help maintain proper oral hygiene and at the same time work as a reward, ideal for everyone!

Dog toys that encourage chewing

Toys that encourage chewing can help control plaque and tartar due to the saliva formation they produce. We recommend the use of special dog chews and ropes.

Regular oral cleaning

Another reason why your dog may have bad breath is because it does not follow a regular oral cleaning. Especially after a certain age, it is advisable to do it once a year. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on how and when to schedule it. Likewise, we recommend you to follow a quality diet for your dog that is highly digestible: a balanced diet with highly digestible ingredients avoids gastrointestinal problems and the development of pathologies that can be related to bad breath.

Solutions to get rid of your dog’s bad breath: Choose the best dental snack!

Not all dog dental snacks or treats on the market are the same, some are more effective than others in eliminating bad breath in dogs.  When choosing a dental snack to remove your dog’s bad breath, you should consider the following aspects:

  • Level of proven efficacy: That an independent veterinary body certifies that the snack really works.
  • Safety conditions: They must be flexible and 100% soluble awards so that they cannot cause choking or intestinal occlusions.
  • Palatability: That is, how appetizing they are to your dog’s palate.

Greenies, for example, is a dental reward endorsed by the World Veterinary Oral Hygiene Association (VOHC) and meets all these conditions, making it a highly recommended option. We also recommend the Criadores dental range, products that have been formulated specifically for use in dogs. Both are totally safe, although you should always be present when your dog takes any treats to avoid unnecessary scares.

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