Does your dog have bad breath? Do you find it difficult to approach him, even when you want to cuddle with him or spend time loving on him? Bad dog breath may have a variety of underlying causes contributing to this problem.

Although a dog’s breath may never smell wonderful, it shouldn’t be unbearable either, so it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue.

In this article, we’ll explain some of the most common causes of bad breath in dogs as well as some treatment options to consider in Matthews.

Causes of Bad Dog Breath in Matthews, NC

Although there are many potential causes of bad breath in dogs, the following list will walk you through four of the most common. These problems generally lead to dog breath that can be considered unbearable, which may be one of the first signs of some of these conditions. 

Here is a list of potential causes for bad dog breath:

Poor Dental Hygiene

Most dogs who have bad breath have poor dental hygiene. Only in recent years have dog owners really begun paying close attention to the health of their dogs’ teeth and gums, so the concept is still relatively new to some.

Additionally, some dogs in Matthews are rescues and are left to fend for themselves for a long time before ever receiving dental treatments.

If your dog has rotten teeth, lots of plaque buildup on his teeth, or inflamed and infected gums, he is likely to have bad breath that just won’t go away no matter what you try.

Poor Eating Habits

Dogs who eat food that aren’t very high quality are likely to have breath that smells like their food. Unfortunately, this usually means that their breath isn’t very pleasant to smell. Changing your dog to a higher-quality dog food may help his breath, at least somewhat.

Additionally, dogs are often prone to eating dead things, feces from other animals, and garbage, so their breath may be further affected by the items they eat.

Try keeping a locking lid on your garbage can and shutting the cat’s litter box in a room away from the dog for best results.

Liver or Kidney Disease

When dogs in Matthews have liver or kidney disease, their breath tends to have a smell that’s similar to ammonia. This is because of the buildup of ammonia in their bodies when these organs begin to fail.

The smell of a dog’s breath related to liver and kidney disease is much different than smelly breath from food or dental problems.

If you think your dog may be suffering from liver or kidney disease or failure, take him to the veterinarian right away. These problems cannot be reversed, but they can be slowed significantly if caught early enough and managed with the right treatment.

Diabetes

Dogs who have diabetes tend to have breath that smells sickeningly sweet. This is also a different type of bad breath smell from the other kinds listed here, so it’s important to pay attention to the way your dog’s breath smells when trying to determine what could be wrong with him.

Dogs with diabetes also urinate and drink more frequently than they used to. If you think your dog has diabetes, speak to your veterinarian in Matthews right away. The condition is very manageable if it’s caught early enough, and many dogs can live fulfilling lives while receiving diabetes treatments.

Treatment Options for Bad Dog Breath in Matthews, NC

These are some of the most common types of treatment and prevention of bad breath in dogs. Your vet in Matthews will give you more information about all of these, but you can also start some of them on your own at home before your vet visit.

Here is a list of potential treatment options for bad dog breath:

Dental Cleaning or Extraction

If your dog has very bad dental health and hygiene, he may need to have dog teeth cleaning services done by a vet in Matthews to help with his bad dog breath. It’s recommended that these services be done at least once a year, more often if your pet has an oral disease. Your veterinarian will work with you on determining the best plan for your pet.

Dental cleaning can remove plaque and reduce the risk of gum disease as well.

Dogs with rotten teeth or teeth that are simply beyond saving will need to have them extracted. Your vet can give you more information about dental extraction options for your dog, depending on the dog’s age and overall physical health.

Dental Treats

If your dog has bad breath simply because of what he eats (including what he’s not supposed to eat), you can battle this by giving him dental treats. These treats are specially designed to clean a dog’s teeth as he chews on them, and they also contain ingredients that freshen his breath at the same time.

Most dogs can handle dental treats with no trouble. However, if your dog reacts poorly to them, speak to your veterinarian in Matthews for more suggestions about how to manage your dog’s bad breath at home using treats and other simple means.

Regular Teeth Brushing

Keep up with brushing your dog’s teeth at home to ensure he has good dental health between his regular cleanings. You can purchase dog-safe toothpaste and dog toothbrushes from most pet care stores, and your vet in Matthews can instruct you on the best way to brush your dog’s teeth using these items.

Some dogs do not like having their teeth brushed and may become upset or even aggressive if you try. You can slowly work up to brushing your dog’s teeth by first encouraging him to let you simply touch his mouth. Be patient with him, but if he remains too aggressive, you may need to try other options to help with his bad dog breath.

Get Help for Your Dog’s Bad Breath in Matthews, NC

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn more about what might be causing your dog’s bad breath, you can bring up the problem with your vet in Matthews.

Speak to your vet for more information about helping take care of your dog’s dental health. Your veterinarian will also let you know if there are any other concerns to think about, such as diabetes or disease, that may lead to your dog’s bad breath as well.

Our veterinarians at Caring Hearts Animal Hospital know how important dental health is for your pet, which is why we offer any dog teeth cleaning service your pet may need. Not only does having good dental health play a role in preventing bad dog breath, but it also helps improve your pet’s overall health by preventing them from getting different dental diseases. Our experienced veterinary staff wants your pet to live a long and healthy life with you, which is why we put such high importance on our teeth cleaning services.