Why Do Dogs
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4 min
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We love to see our dogs smiling broadly, mouths open… but dodgy dog breath can really hit when you’re caught in the line of fire. Dogs aren’t exactly known for having breath that smells of summer fruits, but it shouldn’t be bad enough to make you wince - in fact, it should smell quite neutral. If it isn’t, there could be an underlying problem.
If you are somewhat struggling to look lovingly into your dog’s face lately, read on to learn why your dog’s breath smells so bad and steps you can take to remedy it.
Your dog’s breath doesn’t smell good - so what could be the problem? There are plenty of potential reasons why your pooch’s mouth has become a no-go zone, as listed below. The important things to note are whether it’s a temporary or ongoing problem, and whether other symptoms are occurring alongside it.
When symptoms manifest, that means the condition is in its advanced stages. They include bloody or excess saliva, browning or yellowing teeth, swollen or red gums, and bad breath.
Amongst the dog pawrent community, it's common to hear people sharing their love for the sweet smell of puppy breath.
...Still with us? For new or puppy owners to be, you might think we're sounding a bit weird, but trust us, there is a science behind it!
There are a few reasons why puppy breath might smell so great to us, and they include:
However, when it comes to puppy breath, it might not always be a basket of roses.
If you're smelling something rather unpleasant on your puppy's breath, it might be an indication of something else. This might include eating something they shouldn't during their inquisitive exploring, eating their poop or being sick.
Bad breath in puppies, and older dogs, can also be a sign of an underlying health condition.
It can be, but it could just as easily be any of the everyday factors listed above. To be sure there isn’t anything going on beneath the surface, try to tackle your pooch’s pongy breath at home before assuming the worst.
However, if your dog’s bad breath is an ongoing issue, or they’re displaying other symptoms such as dodgy poops, vomiting, going off their food, difficulty breathing/coughing or a general sense of being under the weather, take them to the vet. They can give your dog a thorough check up in order to rule out anything more serious.
If the less-than-fresh aromas coming from your dog’s mouth are tough to endure, don’t suffer alone! Here’s a few easy steps to improve their apparent halitosis:
Regularly brushing teeth
Manually brushing your dog’s teeth and gums with a doggy toothbrush and toothpaste is the optimal solution to great oral health. However, it can be a real palaver getting your dog to sit still while having their teeth cleaned, which is why it’s important to get them used to the habit right from their puppy years. If it’s a bit late for that, attempt a tooth brushing session gently, even if you just manage a few seconds at a time. Your vet or groomer may be able to give you some tips for this.
Giving your dog something to chew
Chewing keeps your dog occupied but also helps break down the plaque on your dog’s teeth. Having lots of chew toys, a few chewy treats or healthy dental sticks for dogs are ideal for this. Dental sticks that contain mouth-freshening ingredients like mint or spirulina will give you and your dog something extra to smile about.
Check your dog’s teeth
Every week or so, have a look in your dog’s mouth and gently check their teeth and gums with a clean finger. If there are receding gums, redness, swelling or bleeding, it’s probably time to book a dentist appointment.
Visit the dentist
A doggy dentist or vet will have the best advice on your dog’s specific oral health issues, and can provide you with any medicine or treatment you might not have been able to get on your own. Book in regular check-ups so your dog’s mouth health is always up to scratch.
Think about their diet
Inside a dog’s body there are all sorts of processes going on, many of which are smelly. If your dog has a food allergy or isn’t responding very well to the food they eat, this could manifest as bad breath. Feeding them a rounded diet full of whole ingredients, lean proteins, vegetables and fruit, as well as healthy supplements such as probiotics, will improve conditions in their gut - and hopefully make their nearby panting sessions a much more pleasant experience.
Ready to get to work on your dog’s teeth? Our tasty range of healthy dental treats for dogs will help keep your pooch’s teeth and gums clean - and their breath fresh! To talk more about your dog’s oral care, feel free to get in touch with us.
Comments (2)
I have a male 8yr old Yorkshire terrier, I clean his everyday without fail… losing my other Yorkie to oral cancer has made me be more vigilant with Ozzie ….. however his breath still smells ..?is there something else I can do at home. My vet is pleased with his oral care… look forward to your reply and thank you 🐶🐾🐾
Hi Linda,
If your vet is happy with your pooches oral care and there are no underlying issues, it could be that there is an imbalanced gut bacteria. A diet that doesn’t nourish your dog or is packed full of fatty or sugary foods, additives or filler ingredients could upset your dog’s delicate gut microbiome. If your dog has a food allergy or isn’t responding very well to the food they eat, this could manifest as bad breath and might be something you can improve through diet. :)
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