Dog Breath…YUCK!
Did you know your dog’s breath really shouldn’t smell bad?
Aside from being the obvious aftermath of snacking on some unsavoury stuff, bad breath in dogs can be a symptom of serious health concerns like diabetes, liver, and kidney disease.
A common cause of bad breath in dogs is periodontal disease, which, if left untreated, can damage your dog’s heart and more. It’s important to note that many dogs are already showing some signs of periodontal disease by the age of two.
Plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup are the common culprits that lead to gingivitis and eventually gum recession, tooth decay, and infection, which can all cause stinky breath or halitosis. Even if your dog’s breath smells okay, you may notice other concerning signs of trouble brewing such as bleeding gums, loose teeth, or changes in behaviour.
Dogs in pain can be quite stoic, but consider sudden irritability, no longer wanting to chew, tug, or fetch, a loss of appetite or unplanned weight loss, even increased sneezing or drooling can all be signs that something might be happening.
In growing puppies, you’ll want to be sure to watch for retained or misaligned teeth that may lead to more serious dental issues down the road if they don’t correct on their own.
Feeding your dog a quality diet, offering plenty of opportunities to chew dental sticks, bones, and regularly brushing your dog’s teeth, using specially formulated dental powders or water additives may help keep up with your dog’s oral hygiene.
Know that even doing these things at home, your dog will still need and benefit greatly from regular veterinary dental care. Some dogs may even be genetically predisposed to having poor development of their teeth or have other health conditions that complicate matters, and those dogs may require more frequent appointments to stay on top of things.
If any signs of periodontal disease are appearing in your pet, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to perform an exam, and if necessary, have x-rays, run tests, or bloodwork to be sure your dog is a candidate for a dental cleaning. Even if your pet’s teeth appear healthy, below the gum line might be a different matter, and your dog may need more than just scaling and polishing.
Investing in your dog’s oral hygiene will not only make them feel better, but it will help ensure they stay healthy and keep their kisses fresh for you to enjoy!
