What Causes Bad Breath In Dogs

Bad Breath In DogsBad Breath In Dogs

By Admin

What causes bad breath?  Usually bad breath in dogs is caused by problems with the dogs teeth and gums.  Plaque develops on a dogs teeth just like it does on human teeth.  Few dog owners brush theirs dogs teeth.  The plaque hardens and turns a brownish color that is called tartar or calculus.  The tartar that is under the gums loosens the delicate membranes that holds the teeth in their sockets.  This causes infections to develop around the receding gums and teeth.  This is known as periodontal disease.  The dog odor is bad and the gums are red and swollen.  The dog may have trouble chewing or may drool.

More than 80% of dogs that are three years old develop periodontal disease which affects the gums.  The overgrowth of gum tissue will cause a foul mouth odor.  How to cure smelly breath?   A teeth cleaning is necessary to save the dogs teeth.  Sometimes extractions of the teeth is needed.

Mouth odor causes are red or bleeding gums, loose teeth, tartar on the teeth, sensitive or painful mouth, reluctance to eat.

If your dog has a very sweet mouth odor combined with lethargy and increased water intake, urination, and appetite may indicate diabetes.  Your vet will want to take a urine sample to check for sugar.  Kidney disease in dogs can produce dog bad breath too.

Dogs do not get cavities often.  They are more prone to fractured teeth and malocclusions.  A malocclusion is a misalignment from a normal bite, which is generally a scissors bite.

Prevention of periodontal disease is very important.  Chronic mouth infections constantly spread bacteria and toxins to the kidneys, liver and heart of the dog.  This can cause damage to these organs.

The time to prevent future dental problems is before the tartar forms.  Your dog should have his teeth cleaned on a yearly basis to prevent dental disease.