Treatment of bad breath in dogs

 

A healthy dog does not usually have bad breath. Old age, disease, and poor oral hygiene are among the main causes of this problem that many families experience.

Bad breath (or halitosis) from a dog can quickly become a nuisance and therefore problematic. Beyond the discomfort it causes at home, it is most likely a sign of illness or lack of care. Before considering any measures to alleviate this problem, it is first necessary to determine the cause. Prevention is the key to reducing the risk of the problem or mitigating its consequences.

Identify the cause of the problem

Many factors can contribute to bad breath. It is important to consider these factors before taking any remedial action.

The unpleasant odor that emanates from the dog's mouth may simply be due to age. As the dog ages, the gums become inflamed and create a favorable environment for the development of bacteria. Over time, periodontal disease develops, which corresponds to the weakening of the periodontium. The periodontium refers to all the tissues that support the tooth (alveolar bones of the jaws, alveolar-dental ligament, gum, root cementum, nervous and vascular elements).

Plaque is deposited on the gums and around the teeth, then solidifies and turns into tartar, trapping bacteria and causing bad breath.

Inadequate nutrition is also a likely cause of bad breath. Poor quality food, such as low-quality kibble, is more difficult to digest. This leads to tartar deposits, foul-smelling gas, and increased halitosis.

Finally, bad breath can be a warning sign of various deeper illnesses, whose origins lie far beyond the dog's mouth: diabetes, kidney failure, sinusitis, rhinitis, digestive cancer, etc. It can also indicate the presence of worms in the digestive tract: this is one of the reasons why it is important to deworm your dog.

It is imperative to take your dog to the veterinarian to find out what is causing the halitosis and to know what treatment to follow.

Halitosis in dogs: solutions

Preventive dental care allows to preserve the good oral health of the dog, to reduce the risks of affections and, ultimately, those to see the animal developing halitosis.

Among these hygiene measures, brushing is at the top of the list: brushing your dog's teeth every 2 or 3 days is basic care that should be practiced very early on with your dog to allow him to get used to it. Tooth brushing material specific to dogs is generally composed of a canine toothbrush, toothpaste, and a finger bowl.

On the food side, it is recommended to prefer large kibbles to smaller models and softer food. The objective here is to take advantage of the abrasive action of the kibble and to stimulate the secretion of saliva, which plays a fundamental role in cleaning the teeth.