Bad breath in dogs: Recognizing the causes & treating it
Does your dog suddenly smell unpleasant from its mouth? Bad breath is not only annoying, but can also indicate health problems. There are many possible causes of bad breath - from simple dental problems to more serious illnesses. But don't worry, there are a few things you can do. We'll give you an overview of the most common causes and tell you what really helps against bad breath in dogs.
How does bad breath manifest itself in dogs?
Mouth odor can manifest itself in different ways in your furry friend and can indicate various illnesses. If your dog's breath smells rotten or foul, this often indicates problems with the teeth or gums. The accumulation of certain bacteria in the mouth can also cause a fishy mouth odor. If the breath smells rather sour, the odor could come from the digestive tract, especially the stomach. Sweetish breath, on the other hand, is often an indication of diabetes, while a urine-like odor may indicate renal insufficiency. A metallic mouth odor could indicate slight bleeding in the mouth.
Important: Such odor descriptions only provide clues and do not replace a diagnosis. Observe your dog's bad breath and consult a vet if the odor persists or is unusual in order to detect possible illnesses at an early stage.
Possible causes if your dog stinks from the mouth
Mouth odor can have many different causes in dogs. It is often harmless and can be easily remedied, but sometimes there is more to it. Here are some of the common causes:
- Dental problems
- Food deposits between the teeth
- Tooth plaque and Tartar
- Inflammation of the gums
- Dental diseases such as periodontitis
- Rotting teeth
- Tooth fractures
- Injuries in the mouth (e. g. B. due to chewing sticks or other hard materials)
- Lefcene eczema (inflammation in the skin folds of the lips)
- Tumors (in the mouth and throat)
Mouth odor can be caused not only by problems in the oral cavity, but also by digestive problems. Common triggers include:
- Low-quality dog food: A diet that does not meet your dog's needs and food with ingredients that are difficult to digest can have a negative impact on your four-legged friend's digestion and lead to bad breath.
- Stress: Stress can increase the production of stomach acid and irritate the mucous membranes, which can lead to inflammation such as gastritis. In such cases, your dog's breath may smell unpleasantly sour.
Other possible causes of bad breath in dogs are:
- Tonsillitis
- Salivary gland diseases
- Diseases of the oesophagus
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Diabetes mellitus
- Kidney problems
In most cases, the cause of bad breath lies in the oral cavity. Problems from the esophagus, stomach & etc. are much less common as the primary cause.
Mouth odor in puppies during teething
Mouth odor is not necessarily a question of age - it can occur in older dogs as well as puppies. It is not uncommon for puppies to smell something coming from their mouths, especially during the change of teeth. When the milk teeth fall out and the permanent teeth break through, minor bleeding and irritation of the gums can occur. This can cause a slightly metallic bad breath, which is usually harmless and disappears as soon as the teeth have finished changing.
My dog has bad breath: What can I do?
Bad breath can be annoying, but in many cases the problem can be solved with simple measures. We'll tell you which remedies are really effective against bad breath in dogs.
Regular dental care
One of the most effective ways to combat bad breath in dogs is proper dental care. Regular brushing with a special dog toothpaste can reduce plaque and bacterial build-up. Alternatively, dental care sprays are also available to improve oral hygiene. Another option is to clean the teeth mechanically using natural chewing articles or special dental sticks. Very hard chews such as bones, antlers, hooves or sticks should be avoided at all costs, as they carry an increased risk of tooth fractures.
Our
Change of food
The wrong or inferior food can put a strain on your four-legged friend's digestion and promote bad breath. It is therefore advisable to choose high-quality dog food with easily digestible ingredients - which is exactly what
Home remedies for bad breath
There are also various home remedies that can contribute to fresh breath in a natural way. These include, among others:
- Herbs: parsley, mint and basil neutralize bad odours. Finely chopped and mixed into the food, they can freshen your dog's breath.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil has antibacterial properties and can help reduce bacteria in the mouth. You can add a teaspoon of coconut oil to their food or apply it directly to your dog's teeth.
- Carrots: Chewing on raw carrots helps remove plaque and keeps breath fresh. Simply offer as a snack between meals.
- Camomile tea: Diluted camomile tea is particularly recommended for gum inflammation and gastrointestinal problems.
How can I prevent bad breath in my furry friend?
Mouth odor can usually be prevented with a balanced diet and regular dental care. Make sure they eat high-quality dog food that aids digestion and brush their teeth daily with special dog toothpaste. Regular administration of dental sticks and natural chews can also help to reduce plaque and ensure fresh breath. You should also make sure that your furry friend drinks enough water to stimulate saliva production and thus support oral hygiene. Finally, regular visits to the vet are also important to identify and treat any health problems at an early stage.
