Today we are all very conscious about going to the dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene like brushing our teeth after meals and flossing or using dental mouthwashes. But up until about the 18th century people used to try and pull their own diseased teeth out and fight bad breath and infection with herbs and other natural remedies. Bad breath, which was a common issue back then, seems outrageous today, unless you are talking about animals…
Why does my dog’s breath smell so bad? We hear you cry! The most common cause of bad breath in dogs is dental issues, where bacteria builds up over time on the teeth and gums, leading to periodontal disease and eventual loss of teeth. There are other reasons your dog’s breath can smell bad too, these are less common but include dietary issues, gastrointestinal problems, liver or kidney disease, diabetes or even oral tumours. It is important to be able to look in your dog’s mouth to assess their oral health, and if dental issues can be ruled out then further investigation into your dog’s health may be needed.
What To Look Out for With Smelly Breath
Bad breath in dogs is generally a sign of dental disease. It is very common and is estimated to affect around 70%-80% of dogs over 3 years of age. There is a combination of factors that lead to dogs having bad teeth, and these can include genetics – certain breeds are more prone to developing dental disease, diet – soft food doesn’t promote chewing and can get trapped in the crevices of teeth and gums causing bacteria to build up, and poor dental hygiene – dogs don’t brush their own teeth regularly. Age is also a factor, and dental disease is common in older dogs due to wear and tear.
Being able to look at your dog’s teeth and having regular health checks at your vet helps to pick up early signs of dental issues so that problems can be treated swiftly, preventing the disease from progressing. Seeing a soft and pus-like layer building up on the teeth (a mixture of saliva, cell debris and bacteria) can be the first signs of plaque forming, which can cause redness and inflammation of the gums, and lead to smelly breath. Over time this hardens to form calculus, which becomes a hard, brown covering over the teeth and traps bacteria in the mouth, which continues to eat away at the gums and will eventually rot the teeth.
How to Fix Your Dog’s Bad Breath
If you notice bad breath on your dog, then the first step is to take them to the vet clinic for a check-up. Your vet can assess the severity of the problem and may advise that a dental scale and polish is needed. To access a dog’s mouth safely they need to be put under a general anaesthetic so the vet can perform the procedure and remove any plaque and calculus that has built up, and any teeth that need to be extracted too.
For professional dog teeth cleaning in Geelong, our team at Vets of Geelong can help keep your dog’s mouth healthy and free of bacteria buildup.
Preventing Bad Breath in Dogs
Once all the bacteria have been removed it is vital to keep your dog’s mouth clean, so a preventative daily home-care routine is vital as plaque will start building up again within hours. Brushing your dog’s teeth twice a day with a canine-specific toothbrush and toothpaste is the best way to ensure keeping their mouths clean. Other bad breath dog remedies include dental chews, of which there is a vast selection. These work by having irregular surfaces with ridges and bumps that rub against the teeth removing plaque, and some contain added enzymes that help break down bacteria. Dental toys also help promote healthy teeth and gums which can lead to fresher breath.
Seeing a dog dentist regularly ensures that any dental problems are caught early before they cause serious health issues.
There is no substitute for brushing though, so get your dog used to it while they are young!
If your dog’s breath smells bad or you’re concerned about their dental health, book an appointment for a dental check-up today with Vets of Geelong!
