How To Make Your Dog's Breath Smell Better
Aug 21,2024 | puaintapets
We love our dogs, but sometimes their breath can be less than pleasant. Bad breath in dogs, also known as halitosis, is often caused by poor dental hygiene, diet, or underlying health issues. Fortunately, there are several ways to improve your dog's breath and keep it smelling fresh. This guide will explore the best methods for tackling bad breath in dogs, from daily dental care to diet adjustments and natural remedies.
Why Dogs Have Bad Breath?
Severe bad breath in dogs can be a sign of a health problem in the body. Bad breath is not only related to oral hygiene conditions, but can also be associated with digestive problems, dental disease, kidney disease, liver problems, or systemic diseases such as diabetes. If your dog's bad breath is accompanied by weight changes, loss of appetite, excessive drinking and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, and red, swollen, or bleeding gums, you should take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup to rule out potential health problems!
Related: Common Causes to Dog Smell So Bad
What Digestive Problems Are Associated with Bad Breath in Dogs?
Bad breath in dogs can be linked to the following digestive problems.
Gastrointestinal indigestion
If your dog's diet contains substances that are difficult to digest, or if your dog naturally does not produce enough stomach acid, this may lead to bad breath.
Food fermentation
The fermentation and breakdown of high-protein foods in the gastrointestinal tract produces unpleasant-smelling gases, which may be expelled through the mouth, leading to bad breath.
Tartar and Oral Diseases
While dental calculus and oral diseases are usually directly related to the health of your teeth and gums, they can also be caused by digestive problems, as the mouth is part of the digestive tract.
Damaged spine
If a damaged spine causes pressure on the intestines and stomach, it may also cause bad breath.
These digestive issues can affect your dog's overall health, so if your dog is experiencing bad breath on a regular basis, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian for further examination and treatment.
Other Reason For Bad Breath Smell
Nutritional deficiencies
A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, or an acidic environment in the food that breeds bacteria, can lead to bad breath.
Poor metabolism and organ problems
Metabolic disorders such as diabetes and kidney problems can affect your dog's breath; diabetes may lead to a sweet taste in the mouth, while kidney problems may give the breath an acidic odor.
Food Choices
Chronic consumption of poor quality food or things that shouldn't be eaten, such as garbage or dead animals, can also cause bad breath.
Kidney Disease
Kidney insufficiency may cause an ammonia odor on your dog's breath, due to the kidneys' inability to effectively remove toxins from the body.
Liver problems
Impaired liver function may also cause bad breath odor in dogs.
Diabetes
Diabetic dogs may have a sweet odor emanating from their mouth, which is caused by elevated blood sugar levels.
Oral Ulcers
Ulcers in the mucous membranes of the mouth can also cause bad breath.
Damaged Spine
If a damaged spine causes pressure on the intestines and stomach, it may also cause bad breath.
How To Make Dogs Breath Smell Better?
Regular Brushing
Brush your dog's teeth with a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice a week to remove plaque and food debris.
Also Read: How to Clean Dogs Teeth
Provide chew toys and treats
Choose dog-friendly chew toys and snacks, such as rubber bones or dog toothpicks, which can help clean food debris from the surface of your dog's teeth and reduce bad breath.
Use oral care products
There are oral care sprays, mouthwashes, and other products on the market that are specifically designed for dogs, which contain antibacterial ingredients that help reduce the growth of oral bacteria, thus reducing the problem of bad breath.
Adjusting the diet
Provide a balanced diet, avoiding too many snacks and human foods, and hard foods can help clean your dog's teeth.
Regular checkups
Take your dog to the veterinarian regularly for oral examinations and cleanings to detect and deal with potential health problems.
Natural Methods
Try using green tea or peppermint tea brewed and given to your dog; these teas have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help clean your dog's mouth.
Cultivate Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Cultivate good oral hygiene habits in your dog from an early age, such as regular dental and oral health checkups, and avoid letting your dog consume overly greasy, spicy and other irritating foods.
With the above methods, you can help your dog keep his breath fresh and enjoy healthier and closer companionship.
How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth Correctly?
Brushing your dog's teeth is an important step in maintaining their oral health. Here are the steps to properly brush your dog's teeth.
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Choose the right brushing tools
Use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs. Dog toothpaste is usually edible to avoid dogs swallowing the fluoride in human toothpaste.
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Gradually acclimatize your dog
You can start by gently rubbing your dog's teeth and gums with a finger wrapped in gauze soaked in toothpaste to gradually get your dog used to the sensation of brushing.
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Correct brushing method
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your dog's teeth and brush in a gentle circular motion, paying special attention to cleaning plaque at the junction of teeth and gums.
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Brushing Frequency
Ideally, your dog's teeth should be brushed daily, but at least three times a week to maintain oral hygiene.
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Reward your dog
Reward your dog after brushing, such as a snack, to increase motivation to brush.
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Daily Oral Care
In addition to brushing, you can help your dog clean his teeth by providing specialized teeth cleaning toys and chews.
Remember to check your dog's mouth for problems such as redness or bleeding before you start brushing, and consult your veterinarian first if there are any. Regular oral exams and professional dental cleanings are also an important part of maintaining your dog's oral health.
What Other Ways Can You Prevent Bad Breath in Dogs?
In addition to regular brushing, the following steps can be taken to prevent bad breath in dogs.
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Adjust the diet
Make sure your dog's diet has enough water and that the food contains the right amount of protein and fat to promote oral health. Fire-clearing foods, such as cucumber, can be added in moderation to help freshen breath.
Vitamin B deficiency in dogs may lead to oral problems that can cause bad breath. Vitamin B can be given to your dog through food or supplements.
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Use of Mouthwash
If your dog doesn't like to brush his teeth, you can use a pet-specific mouthwash to help clean the mouth and reduce bad breath.
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Feed probiotics
Probiotics can help improve your dog's digestion and reduce bad breath caused by indigestion.
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Teething toys and snacks
Providing teething toys and snacks can help clean your dog's teeth naturally and reduce tartar and tartar buildup.
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Choosing the right dog food
Choose dry dog food that is easy to digest to minimize the accumulation of food debris in the mouth and help maintain oral hygiene.
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Regular oral health check
Regularly check your dog's mouth to detect and treat problems such as tartar and gingivitis to prevent bad breath.
What Foods Do Dogs Eat That Tend to Cause Bad Breath?
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Foods high in protein and fat
Such as meat. If your dog's diet contains a lot of protein and fat and is not accompanied by enough vegetables and fruits, the meat remnants fermenting in the mouth may produce a fishy odor.
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Human food
Dogs that eat human food, especially greasy or spicy food, may suffer from indigestion, which can cause bad breath.
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Commercial dog food containing additives or artificial ingredients
These ingredients may remain in the mouth and react with bacteria, exacerbating the problem of bad breath.
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Foods with a strong odor
Such as durian and stinky tofu, these foods may cause bad breath even if your dog can consume them.
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Spoiled or unfresh food
Dogs that eat these foods may experience digestive problems, which in turn can cause bad breath.
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Foods that lack vitamins and trace elements
Dogs that are deficient in vitamins and other substances in the body can also cause bad breath.
To prevent bad breath, it is advisable to provide your dog with a balanced diet, regular brushing, and fresh and hygienic food. Avoid feeding your dog human food, especially those that may cause bad breath. Also, you can ensure your dog's oral and digestive health with regular veterinary checkups.
What Types of Foods Do Dogs Eat to Reduce Bad Breath?
In order to reduce the phenomenon of bad breath in your dog, your dog's daily diet should include the following types of food.
Probiotics
Help to maintain intestinal balance and reduce bad breath caused by digestive problems.
Bones
Large bones can help keep your dog's teeth healthy by grinding them and removing calculus buildup from the surface of the teeth.
Parsley
Contains chlorophyll and acts as a natural breath freshener and can be chopped and mixed into your dog's food.
Hard food
Hard teething snacks such as chicken jerky help to clean teeth.
Quality dog food
Choosing low quality dog food can lead to digestive problems and bad breath, quality dog food helps improve digestion and breath.
Natural Foods
such as yogurt (no sugar, no additives), cilantro and mint can help keep your dog's breath naturally odor-free.
Coconut oil
Adding a little coconut oil to your dog's food every day can help control bad breath and improve digestion.
Carrots
Hard carrots can help clean teeth while providing nutrients such as Vitamin A.
Cucumber
The phytochemicals in cucumbers can kill bacteria in your dog's mouth and help reduce bad breath.
By including these treats, you can help maintain your dog's oral health, which will reduce the problem of bad breath. Also, regular oral care, such as brushing and using oral cleaning products, is important in preventing bad breath!
How to Adjust Diet to Reduce Your Dog's Bad Breath?
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Choose high quality dog food
Choose a dog food that is designed for dogs, which usually have their oral health in mind and contain ingredients that help clean their teeth.
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Add moisture to wet food
If your dog is used to eating wet food, add some water to the wet food to help soften food debris and reduce tartar formation.
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Provide dry chew toys or snacks
Dry chew toys or snacks can help clean your dog's teeth and remove tartar during the chewing process.
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Limit high-carbohydrate foods
High-carbohydrate foods tend to stick to the teeth and promote plaque formation, and the intake of such foods should be appropriately limited.
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Provide fresh vegetables and fruits
Fresh vegetables and fruits not only provide essential nutrients, but also help clean your teeth and mouth.
When to Visit the Veterinarian?
When your dog develops bad breath, you should determine whether or not you need to take him to the vet based on the following.
The nature and duration of the bad breath
If the bad breath appears suddenly or persists, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, excessive drinking and urination, or behavioral changes, it may be a sign of a health problem.
Oral Health
Check your dog's teeth, gums and mouth for obvious problems such as tartar, calculus, red or bleeding gums. If your dog's oral hygiene is a serious problem, it may require specialized treatment from your veterinarian.
Overall Behavior and Health of the Dog
If the dog appears tired, sore, or shows other signs of discomfort, this may indicate that the bad breath is related to a deeper health issue.
If you observe any of the above, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian for an examination as soon as possible. Regular veterinary checkups and professional oral cleanings are essential for preventing oral disease and other health problems.
FAQs
Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell Even After Brushing?
If your dog’s breath still smells after brushing, it could be due to dental disease, diet, or an underlying health condition. Consult your vet to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
How to Choose a Specialized Toothbrush and Toothpaste for Dogs?
There are several factors you should consider when choosing a special toothbrush and toothpaste for your dog.
Choice of toothbrush
Size and shape: choose a toothbrush that is the right size for your dog's mouth and make sure you can brush all the teeth, including the ones at the back.
Material: The bristles of the toothbrush should be soft to avoid hurting your dog's gums.
Design: Choose between a traditional long-handled toothbrush or a finger-folded toothbrush. Finger-folded toothbrushes are good for dogs with a high level of cooperation, while long-handled toothbrushes are good for situations that require better control.
Choice of toothpaste
Edibility: Dog toothpaste should be edible, as your dog may swallow it during brushing.
Flavor: Choose a flavor that your dog likes, such as beef or chicken, to increase your dog's willingness to brush.
Ingredients: check the toothpaste ingredients to make sure there are no substances your dog is allergic to.
Before purchasing, you can take your dog to a professional veterinary hospital or organization for a dental evaluation so that you can choose the most appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste for your dog's specific condition. It is also important to train your dog to accept brushing, which can be done through gradual guidance and rewards to help your dog get used to brushing. Remember to choose pet-specific products and do not use human toothbrushes and toothpastes as they may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
Why High Carbohydrate Foods May Lead to Bad Breath in Dogs
The reason why high carbohydrate foods may cause bad breath in dogs is mainly related to changes in the oral environment. When dogs consume large amounts of carbohydrates, the breakdown of these foods in the mouth produces acids, and this acidic environment is conducive to the growth and reproduction of oral bacteria. As the number of bacteria increases, they break down food residue and produce malodorous gases such as sulfides, which are the main source of bad breath.
In addition, an acidic environment may accelerate the formation of plaque. Plaque, if not removed by brushing and other means, will gradually calcify to form dental calculus, further deteriorating oral health and leading to a more serious problem of bad breath. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of bad breath in dogs, it is recommended to control the amount of carbohydrates in the dog's diet and provide proper oral hygiene care.
If Dogs Have Frequent Bad Breath Problems, Does It Mean They Have Health Problems?
Frequent bad breath in dogs can be a sign of an underlying health problem. Bad breath is not only related to oral hygiene, but can also be associated with digestive problems, dental disease, kidney disease, liver problems, or systemic diseases such as diabetes. If your dog's bad breath is accompanied by symptoms such as weight changes, loss of appetite, excessive drinking and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, and red, swollen or bleeding gums, you should take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup to rule out an underlying health problem. Regular oral cleanings and wellness exams are essential for prevention and early detection of these problems.
What Are Some Common Oral Health Problems in Older Dogs?
Common oral health problems in older dogs include periodontal disease, tooth wear, loose teeth, tooth decay and oral tumors. Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in older dogs, causing the gums to swell, become inflamed and bleed, and in severe cases, cause loose and falling teeth. Worn and loose teeth can be caused by chewing on hard objects for long periods of time or by the aging of the teeth themselves. Tooth decay, although less common in older dogs than in younger dogs, can still occur, especially with poor oral hygiene. Oral tumors are more prevalent in older dogs and may affect a dog's appetite and overall health. These problems not only affect your dog's oral comfort, but can also lead to more serious health issues such as bacterial infections and organ dysfunction.
Conclusion
Bad breath in dogs is a common issue that can often be managed with proper dental care, a healthy diet, and a few simple home remedies. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth, providing dental chews, and offering a balanced diet can all contribute to fresher breath. However, if your dog’s bad breath persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. By taking proactive steps, you can keep your dog’s breath smelling fresh and ensure their overall well-being.
Also Read: Effective Tips to Get Rid of Dog Smell
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