Amanda Teixeira
Bad breath in dogs is a real problem with a variety of causes. Read here why your dog suffers from bad breath and what you can do about it.
The most common reason for bad breath in dogs is bad teeth – similar to humans. Caries and gum inflammation ensure that the dog smells very intensely from its mouth. One indication that your dog’s dental health is in bad shape is missing teeth and heavy (yellow or brown) plaque/tartar. If you suspect bad teeth in your dog, you should take him to the vet. He or she can take the appropriate measures to improve your dog’s teeth.
How to prevent dental problems in dogs
It shouldn’t get to the point where you take your dog to the vet for dental problems. Take care of your dog’s teeth in good time. The key to preventing dental problems in dogs is to keep their teeth free of plaque and therefore tartar. There are several measures that can be used to clean the teeth of dogs:
1. Brush your dog’s teeth (without toothpaste).
2. Give your dog objects to nibble on (suitable bones, hard bread).
3. Give your dog special dental care toys and chewing bones for dental care.
4. At least partially opt for dry food instead of wet food.
Diet as a cause of bad breath in dogs
Of course, the dog’s diet also plays a role when it comes to bad breath in dogs. Strong-smelling dog food – tripe, for example – can cause short-term bad breath. Others also have an effect on body odor – similar to garlic in humans. There may be an intolerance behind this, but this does not necessarily have to be the case.
If you suspect diet to be the cause (because your dog has healthy teeth), then try a diet change. Certain high-quality foods are commercially available that are specifically labeled as reducing a dog’s bad breath and body odor. If you haven’t had success with one switch, then try another different strain. You can also add chlorophyll to the feed. This is available from specialist retailers and specialized online shops.
Long breaks between meals promote bad breath
Does your dog only get his food once a day and then gobbles it down completely? Then it may be that the bad breath that develops over the course of the day is due to his empty stomach. Basically, it’s not a bad idea to only feed the dog once a day, and many dog owners do it that way. Nevertheless, it could be that the bad breath has its cause in it. In this case, try dividing up the food throughout the day.