Bad breath in dogs - possible causes and solutions

Cuddles with our four-legged friends are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful things in the world. But it can quickly become an unpleasant experience that most dog owners will be familiar with: bad breath in dogs. Bad breath in dogs is known among experts as foetor ex ore. Basically, a slight smell from your dog's mouth is completely normal. Especially after eating. Long-lasting bad breath in dogs, on the other hand, should be taken seriously as a symptom and, if necessary, clarified with a veterinarian.

You can find out exactly what bad breath in dogs is, what causes it and how proper dental hygiene can help against bad breath in dogs in our following article.

What is bad breath in dogs?

Whether human or dog, bad breath occurs in almost all living beings and is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth. As already mentioned, a slight bad breath is completely normal. However, it is important to distinguish between bad breath in dogs. Persistent bad breath that smells sweet can be a sign of diabetes or a sign of tartar. If, on the other hand, he is very strict and lazy, other serious illnesses can also be behind it.

How does bad breath develop in dogs and what can be the causes?

"Harmless" bad breath in dogs is caused by plaque and the bacteria living in it, which secrete their waste products. As a result, tartar builds up. Under certain circumstances, this can lead to gingivitis and, in the further course, periodontitis, which eventually leads to tooth loss.

Food residues that have "caught" in narrow spaces between teeth also trigger bad breath in dogs, as do injuries in the oral cavity, such as on the palate, which lead to bacterial infections and inflammation.

Another source of origin can be the so-called lip eczema being. These are inflammations in the lips that contribute to the formation of bacteria and fungi. If a puppy suffers from bad breath, the change of teeth is usually the cause, which can also lead to infections. Feed residues often get caught in the gaps.

However, bad breath in dogs can also be caused by metabolic diseases such as diabetes or kidney failure. Especially if the bad breath smells sweet, organ problems can be the reason. This is therefore to be clarified without detours with a veterinarian.

Other causes of bad breath in dogs:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Tonsillitis
• gastritis
• Sinus infection
• lung infection
• Tumors in the mouth or throat
• salivary gland diseases
• eating feces

What can I do about bad breath in dogs?

Basically, if your dog has had bad breath for a long time, you should consult your veterinarian and have your fur nose examined. This will thoroughly examine your mouth and throat. This way he can determine tartar or inflammation. A blood test, on the other hand, provides information as to whether the bad breath is a symptom of a metabolic disease Diabetes is. Other examination options for clarification are X-rays, CT scans or an endoscopy of the stomach and intestines.

If the vet rules out a disease-related cause of bad breath in the dog, you have a number of home remedies that can help against bad breath. For example, you can mix chopped herbs such as parsley or mint and a bit of yoghurt into the food or offer carrots and apples to chew in between. You can support the puppy's change of teeth with cold chamomile tea as compresses.

Inflammation, problems with the airways or the digestive tract, on the other hand, are treated with medication as part of the prescribed therapy by the veterinarian.

Prevent bad breath in dogs

You can prevent non-disease related bad breath in dogs. The most common methods include daily brushing with special dog toothpaste, chewing bones and regular removal of tartar by the veterinarian. You should also check after meals whether food residue has accumulated between the teeth and remove it if necessary.

Also make sure to feed them good quality food. Inferior quality increases the formation of dental plaque. In addition, your fur nose should drink enough to prevent a dry mouth.

Another way to support your dog's oral and dental hygiene is with ours DENTAL HERBS 365. You can confidently use the practical chewable tablets made from 100% natural ingredients as a substitute for brushing your teeth. Deposits can be dissolved in no time at all, irritation of the gums minimized and bad breath in dogs reduced. Furthermore, the formation of tartar can be slowed down. We recommend natural dental care and oral hygiene with the DENTAL HERBS 365, in which we focus on the odor-neutralizing, salivating and soothing properties of oregano, turmeric, peppermint, green tea, pomegranate and spirulina to make it part of your daily care routine. In this way you can lay the foundation for strong and healthy teeth and effectively prevent bad breath in dogs - without any effort.

How do you deal with your dogs bad breath? Are there ways and means that we have forgotten? Let us know!

Dietary supplements can also be an important nutritional component for dogs. Find out why here Omega-3 is one of the most important fatty acids for furry friends.