Stinky Dog Breath

Following a super 5-star review from one of our PlaqueAway customers

‘We have been using this for a couple of weeks now, our dog doesn’t notice it in her food and her breath is definitely less stinky already! Looking forward to seeing how it goes in a few months time’

We thought it was time to look into the Stinky Dog Breath Problem.

Being a dog owner brings so many positive and joyful elements into our lives but there are a few down sides too with stinky, foul smelling dog breath rating quite high on the negative list. Many dog owners will agree that some dog’s breaths can be grim, you don’t want a happy lick from them or event to sit next to them on the sofa.  So, what are the possible causes?

Probably the best way to prevent bad breath in dogs is to keep their teeth clean and try to prevent them from eating things that are smelly.  It does make you wonder why a decomposing deer leg, or the remains of a dead rabbit are the best things in a dog’s day.  (Although I think if they could, they would

probably laugh at the reaction it causes in their owners). When it comes to addressing bad breath in dogs, it is always best to work on a clean teeth plan.  

What Causes Stink Breath in Dogs

The most common reasons are due to something they ate, note deer and rabbit above or a build-up of bacteria in the mouth, and dental disease. There are some medical conditions that can cause bad breath in dogs as well such as stomach problems and diabetes.

The most common causes of bad breath in dogs:

Bacteria

Dogs don’t floss, use mouthwash, or brush their teeth.

Although as owners we can brush our dog’s teeth with canine toothpaste it isn’t always an easy task, perhaps some wrestling involved, usually quite messy and most importantly you must remember to do it regularly.

Dental Disease

Occurs naturally in dogs the same as in humans, although we are supposed to brush twice a day to prevent it. By the time your dog exhibits bad breath the dental disease will already have set in.  Some symptoms to look out for include mouth pain, sneezing, bleeding and a lack of appetite. Have a good look at their teeth, they may also have a noticeable amount of gum inflammation, tartar build-up and even wobbly teeth.

Gastric and Digestion Issues

Bad breath can also be caused by an imbalance of bacterial in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. In addition to smelly breath dogs experiencing these kinds of concerns may well have smelly farts and loose stools too.

Diabetes

Symptoms of diabetes can cause bad breath in dogs, but this is strange breath smell, different to stinky breath it is usually noted as sweet or fruity, this is a signal to take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

diabetic dogs may also exhibit signs of

• Increased urination and thirst

• Lethargy

• Unexplained weight loss

• Cloudy eyes and vision loss

• Increased appetite

• A dull coat

• Skin problems

• Vomiting

There are other serious medical conditions can cause bad breath in dogs. These mainly include conditions affecting the kidneys, liver, and GI tract. Bad breath indicate signs of liver or kidney failure.  Apply logic, if they are usually fit and well, investigate the dental issue first, if they aren’t themselves or you're worried in any way always seek veterinary advice.

How To Fix Bad Breath in Dogs

Treating bad breath in dogs depends on its cause. For example, bad breath caused by a plaque build-up in the mouth will likely require a veterinary dental treatment and clean especially if there are signs of infection or wobbly teeth. 

Ace Canine’s Plaque-Away is a specially selected dried seaweed granule, harvested from the cold clean North Atlantic Ocean, that helps protect against the build-up of plaque on your dog’s teeth and the resulting tartar and gum disease. Used regularly it will support your dog’s dental hygiene and reduce and often negate the need for costly veterinary dental treatments and it’s a completely natural product.

When To See a Vet About Your Dog’s Bad Breath

Not all bad breath in dogs needs to be treated by a vet, but there are some instances where bad breath indicates a vet visit, dogs are usually good at letting us know when they need support but look out for

• Loss of appetite, difficulty eating and or lethargy
• if your dog’s bad breath is paired with other symptoms (this could indicate diabetes or another medical condition)
• If their bad breath is not improving with teeth cleanings
• If your dog is also experiencing bad gas and stomach issues (usually caused by a diet problem)
• If you notice bleeding or pus coming from the mouth
• If you notice missing, rotted teeth or if your dog has inflamed, red gums

To find out more about PlaqueAway and read other customer reviews and success stories have a look at https://www.ace-canine.com/products/plaqueaway