One of our responsibilities towards our dog is to take care of his teeth by cleaning them regularly with a brush and toothpaste specifically designed for him. If minimal oral hygiene is not maintainedIt is very possible that sooner or later you will end up having bad breath due to the excess of bacteria, plaque and tartar accumulated in the mouth.
For this reason, we are going to explain how to fight my dog's bad breathWith tips and tricks that will be very useful to help your friend avoid bad breath and maintain much better oral and general health.
Why do dogs have bad breath?
Bad breath in dogs, also called canine halitosisIt can have multiple causes. The most common is bacterial plaque buildup and tartar buildup on the teeth and below the gum line due to insufficient or nonexistent brushing. This plaque is full of bacteria that break down food debris and release compounds with a very unpleasant odor.
If left unchecked, plaque hardens and turns into tartar, promoting the development of Gingivitis and periodontal diseaseThe gums become inflamed, bleed, separate from the tooth, and form pockets where food debris and bacteria accumulate, intensifying bad breath and potentially causing pain, tooth loss, and more serious health problems.
Besides poor hygiene, there are other factors that contribute to bad breath in dogs: improper diet (poor quality feed or access to garbage, excrement or spoiled remains), mouth infections (cavities, stomatitis, gum or tooth infections), digestive disorders (reflux, stomach infections, frequent vomiting), respiratory problems (rhinitis, sinusitis) and systemic diseases such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease, which can also alter the smell of breath.
It's important to know that, although many people take it for granted, Bad breath is not inevitable. In dogs, it's usually a sign that something in their mouth, their diet, or their overall health needs attention.
Brushes her teeth
It is very important to brush the dog's teeth from time to time using a soft bristle brush specially designed for dogs.. The sooner you start, the better, as it will be easier for him to get used to. In fact, you can wash them since they are a puppy, with a toothpaste or toothpaste for dogs (you should never use one for humans, as it is toxic to dogs).
Ideally, following the recommendations of canine oral health specialists, it is Brush your teeth daily or at least several times a weekThis is especially important for small or short-nosed dogs, which tend to accumulate more tartar. Frequent brushing drastically reduces plaque, slows tartar buildup, and keeps breath much fresher.
To make it easier, you can start with very short sessions, first getting the dog used to you touching its snout and lips, and then introducing the brush with a little pleasant-tasting toothpaste. The key is consistency and turn brushing time into a positive experience, with cuddles and rewards.
In some specific cases, the veterinarian may recommend other oral hygiene accessoriesThis includes gels or solutions applied to the gums, or even the use of dental floss in dogs with closely spaced teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. It should always be done under professional guidance to avoid discomfort or damage.
Give him a quality diet
Grain-free and by-product-free dog food is highly recommended to protect your dog's teeth. Since the amount of food that gets stuck is much less than if they ate feed made with these products. A balanced diet with quality ingredients also helps maintain a strong immune system and a healthy digestive system, reducing the occurrence of unpleasant odors from the stomach or intestines.
Although even the best kibble can't compare to natural food, to ensure your dog's oral health is at its best for many years, it's advisable to consider options like Yum Diet, Summum Diet, or BARF Diet, always under the supervision of a canine nutritionistA well-formulated diet, adapted to your age and condition, reduces residue stuck to the teeth and can improve breath.
Certain fresh foods can act as natural “toothbrushes”Pieces of raw carrot, celery, or apple (without seeds) help mechanically remove some of the plaque as the dog chews and provide vitamins and fiber. They don't replace brushing, but they are a good addition to the daily routine.
There are also specific supplements These are added to the dog's food, such as certain seaweeds or functional flours, which help reduce the bacteria responsible for plaque and bad breath in both the mouth and digestive system. It's always advisable to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any supplement to adjust the dosage and ensure it's appropriate for the animal's age and health.
Give him a teether
In pet stores you'll find toys and chew toys that are very useful for maintaining good oral and dental health, especially those made of natural rubber or nylon, as they are very durable. This also helps prevent your dog or puppy from chewing on other things, like shoes.
Teethers and toys designed for oral hygiene have shapes and textures that facilitate cleaning The toy rubs against the teeth as the dog chews. Pressing on the toy removes some of the plaque and massages the gums, stimulating circulation and helping to keep them healthier.
Also very useful are the chew toys and some types of long-lasting chewy snacks, which encourage intense chewing. The act of chewing itself increases saliva production, a natural mechanism that helps cleanse the mouth and partially control the bacteria responsible for bad breath.
It is important to choose bite pads adapted to the size and strength of the jaw of your dog, to avoid dangerous breakages or dental injuries. Check the toys frequently and remove any that are badly damaged.
Take him to the vet
In the event that you have tried everything and the problem persists, or if other symptoms have appeared, you should take it to the vet for a cleaning and examination to see if you have a disease that is causing bad breath, such as diabetes or kidney failure, among others.
The veterinarian will assess the condition of the mouth and, if necessary, recommend a Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia To completely remove plaque and tartar, even from the deepest areas below the gum line. This cleaning is more thorough than what can be done at home and is essential when periodontal disease is already established.
In addition, through a complete examination and, if necessary, blood tests or other tests, it will be able to detect systemic problems (renal, hepatic, hormonal, or digestive) issues that manifest, among other signs, with noticeable changes in breath odor. The sooner the cause is identified, the simpler the treatment and the lower the risk to the dog's overall health.
Experts recommend performing periodic veterinary check-ups To monitor oral health, even if the dog doesn't have obvious bad breath. This allows for the early detection of small changes in the gums, tooth mobility, or tartar buildup, which, if treated promptly, prevent more aggressive interventions in the future.
In addition to the bad smell, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian if you observe signs such as red or bleeding gums, discolored or loose teeth, pain when chewing, loss of appetite, or excessive droolingAll of these may indicate dental disease or other problems that require professional treatment.
We hope these tips will help you better understand what causes bad breath in dogs, how to prevent it at home with good hygiene, diet and chewing habits, and when it is essential to consult a veterinarian to keep your companion's breath fresh and their mouth healthy for many years.