Reasons Behind Your Dog's Not-So-Fresh Breath

You probably love your furry, four-legged friend, but sometimes their breath is a bit less than desirable. While bad breath may seem like an unavoidable part of owning a dog, there are some common underlying causes that you should be aware of.

Here's what you need to know about why your pup's breath could leave something to be desired.

Poor Dental Health

Poor dental health can be a major contributor to bad breath in dogs. Tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth and gums can cause inflammation, which leads to halitosis.

In addition, bacteria and food particles tend to accumulate between the teeth and gum line, leading to further decay of the teeth and a worsening of the odor. Regular brushing is essential in maintaining good oral hygiene for dogs of all breeds, as it helps reduce bacterial growth.

Regular check-ups with the veterinarian are also necessary to assess your dog's dental health. Veterinarians can detect any early signs of tooth decay or gum disease that may have gone unnoticed by owners. 

Left unchecked, dental diseases such as periodontal disease can cause significant damage to your pet's mouth and lead to other systemic issues due to infection from oral bacteria entering the bloodstream.

Look for signs that may indicate poor dental health, such as excessive drooling, difficulty chewing or biting hard objects, red or swollen gums, or increased tartar accumulation along their pup's back molars. All these could be telltale signs that something is wrong with your dog's oral hygiene. 

A preventive approach is always better than having to treat a more advanced issue, so make sure you take care of your pup's oral health before it becomes too late.

Poor Diet and Nutrition 

Poor nutrition and diet can also lead to bad breath in dogs. An unhealthy diet that is high in processed carbohydrates and low in essential nutrients may cause halitosis due to a buildup of toxins. Processed ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy often lack the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for adequate digestive health.

In contrast, a balanced diet with fresh, whole foods can help promote good oral hygiene in dogs as they provide more nutritional benefits than commercial pet food products. When pets are given healthy meals made from scratch with fresh ingredients, it can improve their overall health — including reducing odors associated with foul breath.

Dogs need quality proteins from natural sources like lean meats, brown rice, and eggs, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed or fish oil for healthier skin and tongues, which naturally helps reduce unpleasant smells coming from the mouth. Feeding your pup highly nutritious food will also help reduce tartar buildup on teeth, which can contribute to bad breath.

Even though it may be tempting to spoil your pup with treats every now and then, make sure you're also giving them plenty of nutrient-rich balanced meals to keep their body healthy.

For more information, contact pet dental care services near you.



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Veterinarians: The Heroes We Need There's a popular saying that goes, "not all heroes wear a cape." And it's true! Sometimes the heroes we need are not caped superheros, but veterinarians. When your dog is sick or your cat is ailing, this is who you need to call to save the day. The veterinarian can look your pet over, figure out what's wrong, and recommend the best treatment. Since pets cannot speak human languages, this might as well be a super power. We really appreciate the work that vets do, and we do regard them as heroes. We honor their work with this blog, which we write for readers like you.

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