The offensive odor coming from your puppy's mouth is known as halitosis, or bad breath. Dealing with a puppy's bad breath can be challenging for many pet owners, as it can be very difficult to eliminate. However, knowing the underlying causes of your puppy's bad breath can help to find solutions.
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Common Causes
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According to Pet Place, halitosis can be caused by oral conditions within the dog's mouth. These maladies include gingivitis (gum inflammation), periodontitis (tissue inflammation), oral ulcers, oral tumors or an abscessed tooth. In addition, a bone or hair that is lodged in the mouth might also cause bad breath.
Diagnosis
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A skilled veterinarian can diagnose halitosis, using a series of tests. To determine the underlying source of the puppy's bad breath, the veterinarian may collect a complete medical history, perform a physical examination, and take an X-ray. The vet may also probe the dog's gums and teeth to identify periodontal and gum diseases.
Treatment
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Once the underlying cause of bad breath is identified, treatment usually includes: the removal of any foreign objects, treatment of any oral tumors, periodontal therapy and root cleaning. In addition, the veterinarian may prescribe a chemical antiseptic to spray into the dog's mouth daily.
Prevention
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Offensive doggy breath can be prevented by brushing your puppy's teeth daily, giving your puppy daily oral antiseptics and feeding it a special diet that promotes mouth and tooth health. In addition, inspect your puppy's mouth daily to be sure it stays free of foreign objects.
Considerations
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If your puppy's bad breath continues after treatment recommendations have been implemented, your puppy's breath may be the result of a serious medical condition. Lung disease, lung cancer and kidney disease all can produce halitosis in dogs.
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