Every dog can be forgiven a bad breath day: Yesterday's over-ripe garbage can be the source of today's room-clearing breath. If, however, your dog's breath is consistently foul smelling, there could be a problem. Food allergies, plaque buildup or an underlying illness can give your dog bad breath. In most cases, however, a good dental cleaning and ongoing hygiene program will improve your dog's breath and keep her mouth healthy.
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Dental Health
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Look inside your dog's mouth. Her teeth should be free from plaque buildup. Plaque usually accumulates on the back teeth first: look for dark discolorations along the gum line. The gums should be pink, not red. Pay particular attention to the gum line where early signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease cause redness and swelling.
Plaque buildup irritates the gums, allowing bacteria to establish a presence in your dog's mouth. Infections along the gum line cause bad breath and can lead to tooth and bone loss.
In its early stages, gingivitis can be managed with regular brushing. A professional cleaning may be needed if your dog has severe plaque build up or bleeding gums.
To maintain your dog's dental health, brush her teeth several times a week. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a special dog brush. Do not use baking soda or human toothpaste. Purchase dog-specific toothpaste or use plain water. Gently brush along the gum line, concentrating your efforts on the back teeth. Be patient with this procedure as most dogs require an adjustment period.
Dietary Management
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Food sensitivities can cause gas, bloating and bad breath. Avoid foods that contain common allergens such as corn, wheat and soy. Opt instead for foods that contain a meat as the primary ingredient.
Do not feed your dog salty, spicy or overly fatty table scraps. If you want to share your food with your dog, share the healthy stuff: carrots, peas, green beans and lean meats are easily digested and nutritious.
You can also give your dog a variety of treats that contain breath-freshening ingredients. If you are trapped in your car with a fire-breathing dog, these treats can be lifesavers, but they will not resolve underlying dental or dietary causes of bad breath.
Check For Underlying Illness
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If your dog is healthy and alert, bad breath is probably nothing serious. There are, however, certain serious illnesses that can change the odor of your dog's breath. Diabetes, digestive system cancers and kidney disease can cause strong breath and melanoma, a form of skin cancer, can affect the gums. If you suspect that an underlying illness is causing your dog's bad breath, see your veterinarian.
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