Even on her best day, your dog's breath probably won't be mistaken for a bouquet of flowers, but if her breath is room-clearing bad, there could be a problem. Poor diet, inadequate dental care, food allergies or an underlying illness can create bad breath in dogs. In most cases, the solution is simply a good cleaning and an ongoing dental hygiene regimen.
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Dental Care
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Examine your dog's teeth and gums. The teeth should be white and plaque-free. The gums should be pale to bright pink but not red. If the gum line looks inflamed and red, it could be the early signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. As plaque builds up along the gum line, bacteria can form pockets that separate the tooth from the gum. In addition to bad breath, this condition can cause infections and tooth loss. In severe cases, bone loss can occur.
Early stage gingivitis can be controlled with brushing. A veterinarian should treat more severe plaque buildup or any condition that is accompanied by bleeding gums. A thorough, professional descaling will make your future efforts more useful.
Brush your dog's teeth daily. Any soft-bristled toothbrush can be used, but there are special dog toothbrushes available for this purpose as well as dog-specific toothpaste. Do not use baking soda or human toothpaste in your dog's mouth. Concentrate on the gum line of the back teeth. Start slowly---few dogs will immediately appreciate your efforts.
Food and Treats
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Dry dog food and crunchy treats promote healthy teeth and gums by massaging the gums and scraping tartar off the tooth surface. Moist dog food is stickier and may promote tartar buildup. Treats that contain breath freshening ingredients may provide a temporary fix for bad breath, but unless the underlying cause is resolved, the odor problem will return.
Some dog foods may cause stomach upset in sensitive dogs, and what may seem like a mouth problem is really a stomach problem. Choose a dog food that contains a named meat as its primary ingredient and consider adding digestive enzymes to your dog's diet.
Underlying Illness
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Certain serious illnesses can cause bad breath in dogs. Diabetes, kidney disease and digestive tract cancers may change the odor of your dog's breath.
Melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer, can affect the mouth and surrounding tissues of some dogs. If you see any unusual growth in or around your dog's mouth, contact your veterinarian.
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