Doggie breath….oh the scent (stench!)
There is nothing more loving than getting close and comfortable with your pup, until he/she opens their mouth and you get a whiff of……whoa…what is that smell? Could our pooch, whom we so dearly love, truly be the carrier of that awful odor? You know you want a hug or cuddle from your dog, but the thought of getting close to that stench again is just too much to handle.
Your dog has halitosis, commonly known as dog breath. This is a fairly common condition among dogs and one that should not be ignored as the cause of the smell from your pup could be something as common as plaque buildup on your dogs teeth to a condition with more serious health implications, such as diabetes or uremia. What ever the cause, it is important to find out the source of the problem and treat it promptly.
If plaque is building on your dog’s teeth, it could eventually develop into gingivitis and then periodontitis. The bacterial build up could lead to bone loss which produces a sulfury smell in your dog’s mouth. If you dog begins experiencing oral pain, which you can tell by their reluctance to eat or chew, you may have noticed the mouth odor in your dog for a while.
It is very important to find the source of the halitosis as soon as possible. It is unhealthy for your dog to let this condition continue. There are many products on the market to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and prevent the buildup of bacteria. I would recommend a trip to the vet if you notice “doggie breath” Its important to insure that there are not more critical health issues that need treatment. If the cause of the halitosis is directly related to the condition of the mouth of your dog, your vet will be able to recommend the best products to keep your dog’s mouth clean and smelling fresh. It may be necessary to brush your dogs teeth, which in most dogs should be done about twice a week. Doggie tooth brushes and some other items including chew toys can help alleviate the build up of plaque. Your dog will enjoy them and they will help to insure continued good oral health of your best buddy!!! Are you ready for that hug or doggie kiss now???!!!
October 15th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
[...] 1. Myth - All dogs have bad breath. Fact - Untrue!!! Bad breath or halatosis can be an indication that there are some underlying health issues with your pooch. Refer to a previous entry from this blog: http://www.myfriendlypets.com/doggie-breathoh-the-scent-st... [...]