If your dog has suddenly accumulated an abundance of bad breath, you might be wondering what is causing their odorous kisses to smell so foul. While the odor can often be attributed to a poor oral hygiene regimen, it is also a symptom of an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian.
Kidney Problems: If your dog’s breath smells like urine, it may be a sign that they are suffering from kidney disease. This is a serious condition that can lead to death if it is left untreated.
Dietary Issues: A diet that is not suited to your dog’s dog breath smells like poop body can cause them to have bad breath. Food that is too dry or is not easily digested can send stomach acids and gases up into their mouth, creating a foul odor in your dog’s breath.
Coprophagia: Eating feces is an odd habit that can be quite common among many dogs. This is when a dog will eat their own poop, other animals’ poop, or even cat poop in the litter box in your home.
It can be a very distasteful thing for your dog to do, but it is something that most dogs will do in their quest for a tasty snack. It is not uncommon for puppies and older dogs to eat their own waste, as well as that of other animals.
Tumors in the Mouth: If your dog is showing signs of a tumor growing in their mouth, such as difficulty eating, excessive drooling, blood in their drool, and facial swelling, it is important to get your dog to a veterinarian for evaluation. These growths can lead to a wide range of problems, including bad breath, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Pica: The act of chewing on items such as paper, shoes, wood, and rocks can also cause a dog to have foul smelling breath. This is called pica and can be very dangerous for your pet as it could result in them choking.
If your dog is a walker, it is best to take them off the leash when they are outside and let them go where they should. This will help to eliminate any temptation to eat poop and make your dog more likely to clean themselves properly in the future, leading to fresher breath.
Other things that can cause your dog to have stinky breath include loose or damaged teeth, or a poor dental hygiene regimen. In some cases, these can be fixed by removing the teeth and cleaning out their gums with a special toothpaste or a brushing routine.
These habits can be very difficult to break down and can eventually result in a whole new set of issues with your dog’s overall health. A regular checkup with a vet can prevent these issues from occurring in the first place and help your dog to have healthier gums, less painful teeth and fresher breath for life.
While there are several causes of halitosis in your dog, some of the most commonly known ones are the following. In most cases, bad breath will subside once the underlying issue is treated.