|
The
most common causes of bad breath in adult dogs are dental disorders.
Excess plaque and calculus deposits on your dog’s teeth can cause bad
breath. Without treatment, these deposits could lead to painful gum and
bone infections.
The
usual cause of bad breath is tartar buildup surrounding the teeth. As in
people, small particles of food remain in the mouth after eating. These
particles decompose, creating conditions where oral bacteria thrive.
These bacteria grow to form plaque that is a combination of bacteria,
mineral and decomposed food. Plaque and associated oral infections give
the pet’s breath an objectionable odor. Plaque also clings to the base
of teeth causing the gums to become inflamed and recede. Inflamed gums
leak blood serum which combines with and increases the amount of plaque.
This plaque or calculus is visible as a hard yellowish coating on the
outer base of the teeth.
If
there is no obvious tartar or gum inflammation, this may be less likely.
Some dogs that chew on themselves a lot have bad breath from getting
hair wound around the tooth roots. If there is skin disease involving
the lip folds, it can smell just like bad breath but actually may be a
dermatologic problem. Dogs with chronic dental problems often drool.
This wetness and the infection associated with tooth infections may
cause the lips and the skin folds surrounding the lips to become
inflamed. Once the teeth are cleaned these problems resolve.
Dogs
that eat feces (theirs or other animals) can have bad oral odors as a
result of this habit. Some rations can cause bad breath. Do a food
trial. Pick a food with a novel protein such as lamb, tuna or salmon —
just a protein source that your dog has not been exposed to. You have to
feed these diets for at least 4 to 6 weeks to see if they help.
Dental
disease can lead to disease of the kidney and liver. Tartar accumulation
around the teeth allows harmful bacteria to proliferate. These bacteria
occasionally break loose and enter the pet’s circulation. Once in the
blood stream, they lodge in crevices with the kidneys and liver and on
the valves of the heart. Liver inflammation, as well as scarred, poorly
functioning kidneys, are the result of bacteria lodging in these organs.
When the heart valves are attacked by bacteria, they shrink and scar
causing blood to flow in the wrong direction. This is why it is common
for dogs with severe dental disease to have heart murmurs. It is not
unusual for these murmurs to go away once the pet’s dental problems
are treated.
Treatment
of Bad Breath
1)
Yearly Checkups. It is wise to take your pet to a
veterinarian yearly to get a general checkup that includes a dental
exam. The older your pet is, the more important early exams become.
2)
Diet. To retard the formation of plaque, feed your pet a dry
commercial pet food. The crunchy biscuits help massage gums and wear
away tartar. One of the worst things you can do to your pet’s teeth is
to feed canned diets exclusively. The build up of plaque in pets fed
soft, canned diets is very rapid.
3)
Treats and foods. Feeding chewy treats, bones, rawhide and
treats impregnated with enzymes minimize dental plaque. Nylon bones work
equally as well if the pet accepts them. Dog biscuits are of no value in
preventing tartar buildup. If you give your pet real bones, be sure they
are heavy shin and shank bones. Dogs do better chewing on bones if they
start when they are puppies. Do not give your pet chicken bones.
4)
Brushing teeth. Brushing your pet’s teeth is the most
important thing you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Use a
child’s toothbrush and meat or malt favored toothpaste designed for
animals. Use a very small amount of toothpaste – it is the brushing
that is important – and concentrate on the gum margins. Look for
abscessed teeth and other dental problems while you’re brushing, and
have a veterinarian properly treat any such problems. If you start
when your pet is a puppy, the pet will not dislike the procedure. Even
older pets learn to accept the toothbrush. If your dog has sensitive or
bleeding gums, it may have pyorrhea or gingivitis. Take your pooch to
the veterinarian for a dental exam.
5)
Consider other possible causes of bad breath such as
gastrointestinal disease if it persists in spite of clean teeth and
proper food. |
