The problem of dogs having bad breath is quite widespread. You may find the morning licks less fun if your dog has terrible breath. It’s a mistake to ignore the smell emanating from your dog’s mouth. In many instances, the stinky breath of your pet might serve as an early warning sign that your dog might be experiencing other health issues.
It would help if you took a moment to dig a bit deeper to establish the root of the bad breath smell in your dog. Also, consider the best way to stop it and treat it before the time you offer your dog a dental treat. This will provide you with a broader picture of your dog’s health.
How does your pet’s breath indicate health?
Many dog owners see the terrible breath of their pets as usual because of how often it happens. Dental problems or overactive gut bacteria can cause dogs’ lousy breath. Since bad breath is typically the first indicator of a health issue, we’ll look into the possible causes behind the smelly breath of pets.
1. Periodontal Disease
Dental problems according to a dog dentist are the most prevalent cause for dogs to suffer from bad breath. For animals, as in people, the accumulation of plaque and tartar could cause gingivitis caused by bacteria and can cause bad breath.
Periodontal problems can result from neglecting good dental care practices over time. Plaque and tartar can trigger gum recession, providing an ideal setting for bacteria to multiply in numbers and trigger dental infections.
2. Diabetes
A sour odor that is present on your pet’s breath can indicate diabetes, a condition that is characterized by high concentrations of blood glucose. The excess sugar levels in the blood can cause a dog’s breath to smell sweet, and excessive bacteria may make it smell unpleasant or musty.
Diabetes is a condition that often causes various symptoms, like excessive drinking, blurry eyes, infected urinary tract. Schedule a trip to a reputable vet like Clearlake Veterinary Clinic if there are any of these signs. Like humans, diabetes in dogs is treatable with medications.
3. Tumor
Oral tumors can cause your pet’s breath isn’t as fresh—the rapid expansion and proliferation of cells in your pet’s mouth cause these tumors.
Sometimes the rate of tissue growth is higher than the rate at which the body can give adequate blood flow to the area. When these tumors aren’t getting enough blood flow, they begin to die. When they do, your dog’s terrible breath may smell something that’s died. If you want to know a wide range of internal medicine conditions, you can ask your vet for info or you can search the web for articles and blog posts about it.
4. Liver Disease
Toxins may persist in the bloodstream if the liver’s function isn’t as it should be. This is also the case for the lung. It could be accompanied by a strong fragrance that can be exhaled. Other symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the mouth and eyes), weakness and unstable, and in rare circumstances, seizures, which could be present in cases of liver diseases.
Liver diseases can occur naturally during aging or may be passed down through the generations. On the other hand, it is considered that oxidative stress plays a significant role in developing liver issues. The most common causes of oxidative stress include being obese, eating a lot of processed foods, living exposed to radiation, or living in a polluted area.
5. Kidney Disease
Urea is a metabolite created in your body through the breakdown of protein. The kidneys are accountable for removing urea from the bloodstream. However, if they aren’t working at their total capacity, the blood urea level rises.
Halitosis might develop if there is an abnormally high level of urea in the bloodstream. The scent has been described as like that of ammonia.
