Sniff sniff. Hmm… Why does my dog's breath smell so bad? Bad breath is a big problem that many dog lovers worry about. Some people brush their dogs' teeth many times but their breath still doesn't go away. If this happens, it might mean that your dog is at risk of having a disease that affects their mouth.
Bad breath in dogs can be caused by a number of factors, particularly those related to the teeth. When your dog has a disease, it not only directly affects the mouth, but also other organs in the body, including the lungs, kidneys, liver, blood vessels, and heart. Let's take a look at some of the diseases that dogs are at risk of if they have bad breath.
Most dogs will not show obvious symptoms in the early stages if they have the disease. But if the owner notices that the dog has bad breath, does not eat much, does not chew food, or has blood coming out of the mouth, it means that the dog has an illness that affects the mouth. Diseases that may cause bad breath in dogs include:
1. Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to infection of the bone that attaches the teeth and surrounding tissue. Periodontal disease is the most common cause of bad breath in dogs. It is primarily caused by plaque and tartar that build up on the tooth surfaces. Research has shown that 70% dogs 2 years and older are more likely to develop periodontal disease.
Symptoms of periodontal disease in dogs
- Bad breath
- Swollen and red gums
- Receding gums
- There is blood or pus mixed with saliva.
- Loose teeth
2. Kidney disease
Dogs with kidney failure may have a urine-like breath odor, along with other symptoms such as lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, and excessive or decreased urination.
3. Diabetes
Dogs with diabetes may have breath that smells like nail polish remover, along with other symptoms such as drinking more water than usual, urinating more than usual, or eating more but losing weight.
There are also other diseases that can cause dogs to have bad breath, namely:
- Liver disease Such as hepatitis
- Gastrointestinal diseases Such as esophageal stenosis, gastrointestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal tumors or cancers.
- Respiratory disease Such as sinusitis, rhinitis, oral tumors or cancer.
- Immune system diseases Such as SLE
Bad breath in dogs is something that every owner should not overlook or neglect. Don't assume that simply brushing your dog's teeth will cure the problem. Bad breath is a sign of your dog's health. If your dog has unusually strong breath, is lethargic, or has no appetite, you should take him to the veterinarian immediately to determine the cause so that the disease can be treated promptly.
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References
Dr. Phawinee Montien
Pet MD. (2016). 7 Reasons Your Dog Has Bad Breath. Retrieved June 29, 2021
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