A visit to the vet is a must!
In dogs, bad breath can be linked to:
- the proliferation of bacteria producing malodorous sulfur compounds and associated with the presence of dental plaque and tartar,
- the presence of decomposing food particles retained between the animal's teeth or within dental lesions,
- the presence of necrotic tissue due to oral tumors.
To know!
Small, flat-faced breeds are more prone to bad breath and oral disease because their teeth are closer together and their owners tend to feed them softer foods, such as industrial dog food , which tend to stick more to their teeth.
You will therefore easily understand that the only thing to do when a dog suffers from bad breath is to consult a veterinarian who will endeavor to determine the causes before treating them.
Most often, a dog's bad breath is only due to the presence of tartar on his teeth and at the edge of his gums, which can only be removed with the help of a scaling in the veterinary practice. In dogs, this treatment is carried out under general anesthesia and is generally enough to make bad breath disappear.
How to prevent the appearance or reappearance of bad breath?
Once the causes of bad breath have been identified and eliminated by your veterinarian, it is important to prevent the reappearance of dental plaque so that bad breath does not re-establish.
Several solutions are then available to you among:
- Regular brushing of your dog's teeth.
This is by far the most effective way to prevent plaque from forming in your pet's oral cavity. Your veterinarian or pet store has suitable toothbrushes or finger cots as well as palatable dog toothpaste that the animal can swallow without danger. The ideal would be to brush it every day but 3 times a week is a good compromise. Remember to end this treatment with a reward so that it does not equate brushing with a punishment.
- The use of treats and dental products
Dog dental treats can either help to physically remove plaque when your dog chews them by exerting a "toothbrush" action, or contain additives that can help clean up his oral cavity. Other products, such as water additives, can be used to help mask bad breath and promote your dog's oral he alth.These products are generally unflavored and all you need to do is add a small amount to your pet's drinking water bowl each day. There are also algae-based powders to sprinkle directly on your dog's food to prevent the appearance of dental plaque.
- Special “dental he alth” croquettes
There are special “dental he alth” kibbles designed for dogs that can help reduce plaque buildup. The shape of the kibble as well as its texture are designed to eliminate as much dental plaque as possible during chewing.
Diets based on raw meat and meaty bones, such as BARF, which cause dogs to chew more are also known to benefit the oral he alth of our pets.
Finally, reschedule regular dental checkups with your vet.If you allow a veterinary professional to examine your dog's mouth regularly, he or she will be able to detect oral problems in your pet earlier and the reappearance of the bad breath that often goes with them.