We often smell bad breath in our dogs and simply think it is because of something they ate. Although this can be the reason, chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can be a symptom of a more serious medical problem.
The most common causes of bad breath are teeth and gum problems. Plaque and tartar buildup are dental problems that can lead to periodontal disease. Small dogs, such as pugs, Pekingese and Boston terriers, are highly susceptible to gum disease because their teeth are spaced closely together.
Bad breath can also be caused by diabetes, inflammation in the nose or the sinuses and gastrointestinal problems. In some cases, halitosis can be caused by trauma, such as by chewing on something. Cancers and inflammation in the mouth and esophagus can cause foul odors. Certain types of infections and the food he is eating can also be the culprits.
Foreign objects in the mouth can cause smelly breath. Check your dog’s mouth for any grass, plants, bones, hair, sticks or other stuck objects. Eating garbage, spoiled food or dead animals can cause an offensive smell. Some dogs engage in coprophagia, which is the practice of eating one’s own feces, so this could be a cause of the odor.
Even your dog’s regular diet can be a cause. Some dogs are unable to properly digest some foods, which can leave some partially chewed food stuck in the mouth or on the tongue.
Symptoms
An offensive odor is typically the only symptom, unless a more serious medical problem is present. For example, if your dog has dental problems, you may notice loose teeth, blood in the mouth or changes in eating patterns. If your dog has diabetes, you may notice an increase in drinking and urinating. If he has been vomiting and his eyes look yellowish, that could be a sign of liver problems. Breath that has a smell of urine may be a sign of kidney disease.
Diagnosis
The vet will ask you questions about your dog’s general behavior, diet, oral hygiene and exercise routine. He or she will also examine the dog’s mouth and look for any signs of tooth or gum problems. In some cases, mouth X-rays may be performed. If the vet believes that a more serious health condition is present, blood work and other tests will be performed.
Conclusion
Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. If gum disease is the cause of the halitosis, the vet will perform a thorough cleaning of the teeth. He or she may also remove teeth that are severely damaged. If the problem is caused by your dog’s diet, you may need to switch to another brand of food. If the foul odor is caused by a more serious problem, surgery, medications and long-term management may be needed to keep the condition under control.
