Bad breath dog?
Poahh, the pungent smell of dog breath. It's a scent all too many dog owners are familiar with. Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a huge Great Dane, chances are your furry friend's breath will blow your mind. But why is it that some dogs have breath that smells like a garbage dump, while others have little or no smell at all? In this blog, we'll take a look at the various reasons why your dog's breath smells bad, along with a few funny anecdotes.
Poor oral hygiene: the main culprit
The most common reason for dog breath is poor oral hygiene. Just like humans, dogs need good dental care to prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria in their mouths. Without proper oral hygiene, your dog's mouth can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to bad breath, tooth decay and gum problems.
One of the funniest things about dog breath is the way dogs seem oblivious to how bad their breath smells. They happily pant, unaware that their hot, smelly breath is blowing in your face. It's almost like they're proud of their bad breath, like it's some sort of badge of honor they wear with pride. As a result, if you try to avoid their bad breath, they lean even closer to you. "Oh, you don't like my breath? That's too bad, because I keep breathing it on you!"
While poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of dog breath, it's not always the only cause. Let's look at some other reasons why your dog's breath may smell.
Dog has bad breath due to food:
Believe it or not, your dog's diet can have a major impact on the smell of his breath. If your dog eats a lot of canned food or table scraps, his breath is likely to be more pungent than if he eats dry kibble. In addition, some dogs are prone to gastrointestinal problems, which can lead to gas build up in their stomachs, causing bad breath. In some cases, changing your dog's diet can help relieve their bad breath.
Another hilarious aspect of dog breath is the way dogs seem to know absolutely no boundaries when it comes to getting up close and personal. Your dog likes to jump on your lap and start exhaling his smelly breath on you, with no regard for your personal space or comfort. It's like they can't resist - they want to be as close to you as possible, even if it means exposing you to their noxious fumes. You can try to create a barrier between you and your dog, but they will always find a way to get closer. "Do you think a wall of pillows will stop me? Think again Patrick!"
Medical problems cause bad breath:
In some cases, bad breath in dogs may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If your dog's breath suddenly starts to smell worse than usual, it's a good idea to take him to the vet to rule out any underlying health issues. Some of the medical issues that can cause bad breath in dogs include:
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Respiratory infections
- Tumors in the mouth
These are generally the most common reasons why dogs can suffer from bad breath. There are of course cases where you have to look elsewhere for the reason for the bad breath. In any case, don't jump to conclusions. Does your dog's breath change from one day to the next, first find out if anything has changed in your dog's life; different food, been sick, eaten something strange? If the click smell persists behind your dog's teeth, visit the vet for an extensive examination and advice.