Dog Bad Breath
Information And Facts about Dog Bad Breath
Often, dog bad breath syndrome is one that is joked about among dog owners, but it is far from a laughing matter. That halitosis can quite possibly be signs of a serious problem.
As pups, the number of teeth in a dog’s mouth is around 28, increasing to 42 as they enter into adulthood. Around age 3, it is reported that about 80% of dogs are already showing signs of some type of oral diseases. The reason for this is that most dogs do not receive good dental care at home. For a dog, bad breath can be the result of tartar build up, periodontitis or gingivitis. All of these are preventative conditions, and help can start at home.
From an early age, your dog should have regular veterinarian visits that include inspection of the teeth. The vet will be checking not only the oral health of your dog; bad breath, tartar and cleanliness, but also will check to ensure the dog’s bite is accurate. Catching problems early means there is a good chance of correcting them. These regular visits should continue throughout the lifetime of your pet, at intervals recommended by your veterinarian.
At home, dental care of your pet should begin with regular tooth brushing. It may not be a process enjoyed by your dog; bad breath never seems to bother animals. However, if tooth brushing becomes part of your pet’s regular routine, it will be tolerated. Beginning when the pup is as young as possible will be the best course of action. There are toothpastes specially designed for a dog’s constitution; you should never use toothpaste designed for humans as it could cause intestinal issues.
Chew toys are also important for the dental health of dogs; bad breath caused by tartar will be relieved as the teeth are engaged in activities that provide a friction to rub off the collected material. Your vet will be able to recommend the best types of chew toys to use; many recommend softer toys, which may surprise many. Foods that are specially formulated for the oral health of dogs are also helpful in maintaining good, clean breath for your dog.
If dental issues are already plaguing your dog, bad breath, tartar, broken teeth and possibly pain, your vet will need to take action. X-rays may be needed to accurately assess the condition of your dog’s teeth; especially if gingivitis is suspected. Sedation or anesthesia may be required while a periodontal probe is used to examine gums. Cleaning will be completed to remove tartar buildup and to remove any foreign matter from under the gums.
Oral health in a dog; bad breath, broken teeth or more serious issues like gingivitis and periodontitis, are all treatable conditions that will ensure your dog is able to eat and digest his food without pain.