Why Would a Dog's Breath Stink?
When a dog develops bad breath, owners may think it is normal because people like to refer to it as ''doggy breath''. But a dog's breath should naturally not be particularly offensive. If a dog's breath is getting unbearable, it is recommended to have a veterinarian check the dog for any underlying health issues.
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Dental Decay
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According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs by age 3 have some form of gum disease. The most obvious symptoms? Red, swollen gums, brown tartar and foul breath.
Coprophagia
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This is a term that describes dogs that tend to eat poop. It could be their own or that of other dogs or cats. Dogs that engage in such activity may do so for the following reasons: lack of nutrients in their diet, malabsorbtion issues, eating too fast, therefore producing feces with undigested food, stress and in some cases, boredom.
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Anal Glands
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If the dog's breath smells fishy, it could be the dog licked its anal glands. These glands are located at the four o' clock and eight o' clock location around the rectum and when pressed, they secrete a fishy odor.
Diet
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The foods that dogs are fed often can be part of the problem. Lamb and fish are two foods that can cause bad breath.
Systemic Illnesses
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If the breath resembles nail-polish remover or is sort of fruity, it could be a sign of ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal complication of uncontrolled diabetes. A smell like sour urine may be symptom of kidney disease, while gastro-intestinal issues in general may be also a cause of bad breath.
Foreign Objects
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It is always worth it to inspect the mouth and look for any foreign objects stuck in the mouth. Common objects that may embed in a dog's mouth are sticks, small rocks, grass, hair, fur or any other debris. Taking the item away, and cleaning the dog's mouth, may get rid of the smell.
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References
- Photo Credit xandert
