Causes of Dog Bad Breath: Understanding the Issues
Halitosis in dogs is often linked to tartar buildup on their teeth. Generally speaking, if a dog at home has poor eating habits and doesn't receive proper dental care, over time, the leftover dental plaque can harden into tartar.
How to Clean Dog Tartar at Home?
Learn how to effectively remove tartar from your dog's teeth right at home!
Firstly, select a dental cleaning product and apply it to your dog's teeth to soften the tartar. Then, use a dental scaler to gently scrape off the tartar. However, this method is not commonly recommended. It's challenging for many to control their dogs throughout the entire cleaning process, and improper use can lead to unsatisfactory results or even damage to the dog's gums. Therefore, it's usually advised to have your dog's teeth professionally cleaned at a vet's office first. Afterward, you can use mouthwashes, brushing, or dietary adjustments to prevent tartar buildup. This approach is safer and more effective.
What Are the Impacts of Tartar on Dogs?
Some pet owners may wonder why it's necessary to go through the trouble of removing tartar, as it might naturally grow and fall off on its own. However, once tartar forms, especially after calcification, it's usually difficult to fall off naturally. The longer it remains, the more severe the calcification becomes, and the more tartar accumulates, which can lead to the following issues:
More severe halitosis, as well as an increased risk of gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and swollen gums. In severe cases, it can significantly affect the dog's ability to eat normally;
Plaque in the mouth can have serious impacts on the heart and kidneys.
How to Prevent Dog Tartar:
Regularly cleaning your dog's mouth and brushing their teeth, at least once a day or every other day, is essential. It's recommended to use dogspecific toothbrushes and toothpaste. If your dog dislikes brushing, you can apply toothpaste to a piece of gauze and wrap it around your finger to help clean their teeth. Regular cleaning is crucial for preventing tartar buildup. You can also give your dog dental chews to gnaw on, which can help with both dental health and cleaning.
In cases of severe tartar, in addition to professional cleaning, it's suggested to feed your dog a prescription diet for a period of time. This can help reduce the accumulation of foreign objects in the mouth and the growth of bacteria.
Understanding the causes and solutions for dog halitosis is important. However, it's possible that halitosis is not caused by a single factor and could be related to issues like heat, gastrointestinal disorders, or kidney problems. If you can't determine the cause of your dog's halitosis, it's best to consult a veterinarian or an online pet doctor for advice!
