Not many people think of dogs as having good-smelling breath. However, when the odor is particularly bad, your dog may have halitosis, which is essentially bad breath. Unfortunately, halitosis is often a sign of other problems, such as periodontal disease or cavities, so it is important to seek treatment at a veterinary clinic that offers dental treatment.
Causes and Diagnosis
Though small dogs are more susceptible to halitosis because their teeth are closer together, any breed can develop bad breath. Conditions that can lead to this disease include diabetes mellitus, sinus or nasal inflammation, different gastrointestinal disorders, fungal infections, dietary problems, pharyngitis, and more. As mentioned previously, the most common cause is periodontal disease, which can be confirmed through X-rays and a dental exam. If this is not the cause, your veterinarian will be able to take a more in depth look at their diet, as well as their sinuses, etc.
Treatment
Clearly, treatment depends on your dog’s diagnosis. There are different types of treatments depending on the exact cause; additionally, it could easily be multiple causes, so there is treatment for this as well. Assuming that the halitosis is in fact caused by periodontal disease, your veterinarian will be able to treat this through routine dental care and extraction of certain teeth if necessary. Sometimes, dogs will have to take medication to help control the bacteria on the infected gums.
For dogs with halitosis, it is important to first and foremost determine the cause. Once your veterinarian is able to do this, they can provide the right treatment, though you should continue to monitor your dog’s symptoms. Contact Metro Vet if your dog is exhibiting bad breath, we offer dental care along with a host of veterinary services.
Courtesy of: Pet MD
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