London (Parliament Politic Magazine) – Foul-smelling breath is a prevalent issue among dogs, often overlooked by their owners. However, it may serve as a subtle indicator of concealed health issues. A canine nutritionist cautions that it could signal underlying medical problems such as respiratory infections and kidney disease. Furthermore, specialists at Tuggs have pinpointed specific dog breeds that exhibit a higher susceptibility to this problem. Katie McCaul, an accomplished nutritionist at Tuggs with qualifications in BSc, DipNat, VN, and ANutR, observes that Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs rank among the breeds most frequently affected.
What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs?
Brachycephalic dogs, characterized by their short noses, are more prone to experiencing bad breath due to the compression of their teeth, which can lead to food becoming trapped and causing unpleasant odors,” Ms. McCaul explained. “This category may also encompass dogs with moderately flat faces, such as Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The statement further continues:
“A build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth can lead to bacterial growth, causing a foul odor. If left untreated, it can progress to gum disease and tooth decay”. The primary cause of bad breath in dogs, also referred to as halitosis, typically stems from inadequate dental and oral care.
The nutrition expert clarified, “In their natural, pre-domestication state, dogs would naturally maintain their dental hygiene by chewing on carcasses. However, as canine diets have evolved and their food has become softer over time, it has become increasingly common for dogs to develop tartar buildup, potentially leading to gum disease and the occurrence of bad breath.”
Katie McCaul recommends addressing this issue by providing dogs with a high-quality chew that they can enjoy for a minimum of half an hour per week. Additionally, Ms. McCaul suggests introducing tooth brushing into your pet’s routine and exploring natural products containing seaweed, as they have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing plaque.
Never Feed Chocolates to Dogs
Tugg’s nutritionist has also alerted pet owners to the fact that “persistent and foul-smelling breath” might indicate the presence of underlying medical conditions that generate gases and unpleasant odors. Ms. McCaul added: “It can be a sign of a poor microbiome or digestive and gastrointestinal issues. “Other problems can include kidney disease, diabetes, liver problems and respiratory infections.”
The nutritionist strongly advises owners to consult a veterinarian if their dog is exhibiting “unusual behavior” or if the bad odor persists and worsens. Ms. McCaul has also recommended considering the addition of probiotics to enhance your dog’s digestive health or transitioning them to a fresh diet to promote a healthier oral microbiome.
Another potential cause of bad breath in your dog could be attributed to its diet. Ms. McCaul emphasized that certain foods, such as fish and liver, with their strong odors, can lead to temporary bad breath in dogs. She explains: She added: “A poor-quality diet can also cause dental and overall health problems, resulting in bad breath in dogs.”
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Insect Based Recipes for Dogs
To combat bad breath resulting from a poor diet, Ms. McCaul suggests considering Tuggs’ insect-based recipes. She said: “They are made sustainably with 100% fresh ingredients, meaning no bad breath, sore tummies or extra baggage as insects provide a well-balanced, complete meal and are packed with essential amino acids, fats and minerals – making insects nutritionally comparable to meat and fish.”
The Tuggs nutritionist has further clarified that inappropriate chewing can irritate a dog’s gums and result in tooth damage. In some cases, loose objects or materials from toys, such as a rope toy, can break away and become lodged in your dog’s mouth. This, in turn, may lead to infections that can contribute to bad breath, as Ms. McCaul elaborated.
Ms. McCaul suggests introducing toys like natural chew toys or rubbery toys that can aid in the removal of tartar and plaque from your dog’s teeth. She added: “This will also help to keep them entertained for hours.” Dog owners have to be careful and see how the dog is doing.
The main source of bad breath in dogs results from harmful bacteria leading to decay, which in turn produces malodorous sulfur compounds. Additionally, volatile sulfur compounds might contribute to periodontal disease.