Easy Canine Dental Care Tips for Dog Owners in Dartmouth, MA
When most dog owners think about canine dental care, they imagine fighting their dog with a toothbrush and trying not to get snapped at in the process. Fortunately, bad breath in dogs is something that can now be prevented and cured, requiring just a little bit of work on your part. Below are some tips that you can use to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and get rid of bad breath in dogs once and for all. The truth is – your dog’s breath doesn’t have to stink!
Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs
Because bad breath and poor oral hygiene in dogs can be the result of other issues or illnesses, it is important to visit Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth for a routine veterinary check-up to ensure that your dog’s breath issue isn’t caused by something more important. In most cases, these issues are treatable, but it’s best to make sure that you seek out professional help whenever you are concerned about canine dental care.
DIABETES – If your dog’s breath has a sweet or “fruity” scent to it, your dog might be diabetic. If you already have a diagnosis of diabetes, then your vet at the local animal hospital in Dartmouth might have already talked to you about what you can do for bad breath in dogs with diabetes. Other signs of diabetes in dogs include and increase in drinking water and more frequent urination. If you think your dog might be diabetic, bring him in for a veterinary check-up right away.
KIDNEYS – Whether kidney disease or just problems with the kidney, bad breath in dogs can be as a result of issues with the kidney. If this is the case, your dog’s breath might smell like urine. If you notice that this is the case with your dog, schedule an appointment with Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth right away. Kidney problems are very serious and a professional veterinary check-up should be done right away.
LIVER – Another health issue that can lead to bad breath in dogs is liver problems. Indications include abnormally bad smelling breath, along with vomiting and yellowing of the teeth or eyes. This is also a very serious condition, so a trip to the veterinarian for a check-up is required. Make sure to call Anchor right away to get your dog in to be seen if you suspect that this might be an issue.
DENTAL HYGIENE – The most common cause of bad breath in dogs is basic dental problems, which are caused by build-up of bacteria, saliva and food in the mouth. Canine dental care is the answer to this problem, which should be done to prevent gum disease or periodontal disease. Both of these conditions could cause your dog to lose teeth or get an abscess infection, which is very serious. Speak with your vet at your next appointment to the animal hospital in Dartmouth to talk about canine dental care and what you can do to help.
OTHER ISSUES – Some other conditions which have been known to cause bad breath in dogs include sinus infections, gastrointestinal issues, cancer and a wide range of common and rare diseases. If good canine dental care is no longer keeping your dog’s breath smelling fresh and clean, schedule a veterinary check-up to rule out any other issues that might be affecting your dog’s oral health.
How to Prevent and Treat Bad Breath in Dogs
The best way to prevent and treat bad breath in dogs is through proper canine dental care. Start with an appointment at Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth, where your dog can receive a basic veterinary check-up and get a proper evaluation done. A lack of proper canine dental care is usually the cause of bad breath in dogs, so your veterinarian will likely talk with you about diet modifications, profession teeth cleanings and in between cleanings at home. In some cases, more serious treatment and/or medication may be required as well, depending on the underlying cause of your dog’s bad breath.
To prevent issues with bad breath in dogs or more serious dental conditions, keep your dog’s teeth clean on a regular basis and keep an eye on his overall health. A healthy, well-balanced diet and good canine dental care will go a long way toward keeping your dog’s breath fresh. Contact Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth to schedule an appointment for a veterinary check-up to get your dog started on the road to excellent canine dental care!