My Dog Needs a Mint! What does my dog's bad breath really mean?

As much as I love my dog, there was a time that I did not love his breath. It's hard to sit close to a panting pooch with halitosis no matter how close your bond. Here are some important things to know about your dog's mouth and health. 

First of all, halitosis is caused by odor-pruducing bacteria in your pets mouth, lungs, or digestive tract. That's right, you may need more than a better oral hygiene routine.  

Most commonly bad breath is caused by gum disease, or gingivitis, so treating gum disease first is a great place to start. Gingivitis usually precedes periodontal disease. Below is from petmd.com. 

"Periodontal disease is an inflammation of some or all of a tooth’s deep supporting structures. Today, it is one of the most common diseases in dogs.

If food particles and bacteria are allowed to accumulate along the dog's gumline, it can form plaque, which, when combined with saliva and minerals, will transform into calculus. This causes gum irritation and leads to an inflammatory condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis, which is evidenced by a reddening of the gums directly bordering the teeth, is considered to be an early stage of periodontal disease.

After an extended period, the calculus builds up under the gum and separates it from the teeth. Spaces will form under the teeth, fostering bacterial growth. Once this happens, the dog has irreversible periodontal disease. This usually leads to bone loss, tissue destruction and pus formation in the cavities between the gum and teeth.

Periodontal disease affects both cats and dogs of all ages, though it is more common in older animals. Poor nutrition will also contribute to the onset of the condition."

Three things you can do to prevent or treat gum disease in your dog: 

1. Brush your dog’s teeth frequently -- every day if possible. (Only use toothpaste formulated for dogs as human toothpaste can upset a canine’s stomach.)

2. Provide hard, safe chew toys that allow your dog’s teeth to be cleaned by the natural process of chewing.

3. Give your dog treats formulated to improve breath odor. (My dog's favorite dental sticks.)

4. Feed your dog a high-quality dog food.  

Persistent bad breath can also indicate larger medical problems in the mouth, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract so don't stop at oral hygiene! 

Here are some great ways to keep your dogs digestive system healthy as well: Not only will you have a happier and healthier dog but it can save you from future health issues that can lead to costly veterinary bills. 

1. Feed your dog a high-quality dog food containing prebiotics to support a healthy digestive tract.  

2. There is a great supplement by pawTree called Gastro Pro Plus. It contains prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. (My dog has a very sensitive digestive system and this has helped immensely!)

Please note that if your pup has had persistent bad breath despite high-quality dog food and a good oral hygiene routine then a trip to your veterinarian is highly recommended.

So I guess this post was great for pawTree! I have found that their products can't be beat as far as promoting your pets health.  

Good luck and best wishes,

Amber