22 Aug What Your Dog’s Breath Says About Their Health
A common question pet owners ask is, “What does it mean when my dog has bad breath?” Sometimes, the answer is straightforward; in others, getting to the answer can take extensive diagnostic investigation. Either way, your veterinarian is the expert to ask because, believe it or not, dog breath can be quite tricky to interpret. Here’s what your pet’s bad breath could mean:
1. Dental Disease
Foul or rotten breath, termed halitosis, is most often caused by dental disease. Specific dental abnormalities contributing to halitosis include periodontal disease, cavities (caries), or tooth root infections (endodontic disease). Surprisingly, our pets frequently show no other abnormal symptoms, even when experiencing advanced dental disease. When we look inside a pet’s mouth, the visible anatomy includes the crowns of the teeth and the surrounding soft and hard tissues, termed the periodontium. Even early stages of periodontal disease, including gum inflammation, which is medically termed gingivitis, can lead to halitosis. A board-certified veterinary dentist is the best person to consult for all types of dental diseases.
2. Something Is Stuck in Their Mouth
Other local pathology, most notably foreign material, can also cause and contribute to foul or rotten breath when entrapped within the mouth. This can range from sticks and other organic materials to household items such as strings and parts of toys. Once this material becomes embedded or anchored within the oral tissues, halitosis will quickly ensue. Removal of foreign oral material almost always requires either heavy sedation or general anesthesia by a veterinarian to ensure the protection of a pet’s airway. If left untreated, foreign objects typically lead to extensive dental disease rapidly.
3. Systemic Issues
Sweet or fruity breath is less likely to be secondary to dental disease or suggestive of a primary problem originating within the oral cavity. Systemic metabolic disease, including diabetes mellitus, can cause this type of abnormal breath, which is typically accompanied by other symptoms like increased thirst and urination, unlike classic dental disease. Metabolic diseases should be ruled out and treated by a primary care veterinarian before referral to a veterinary dentist.
4. Stomach Problems
Primary gastrointestinal issues can also contribute to abnormal breath. Stomach reflux, abnormal imbalances in gut bacteria flora (dysbiosis), and inflammation associated with diet can all contribute to musty or sour breath. Not all diets agree with every pet, and poor food digestion can cause foul breath. This can be accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, and low energy (lethargy). Any primary gastrointestinal issues should also be ruled out and treated by a primary care veterinarian before referral to a veterinary dentist.
Contact Your Local Dog & Cat Dentist in Denver
If you notice a change in your dog’s breath or other accompanying symptoms, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian for a thorough check-up. While dental disease is the most common cause, if other abnormal symptoms are also present, a thorough investigation, starting with blood work and urine, is warranted for your pet. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a board-certified veterinary dentist.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (8/22/2024). Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash