Chronic Bad Breath in Dogs

Bad breath in dogs is referred to as halitosis. Halitosis is not only a bothersome condition, it often indicates the presence of an underlying disease that may require treatment. The most common cause of halitosis is periodontal disease, a disease of the gums. Cancer of the mouth, gastrointestinal disease, or metabolic diseases can also cause chronic bad breath.Halitosis, the formal definition for bad breath, is correlated to odor-producing bacteria in your dog's mouth, lungs, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract. Most veterinarian cases relate canine bad breath to dental or gum disease, especially in small dog breeds. Although brushing and frequent oral care are important, halitosis can be the sign of a deep-rooted problem in the respiratory system, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, or other key organs. Do not hesitate to investigate halitosis, as it is a key health indicator that should not go unnoticed.

Aside from an offensive odor coming from your pet’s mouth, symptoms of underlying causes may be present, including:

• Difficulty chewing
• Bleeding or red gums
• Loss of appetite
• Pawing at the mouth
• Irritability or anti-social behavior
• Rubbing face on the floor
• Excessive drooling
• Blood in saliva, water bowl, or on chew toys

A number of conditions can result in chronic halitosis including:

• Periodontal disease
• Gastrointestinal disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Coprophagia (eating feces)
• Respiratory passage inflammation
• Viral, bacterial or fungal infection of the mouth or throat

If your pet has chronic bad breath, it is important to visit the veterinarian to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will want to know when you first noticed the bad breath, how long it has been present, your pet’s eating habits, behavior changes, and any other relevant history.

The veterinarian will conduct a physical and oral examination. Particularly painful or nervous pets may require sedation or anesthesia to allow the veterinarian to conduct a full oral examination.

Blood chemistry, cell count, and urinalysis may be requested to rule out underlying metabolic disorders such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease.

X-ray may be required to examine the throat and airways for possible tumors or infection.

Once the underlying cause of the bad breath is diagnosed, your veterinarian will being treatment.

Dental Cleaning

Treatment for periodontal disease will involve a full dental cleaning under general anesthesia which may need to be scheduled for a future appointment. Cleaning will remove tartar and plaque. Tooth extractions may be required for dying or broken teeth. The pet is usually kept for 4-7 hours for the procedure.

Medical Treatment

Antibiotics or anti-inflammatories or antifungals may be required to treat infections. A diagnosis of diabetes will require treatment with insulin.

Surgery

In cases of severe gastrointestinal disease or cancer, surgery may be required to repair or remove damaged tissue.

Coprophagia

Coprophagia (eating feces) may or may not cause bad breath. If it is determined to be the cause, there are several commercially available products you can try.

Always be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely when giving medications.

Recovery from surgery can take weeks to months and require several follow-up appointments. If surgery or tooth extractions are involved, pain medications and antibiotics will need to be administered for several weeks. You may need to feed your pet a soft diet or his normal kibble soaked in warm water and eliminate hard chew toys for 3-4 weeks to allow the teeth and gums to heal.

Brush your pet’s teeth twice daily to minimize bacteria. Animal approved toothpastes are available the most pet stores and are flavored so most dogs learn to tolerate and even enjoy tooth brushing. A child’s soft-bristled toothbrush can be used. Position your pet on his back or side, however he is comfortable, and gently introduce the brush with the toothpaste, adding a few seconds each day to brushing time until the pet adapts. Offer your pet dental chews and treats.

Take your dog for regular oral examinations and schedule annual cleanings to remove any tartar that has built up and give the teeth a full cleaning.

Periodontal disease occurs in 80% of pets over the age of 3 years. This disease is the number one cause of chronic halitosis and is preventable with proper oral hygiene.