Although bad breath in dogs is a common issue, pet owners have been advised not to simply brush it off as something unpleasant to ignore or put up with.
It's not exactly anyone's fragrance of choice, but bad breath in dogs can also point towards serious underlying health concerns, which can affect some canine breeds more than others.
With this in mind, experts at dog food company Tuggs, have urged pet owners to take action against bad breath - also known as halitosis - explaining that this smelly affliction is most commonly due to inadequate dental and oral hygiene.
Expert nutritionist at Tuggs, Katie McCaul (BSc DipNat VN ANutR), has revealed that Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs are the dog breeds most commonly affected by halitosis.
Katie explained: "Brachycephalic dogs (those with short noses) tend to have a higher risk of bad breath as the teeth can be forced closer together, allowing food to be trapped and result in unpleasant smells.
"This can also include dogs with less exaggerated flat faces, like Boxer and Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
"A build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth can lead to bacterial growth, causing a foul odour. If left untreated, it can progress to gum disease and tooth decay."
It's not just brachycephalic breeds that are at risk however, and research carried out by Tuggs discovered that dental disease is in fact the most common disease found in the field of veterinary medicine.
Indeed, a staggering 80 per cent of dogs in the UK are said to suffer from bad breath, which can be symptomatic of a number of health problems, including some more sinister issues.
This recent research found that 2,000 people have been making internet searches for 'smelly breath in dogs,' trying to find causes and solutions.
Experts have now warned that pet owners whose dogs have persistent, foul-smelling breath should take them to the vet for an all-important check-up.
Katie has now shared four of the most common reasons for bad breath in dogs, offering pet owners her go-to top tips.
Poor dental hygiene
According to Katie: "Before becoming domesticated, dogs would naturally clean their teeth by chewing on carcasses. As dogs' diets have changed over time and the foods that they consume have become softer, it's become more common for dogs to experience a build-up of tartar which can lead to gum disease and bad breath."
She advised: "Find a quality chew that your dog chews on for at least half an hour a week. Teach them to tolerate tooth brushing, and look at some natural products that contain seaweed as these are proven to reduce plaque."
Medical conditions
Katie explained: "Persistent and foul-smelling breath can be an indication of underlying medical conditions that produce gases causing foul odours.
"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."
Offering a solution, she added: "Seek advice from a vet if your dog is displaying unusual behaviour, or if the smell continues to worsen. Add probiotics to improve your dog's digestive health, or try switching them to a fresh diet in order to improve their oral microbiome."
Diet
The pro explains: "Foods that have strong smells, such as fish or liver, can cause temporary bad breath in dogs. A poor quality diet can also cause dental and overall health problems, resulting in bad breath in dogs."
She continued: "A fresh, well-balanced diet will improve a dog's overall well-being and reduce bad breath. Tuggs' insect-based recipes are made sustainably with 100 per cent 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."
Chewing habits
According to Katie: "Chewing on the wrong things can irritate a dog's gums, break teeth and even cause loose objects or materials on the toy - like a rope toy for example - to break away and become lodged in your dog's mouth, leading to infections that can cause bad breath."
She suggested: "Introduce toys, such as natural chew toys or rubbery toys, that can help remove tartar and plaque on your dog's teeth. This will also help to keep them entertained for hours."
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