A veterinarian has urged dog owners to pay close attention to their pet's breath, as an unusual smell could indicate serious health issues. Speaking on the official TikTok channel for Pooch & Mutt, Dr. Alex Crow explained that bad breath may require a visit to the vet.
Dr. Crow stated that a dog's breath should not smell unpleasant. He noted that in most cases, bad breath in dogs is a sign of dental disease. Plaque and bacteria accumulate on the teeth, harden into tartar, and irritate the gums. Over time, this can lead to infection, pain, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss if not managed.
On a positive note, Dr. Crow explained that brushing your dog's teeth at home can help prevent these issues. He described it as the most effective preventive measure, comparing it to human dental hygiene. Even brushing a few times a week can make a significant difference, according to the expert.
However, he also delivered a cautionary message. If the smell is particularly strong, suddenly worse than usual, or accompanied by red or bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty eating, or a reluctance to eat hard food, these are signs that the dog may already need treatment. Dr. Crow stressed that bad breath is not exclusively a mouth problem; in some cases, it can be linked to digestive issues or even heart and kidney disease.
Concluding his advice, Dr. Crow emphasized that if a dog's breath is strong enough to clear a room, it should not be ignored. Prevention is always better than a cure.
Additional Expert Advice on Dental Health
The PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) also highlights the importance of monitoring dogs for dental issues. Many dogs do not show obvious symptoms of dental disease, making regular checks at home and veterinary visits essential.
Symptoms of Dental Problems in Dogs
- Halitosis (bad breath) – though other causes exist
- Pain or difficulty eating, such as chewing on one side of the mouth
- Weight loss and decreased appetite
- Plaque and tartar buildup, appearing as a yellowish-brown coating on teeth
- Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
- Wobbly, missing, or broken teeth
- Excessive drooling, sometimes with blood
- Preferring soft food over biscuits
- Swelling on the face, which may indicate a tooth root abscess
- Pawing at or rubbing the mouth or face
- Head shaking
- Dropping food from the mouth
If any of these signs are observed, a veterinary consultation is recommended to address potential dental disease or underlying health conditions.
