Dog owners must be wary if their pets have bad breath (Image: Getty)
A vet has urged millions of pet owners whose dogs may have bad breath to be cautious as it could be the sign of something much more serious.
Countless people all over the world choose to bring a pet dog into their home, with the beloved animal quickly becoming an essential member of the family. Of course, as with all pet ownership, getting a dog is a major commitment and lifestyle change.
The majority of people are well equipped at caring for their dog’s needs; giving them much-needed affection and care while also ensuring they’re well fed, regularly exercised and mentally stimulated through play, training and more. But while most owners have their dog’s daily routine locked down, many fall short when it comes to their oral hygiene.
Popular charity The Dog’s Trust states: “Daily teeth brushing will help prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar on your dog’s pearly whites. These build-ups can lead to gingivitis and dental disease, so it’s worth doing.”
Dogs are renowned for having bad breath but many owners are actually risking their pet’s health by not taking proper care of their teeth and gums.
With that in mind, Medivet & Partners – a leading provider of veterinary care – surveyed pet owners to grasp the severity of the situation and found 34% admit they never clean their pets’ teeth.
But poor dental hygiene can lead to painful and potentially dangerous health conditions. In fact, bad breath – or halitosis – could be “an early red flag for problems, ranging from severe gum disease and infection to diabetes and other serious illnesses”.
Medivet & Partners shared 10 tell-tale signs your pet may be suffering from something more severe than just bad breath:
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Red, swollen or bleeding gums
Yellow-brown tartar buildup on teeth
Receding gum line exposing tooth roots
Pus around teeth and gums
Reluctance to eat hard food or treats
Dropping food while eating
Chewing on one side of the mouth
Pawing at the face or mouth
Unusual drooling or blood-tinged saliva
Dr Reena Patel, co-owner and partner at Medivet Pinner, offered guidance on how to safely and efficiently brush a pet’s teeth to avoid the serious health consequences associated with not doing so.
The vet began: “Before you jump straight into brushing, it’s wise to get your pet used to having their mouth handled first.
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“Gently lift their lips and touch their teeth and gums for a few seconds at a time, moving across the mouth. Reward them with praise or a treat afterwards so they create a positive association.”
She also recommended using a “pet-friendly toothpaste” in flavours like chicken, fish or beef “which are more appealing to animals”.
Dr Patel warned: “It’s crucial not to use human toothpaste, as it is toxic to animals.”
If you’re wary of approaching your dog with a toothbrush, the vet advised using your finger or a soft cloth with a little toothpaste on first.
She continued: “This gets them used to the sensation of having their teeth cleaned without the pressure of a brush.
“Once they’re comfortable with the paste and your finger, you can start to introduce a pet-friendly toothbrush. These are softer than human brushes.”
Dr Patel advised owners to gradually “increase the brushing time concentrating on all of the teeth” while focusing on “the outside of the teeth where they’re prone to plaque build-up”.
She added: “Make it a regular part of your daily routine just like you would brushing your own teeth. The more consistent you are, the better it is for their oral health.”