Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?

"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths of Rover and Boomer ? can be a signal of serious health problems.

A dog's mouth is his primary means of contact with the world around him. He uses his mouth to eat, to investigate and to communicate. The jaws are a powerful tool used to grind, gnaw, crush and carry. Keeping this part of your pet's body healthy is vital to his quality of life and longevity.

Fifty to eighty percent of all dogs suffer from periodontal disease. Tartar buildup is the primary cause. Just as in humans, small particles of food remain on the teeth after eating. If not removed, these particles decompose, causing the growth of bacteria that then forms plaque and tartar. As tartar grows, it literally pushes the gums away from the teeth which then loosen over time. Loose teeth reveal root sockets which can easily become infected. In untreated cases, the infection can travel from the root socket to the dog's bloodstream where the bacteria takes up residence in the kidney, liver and heart causing disease of these organs.

How do I recognize periodontal disease in my dog?

There are specific signs and symptoms that indicate mouth problems including a change in eating habits. While not all dogs suffering from periodontal disease change feeding habits, changes can be an indication of trouble. Pawing at the mouth, abnormal drooling, mouth tenderness, facial inflammation, obvious oral bleeding, sneezing, nasal discharge and swelling around the eyes are also indicators of mouth problems. The most obvious and usually the first sign of a problem, though, is that tale tell bad breath.

What can I do to prevent and/or treat my pet's periodontal disease?

The experts agree that a diet consisting of primarily soft canned food is not a good idea. "The buildup of plaque in pets' soft canned diets is very rapid," says R. Hines, DVM. Opinions differ on the tartar-removing properties of hard foods, but experts DO agree that crunchy, dry food does not adhere to the teeth as much and therefore tartar and plaque do not build up as quickly.

Besides diet, yearly dental checkups are advised. Even if you don't give annual vaccinations, regular oral exams by a professional can make a huge difference in your pet's health. Herbal supplements such as Echinacea and other herbal medicines can be used internally to improve immune system health. Herbs can also be used as a tea or mouthwash. (Our next newsletter will address the issue of herbs and our pets.)

If you do suspect periodontal disease already at work, do not hesitate to visit your veterinarian for a professional cleaning and possible antibiotic treatment if he detects an infection.

The most important thing you can do to protect your pet's dental health is to brush his teeth! Use a child's toothbrush and a toothpaste developed for pets. Your vet can advise on the best methods of training your dog to let you brush his teeth.

Good dental health and preventative care can add years to your dog's life and save him undue suffering from kidney, liver and heart disease. Its never too late to get started!

Looking for an all-natural dry food to benefit your pet's dental health? Take a look at Flint River Ranch, available from Barker and Friends at www.naturalbarker.com. Flint River Ranch's all natural ingredients promote good overall health with easily digestible kibble free of chemical preservatives and additives. Combining a healthy dry food, all natural treats from Barker and Friends at www.naturalbarker.com and regular dental exams can help your furry friend live a long and happy life.

An encouraging word:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Sherry Massey is the owner of a home-based natural dog treat bakery, Barker and Friends. Our goal is to not only provide you with the best all-natural treat and pet food on the market, but to share valuable information that will allow our furry loved ones to live longer, healthier and happier lives. Check our website at http://www.naturalbarker.com or contact us at barkerandfriends@cox.net.

---

Dog Pile - Please Pick It Up

I really do not hope your are eating something, but... Read More

Pilling a Cat

Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More

5 Things to Know about Animal Rescue Groups

Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More

How To Grow Daphnia For The Aquarium

The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a... Read More

Growing Adult Brine Shrimp

General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More

Dog Grooming and Dog Care

Dog grooming is relatively simple for most dogs. I have... Read More

What You Need to Know Before Adopting an Older Dog

Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More

Ear Mites in Dogs: Quite Earritating

Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More

Cat Lover Gifts

Among the most well known cat lover gifts are photo... Read More

Ensure a Good Relationship Between Your Cat and Your Kids

Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More

The Artful Dog Shopper

I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More

How Do Your Customer View Your Pet Business?

There are thousands of local and online Pet Stores but... Read More

You Dont Get a Second Chance!

I'm sure you're aware of the bad reputation Pitbulls have.... Read More

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know... Part 2

Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More

New Pet Tag Services Provide A Sense Of Security

The greatest benefits of ownership is knowing that your property... Read More

5 Tips For Choosing the Best Vet For Your Dog

Find a vet, if possible, who specializes in small animals... Read More

What Type of Cat Food is Really Best For Your Cat?

Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More

General Information, Caring For & Breeding Silkworms

BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More

What Should I Make My Snake Cage From?

What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More

Decorating for The Cat Owner - How to Protect Your Possessions

The first thing a cat owner should know about home... Read More

Goldfish Analysis

When goldfish swim up to the glass of the tank,... Read More

Goldfish Tips - Finding Out The Gender of Your Goldfish

Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More

Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More

Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 1 of 3

Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More

How to Play Safely with Your Westie Puppies

Just like children, westie puppies learn through play. Playing games... Read More

Dont Let Ticks Ruin Your Dogs Good Time!

Nobody likes ticks.In fact, when it comes to ticks I... Read More

Tips For Dog Toys

Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More

The Optimum Cichlid Aquarium Set Up

The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More

Mind Over Matter

Understanding where horses come from has been a long road... Read More

Doggy Dental Care: Teeth Cleaning 101

Your dog's dental health is so important for his total... Read More

The Background and Use of Clicker Training For Dogs

Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the... Read More

A Reference Guide for Symphysodon Aequifasciatus (Discus)

This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More

Should You Buy Dog Health Insurance?

Should you seriously consider buying a dog health insurance policy?... Read More