Bulldogs are one of the most friendly and lovable dogs that you can have as a pet. But some people complain about bulldogs having bad breath. The question is, is this a common issue?
Do all Bulldogs have Bad Breath?
Dog breath is common amongst all bulldog breeds. However, bad breath that has a foul or pungent smell is not normal. Healthy dogs do not have bad breath, if your bulldog has bad breath it could be a symptom of a underlying health condition. Healthy conditions like gum disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease can cause bad breath in dogs.
Why do Bulldogs Develop Bad Breath?
There can be many reasons for the development of bad breath in your bulldogs.
The most common reason being the buildup of plaque and tartar on their teeth along the gum line. The buildup of plaque and tartar happens when food is mixed with saliva along with bacteria. Additionally. foreign bacteria and hair can be brought into the mix when dogs lick themselves clean. The food particles and bacteria calcify into hard deposits between teeth and along the gum line. These deposits smell and can give your bulldog foul-smelling breath.
The best way to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar is to brush your bulldog’s teeth on a regular basis. If you don’t the problem can get worse and lead to gum disease. If your bulldog develops gum disease you’ll have to get your bulldog’s teeth professionally take care of by a vet.
When Should You be Concerned by Your Bulldog’s Bad Breath?
It depends, if your bulldog got into the garbage and ate some gross leftover food, depending on what type of food it was your dog will probably be ok. However, their breath will smell gross for some time.
If accompanied by the bad breath of your bulldog, you’re noticing certain other abnormalities and overall deterioration of your bulldog’s health, it is a cause of major concern. Check for signs and symptoms that are unusual with your bulldog. Despite proper cleaning and maintaining proper hygiene the smell does not go, your dog might be suffering from some infection that needs to be treated. There are certain health conditions due to which your dog might be suffering from bad breath.
Health Issues where Bad Breath can be a Symptom
If your bulldog has bad breath, it might be a preliminary symptom of certain serious health issues that could require professional veterinarian care.
Dental Problems
If your dog does not get good dental care and attention, from you and regular brushing, then it might be developing some infections of the mouth. Infections of the gums and the mouth can lead to bad breath and if untreated can result in gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Diabetes
That sweet fruity smell off your dog’s mouth may not be that bad after all but it is a symptom that it is suffering from diabetes. Check for signs of frequent drinking of water and abnormally frequent urination.
Kidney Issues
If your bulldog is suffering from kidney problems his breath can smell like urine. This can be a life-threatening situation as most kidney ailments can be dangerous.
Liver Problems
If your dog has yellowish eyes and its bad breath is accompanied by vomiting, it indicates that your dog could be suffering from liver disease. This is again a serious issue and needs to be treated by a vet urgently.
Other causes
There could be various other reasons such as gastrointestinal, sinus and other serious ones such as cancer.
In all such cases contact a vet or animal hospital as soon as possible.
Some tips to reduce bad breath in bulldogs
Now that we know the causes, let’s help you with some quick tips to reduce it effectively:
- Brush your bulldog’s teeth – This is obviously the best way to prevent bad breath for your dog. Ensure your dog’s teeth and mouth is cleaned regularly and free from any foreign material, debris, plaque or accumulated tartar.
- Provide them Chew Toys – Make sure you are giving them loads of chew toys to play with. These chew toys help in minimizing the buildup of tartar and plaque in their mouths.
- Provide them a balanced diet – Make sure that your bulldog is having a proper and balanced diet so that they don’t develop any health issues such as diabetes.
- Take them for exercise and play sessions – Making your bulldogs exercise means you are minimizing all those health risks that can lead to bad breath.
- Try using dog-friendly water additives – Using water additives can help prevent your bulldog from developing bad breath.
- Take them for vet visits – Make sure your bulldog is not suffering from any periodontal disease that is causing the bad breath.
Conclusion
Some folks say all bulldogs have bad breath, this is untrue, bulldogs have dog breath like all other dogs. Make sure to brush your bulldog’s teeth regularly to ensure proper canine hygiene However, if your bulldog is suffering from bad breath investigate further incase its due to a greater health issue.
