Bad breath in dogs, also known as halitosis, can be a common issue, but when it comes to small breeds like Chihuahuas, it can be particularly pronounced. If you’re wondering, “Why does my Chihuahua have bad breath?” there are several potential reasons, ranging from dental problems to underlying health issues. Here’s a comprehensive look at the causes of bad breath in Chihuahuas and what you can do about it.
common causes of bad breath
- Dental Disease: The most common cause of bad breath in Chihuahuas is dental disease. Due to their small mouths, Chihuahuas are particularly prone to plaque and tartar buildup, leading to gingivitis, periodontal disease, and eventually bad breath. Over 80% of dogs over the age of three experience dental problems, and Chihuahuas are no exception.
- Poor Diet: Feeding your Chihuahua low-quality dog food or table scraps can lead to digestive issues, contributing to bad breath. High-carb and sugar-laden diets can increase the chances of plaque formation and bacteria growth, which directly impacts oral hygiene.
- Oral Infections or Abscesses: Infections or tooth abscesses can lead to a foul odor in your dog’s mouth. Bacterial infections, gum disease, or injury can trigger these conditions, causing persistent bad breath.
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Sometimes, bad breath can result from digestive issues or gut imbalances, including acid reflux or dietary intolerances. This can cause the breath to take on a sour or foul smell.
- Kidney or Liver Disease: In more severe cases, bad breath can indicate kidney or liver problems. If your dog’s breath smells like ammonia (a strong urine-like smell), it could be a sign of kidney disease.
proven solutions:
- Regular Dental Care: Brushing your Chihuahua’s teeth daily with dog-friendly toothpaste is crucial. Regular professional cleanings from your vet will also prevent plaque buildup and oral infections.
- Healthy Diet: Feed your dog high-quality, balanced food. Avoid table scraps and sugary treats. Consider dental chews that promote oral hygiene.
- Chew Toys: Provide your Chihuahua with toys designed to clean teeth and gums naturally while they chew. These toys can help reduce plaque.
- Vet Check-ups: Regular vet visits will ensure that any underlying health issues, such as infections or organ diseases, are caught early.
With consistent care, you can keep your Chihuahua’s breath fresh and their overall health in peak condition.
best commercial solutions:
Here are some of the best commercial solutions to help manage bad breath in dogs, particularly Chihuahuas:
Dog Dental Chews
Dental chews are designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup while freshening your dog’s breath. Popular options include:
- Greenies Dental Treats: These are specifically formulated to fight plaque and tartar and come in different sizes, including one for small breeds.
- Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews: These use enzymes to break down plaque and help reduce bacteria in your dog’s mouth.
Water Additives
Water additives are an easy solution that you can mix into your dog’s water bowl daily. They help reduce bacteria in the mouth and improve breath without brushing.
- TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive: This additive is made to help reduce plaque and freshen breath when added to your dog’s drinking water.
- Oxydent Water Additive: A popular choice that’s safe for daily use and helps fight bad breath while supporting overall dental health.
Oral Sprays
Oral sprays can freshen breath quickly and also have antibacterial properties that help fight plaque.
- Pets Are Kids Too Premium Pet Dental Spray: This spray can be used directly on your dog’s teeth or added to their water. It’s designed to fight both plaque and bad breath.
- Arm & Hammer Complete Dental Spray: An affordable option with natural ingredients like aloe and mint to soothe gums and freshen breath.
Dog Toothpaste
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothpaste can significantly reduce bad breath.
- Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste: A highly recommended enzymatic toothpaste that effectively fights plaque and bacteria.
- Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste: Another well-known brand that helps reduce plaque and tartar while freshening breath.
Dental Wipes
Dental wipes are a good option for dogs that are resistant to toothbrushing. They allow you to manually clean their teeth with ease.
- Vet’s Best Dental Care Finger Wipes: These wipes are easy to use and are designed to clean your dog’s teeth while freshening their breath.
- HICC Pet Dental Cleaning Wipes: These wipes are a popular and highest-rated option.
Probiotics
Since gut health can also play a role in bad breath, probiotics designed for dogs can help restore a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog’s digestive system.
- Purina FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement: This daily supplement helps promote digestive health and can help with bad breath caused by gut issues.
- Probiotic Miracle Supplement: This daily supplement provides complete digestive support, works well, and is worth its weight in gold.
Each of these commercial products can be incorporated into your Chihuahua’s dental care routine to reduce bad breath and improve overall oral health. Regular use, alongside brushing and vet check-ups, can yield the best results.
Once your Chi has lost all their teeth, do you continue with the toothpaste?
Hi Lin,
That is a very good question! It is still important to keep your Chihuahua’s gums healthy, so you still should brush with pet toothpaste to stimulate the blood flow and remove decay that cause bad breath. A dog’s gum health is directly related to its overall health and heart health. Thank you for the question 🙂