Chihuahuas are particularly prone to dental issues, so they must receive regular dental treatment. This frequently leads to foul breath, or halitosis as it is known in medicine. It can be intermittent or persistent.
Some people may smell something strong the entire time, while others may only smell something fainter. In any case, it is not advisable to overlook this matter.
This extensive page explores every facet of foul breath in Chihuahuas, covering the main causes, possible health risks, and particular smells to be aware of.
It also provides easy-to-follow home cures and upkeep guidelines for your Chihuahua’s breath to be continuously fresh.
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The Main Reasons Chihuahuas Have Bad Breath
Chihuahuas frequently suffer from foul breath for the following reasons:
Their Diet
Remainders of dry kibble accumulate at the bottom of the bag and when combined with the saliva of a Chihuahua, can produce a paste. With its thick, peanut butter-like consistency, the paste can adhere to teeth, especially in hard-to-see areas like the rear of the mouth and behind teeth.
Store your Chihuahua’s food in an airtight container and encourage them to drink water after meals to prevent stale food and foul breath. Maintaining dental hygiene can also stop the accumulation of odor.
Teething
Puppies Chihuahuas between three and seven months old frequently have an unpleasant mixture of saliva and blood in their mouths, which sometimes smells like sour milk.
Fortunately, this normally goes away as teething stops. However, it’s a fantastic chance to instill healthy dental practices and train your Chihuahua to accept having their teeth cleaned.
Coprophagia
Because they have eaten dog excrement, certain Chihuahuas may have coprophagia or dog poop breath.
Veterinarians don’t know exactly what causes this behavior, but there are ways to put a stop to it, like changing a Chihuahua’s food, keeping an eye on them, and finding solutions for stress and boredom.
Dental Issues
For Chihuahuas to avoid oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and infections that can lead to foul breath, proper dental care is essential. Dental problems might still arise even with routine at-home care. Take no chances and make sure your Chihuahua has clean teeth!
Something strange is lodged in their mouth
Sometimes foreign items like grass blades or wooden splinters become stuck in the mouths of Chihuahuas, causing unpleasant breath.
This could be correlated with head shaking or pain during eating. You can attempt to take the foreign object out on your own if it is visible. If not, seek veterinarian care for more complicated cases.
How to cure your Chihuahua’s bad breath
Make sure your Chihuahua is free of any major dental conditions, such as gum disease, tooth decay, or infections, before trying to freshen their breath.
Major dental issues cannot be resolved by at-home treatments; they are limited to plaque prevention and tooth cleaning. The best person to get a diagnosis, dental checkup, and professional cleaning for your Chihuahua is its veterinarian.
After a dental problem or medical condition has been resolved, there are a few things you can do to make sure your Chihuahua’s mouth smells good.
1. Brush the teeth of your Chihuahua
It’s critical to provide your Chihuahua with regular dental care. Even though most people detest this chore, smaller breeds—like Chihuahuas—find it easier to complete than larger ones.
Start by investing in premium toothbrushes and toothpaste for dogs, along with a finger brush for tiny breeds. See your veterinarian for advice on the best brushing methods.
If brushing bothers your Chihuahua, you might want to consider using a spray instead. Although brushing is still the most effective method, this can be a good substitute if done regularly.
2. Provide Them With Dental Treats
Treats for dental health that physically eliminate plaque will help you keep your Chihuahua’s teeth clean and healthy. Alternatively, consider dental treats that have ingredients that support a healthy mouth environment.
Use flavorless, easy-to-use dental water additives to treat foul breath. Just a tiny bit each day added to your Chihuahua’s water bowl.
3. Make an appointment for a dental cleaning
Make an appointment for your Chihuahua to get their teeth cleaned by your veterinarian to address problems like plaque, tartar, and periodontal disease that are causing bad breath.
Your veterinarian will test your Chihuahua’s blood before the cleaning to make sure it can withstand anesthesia and to look for any more potential reasons for the problem. Depending on the severity of the periodontal disease, any loose or damaged teeth may need to be extracted during the cleaning.
Last Word
While people may make light of a dog’s foul breath, persistent bad breath is a serious concern. Halitosis should always be reported to the veterinarian because it may indicate the presence of underlying problems such as dental decay or infection.
Maintaining your Chihuahua’s teeth clean is necessary to keep their breath fresh, which can only be advantageous.
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