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A dog’s breath usually smells like regular doggie breath. If so, this may not be the most pleasant smell around; however, it means your dog is healthy. But what happens if a dog’s breath starts to smell foul?
Has your dog’s breath started smelling like ammonia? Are you worried this could be a sign that your dog is sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog develops this type of symptom.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what can cause a dog’s breath to smell like ammonia and what you can do to help your dog. Let’s get started!
First Check This!
One of the most common causes of a dog’s breath smelling like ammonia is kidney disease. Healthy kidneys function by remove waste products from the dog’s blood. However, when the kidneys develop a problem, they no longer work like normal. When this happens, the waste products build up in the dog’s body. The result can be dog breath that smells like ammonia or urine.
If you suspect your dog has a kidney problem, then it’s time to call the vet. Kidney conditions can be very serious and even threaten a dog’s life. So, it’s best to get this health condition checked as soon as possible.
Other Causes of Dog Breath That Smells Like Ammonia
There are some other issues that can cause a dog’s breath to smell like ammonia, including:
Poor oral health: dogs, just like us, can suffer from tooth decay, plaque, gingivitis, oral tumors, and more. These types of problems can make a dog’s breath smell like ammonia.
Foreign object stuck in the mouth: this is another common problem in dogs. You know how dogs love to chew on all types of things! It’s possible for a dog to chew on something that becomes stuck in his mouth or teeth. This can include bones, sticks, or even parts of dog toys, shoes, and more.
Gastrointestinal problems: your dog’s digestive tract may also cause his breath to smell like ammonia. This may happen due to stomach issues, such as ulcers. It can also be caused by a bacterial imbalance in your dog’s gut.
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Ask a Vet Live NowHow to Help Your Dog
The best thing you can do to help your dog is to have him checked by the vet. The vet has the knowledge and the tools to determine what’s causing your dog’s breath to smell like ammonia.
The good news is that treating the underlying health issue usually cures the dog’s foul breath! That means you’ll be comfortable having your dog near you again. You won’t want to shun his kisses anymore after his breath smells like normal doggie breath!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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