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Bad doggie breath is a common issue many dogs have. Pet parents don’t really appreciate a dog’s normal, healthy breath. That’s because it’s not known for smelling like your favorite mouthwash! But if a dog’s breath becomes foul, what could be the cause?
Has your dog’s breath started smelling like chemicals? Are you worried this could be a sign 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 causes a dog’s breath to smell like chemicals and what you can do to help your dog. Let’s get started!
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One of the most common causes of a dog’s breath smelling like chemicals could be diabetes. Some pet parents describe their dog’s breath as smelling sweet or like chemicals. This is because diabetes causes lower amounts of insulin in the dog’s body. When the dog doesn’t have the right amount of insulin, his body is unable to properly break down the sugars he eats.
When this happens, the dog’s body then begins to use his fat as a source of energy. This causes the dog’s body to go into ketosis. Ketones are a byproduct of this process and can make a dog’s breath smell like chemicals.
Diabetes is a very serious health issue that can lead to blindness, dehydration, weakness in dogs. This is a condition that must be treated as soon as possible.
Other Causes of Dog’s Breath Smelling Like Chemicals
There are also other conditions that can cause a dog’s breath to smell like chemicals, including:
Foreign body in the mouth: if your dog likes to chew on things, it’s entirely possible that something has become stuck in his teeth. Dogs love to chew and eat just about anything that catches their fancy! This can include pillows, sticks, hard dog toys, and more. When the dog chews on a foreign body, it may splinter. The small pieces can then become stuck in the teeth, gums, tear mouth tissues, and more.
Liver disease: can also cause a dog’s breath to smell like chemicals. You may also notice other symptoms in your dog, such as yellowed eyes/gums, repeated vomiting, lack of appetite, and lethargy.
Kidney disease: is another common cause of foul breath in dogs. When the kidneys aren’t able to function correctly, they can’t remove the waste products from your dog’s blood. Then waste products then build up in the dog’s body, causing foul-smelling urine and breath.
There are other health issues that can cause a dog’s breath to smell like chemicals, too.
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Because there are so many health issues that could make your dog’s breath smell like chemicals, we strongly recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian.
The good news is that when the vet finds and treats the underlying health issue, your dog’s breath should go back to normal. While normal doggie breath doesn’t smell good to us, it’s a very good indication that your dog is healthy! And you won’t mind getting his slobbery kisses when his breath is back to normal!
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.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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