August is Pet Dental Health Month — so what better time to look at the causes of bad breath in cats and dogs and how a good dental routine can keep your pet's oral health at its best?
Bad breath is common in cats and dogs, and while we love their kisses and sweet little faces rubbing against ours, nothing is worse than when our furry friends open their mouths and a horrendous stench fills the air.
More often than not, the culprit of bad breath (or halitosis) in dogs and cats is easily preventable dental hygiene issues. Occasionally though, halitosis in pets can be a sign of more serious health problems, and knowing what to look out for is essential.
Causes of bad breath in dogs and cats
There are several causes of halitosis for pets. Like us, animals will occasionally have bad breath for no real reason, but it usually indicates an underlying health problem at play.
For the causes listed below, a trip to the vet is often necessary to obtain the proper medicine and treat the condition adequately.
Dental disease
A few factors can contribute to dental diseases in cats and dogs. Most commonly, plaque build-up on the teeth can lead to tarter, which looks like dark gunk along the gumline of the tooth. Tartar is a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria and can lead to gingivitis and more severe oral diseases.
Bacterial infection
Sometimes, the soft tissues in the mouth become infected with bacteria. As a result of this infection, bacteria and pus can build up and produce chemicals that cause a cat or dog's breath to stink. If the pet ingests these dangerous bacteria, they can cause other medical problems requiring antibiotics.
A broken tooth
Occasionally, a dog or cat may break a tooth, and if left untreated, the broken area or stump can become infected, causing a foul smell. If the infection proceeds through the tooth canal and into the jawbone, it can cause osteomyelitis (bone infection).
A foreign object
A cause of a dog's bad breath can sometimes be a piece of bone becoming lodged in the mouth, producing bad-smelling bacteria. This problem nearly always prevents dogs from closing their mouths fully and increases salivation.
Mouth ulcers
Common contributors to a cat's bad breath are often illnesses, such as cat flu and autoimmune diseases, and conditions like tooth abscesses. These can result in ulcers that appear on the gums, causing pain, discomfort, and often an unpleasant smell.
Other causes of halitosis in pets
In rare cases, illnesses like kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes can cause bad breath in pets. These issues are regarded as severe and can be fatal, so if poor dental hygiene has been ruled out as a cause, it's best to go to your vet for further examination.
Signs of poor dental health in dogs and cats
Aside from the dreaded dog or cat breath stink, there are other indicators you can watch out for that may mean poor dental health in your pet.
- Appearing hungry but not eating
- Chewing on one side of their mouth only
- Bleeding of the gums
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Reduced or abnormal grooming habits
- Discolouration of the teeth
- Redness or inflammation of the mouth area
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How to look after your pet's teeth and gums
All mammals need to maintain clean teeth to stay healthy, including dogs and cats. It is essential that pet parents start with good oral care habits right from when their pets are young.
Observation
To quickly identify dental issues in pets, we need to keep an eye out for tell-tale signs. The faster you treat oral conditions, the less likely your pet will experience serious illnesses. Your vet can show you how to perform a thorough oral examination.
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Regular cleaning
Cleaning your pet's teeth at home is the best way to maintain good dental health. It may take your pet a bit to get used to it, so the earlier you start, the better. These days there are even toothbrushes and toothpaste made specifically for cats and dogs.
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Browse our teeth cleaning products
Food and water dental products
One of the easiest ways to ensure the best dental health for your cat or dog is to feed them food with a texture that will cause friction. These hard foods remove unwanted matter and reduce plaque build-up.
There are also many pet foods formulated to limit tartar and contain nutrients to support strong teeth and gum health.
Another exciting and innovative product is Aquadent Fr3sh Dental Water Additive for Dogs and Cats, which is an additive for your pet's water supply that targets the oral and digestive causes of bad breath.
Shop our dental food for Dogs
Shop our dental food for Cats
Chew toys and treats
For dogs especially, items such as chew toys, pigs ears and deer horns provide them with a suitable object to gnaw on. This process assists with teeth cleaning and provides environmental enrichment.
We also recommend dental chews for pets, like Veggiedent, Oravet, and Greenies treats.
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Browse our vet recommended dental chews
Vet check-ups
Having your vet take a good look for dental issues regularly is the most effective way to ensure your pet is in the best health. Traditionally vets would only examine a pet's teeth during visits for vaccinations or other health checks. Nowadays, most vet clinics provide dental examinations regularly.
While many of us just put up with bad breath in cats and dogs, it is an issue that is often easily fixed. In some cases, it may require the assistance of a vet to rectify. With a good knowledge of dental and gum care for your pets and a selection of helpful and effective products available, your furry friend's breath will be smelling fresh in no time.
