It’s an all too common complaint: doggy breath or kitty breath! You go in for a cuddle with your furry friend and catch a whiff of breath that makes your nose want to run right off your face.
What causes bad breath in pets? There isn’t any one cause. Perhaps the most common cause of death breath (or halitosis, if you want to use the technical term) is some kind of dental problem. Bacteria, food particles, and saliva can help form plaque on the teeth, which leads to bad breath. If not cleaned away, the plaque can develop into gingivitis or more serious periodontal disease.
You or your professional groomer can handle teeth cleaning duties. And there are lots of products out there to give you a hand. From fingertip toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste to crunchy treats for fighting tartar, there are many dental aids to choose from!
But dental issues aren’t the only cause of rotten breath. Bad breath can be an indicator of some pretty serious health problems, including:
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Gastrointestinal disease, including obstructions and cancer
- Infections in and around the mouth
- Respiratory infections and sinus infections
- Oral disease like tonsillitis and cancer
- Some autoimmune diseases
One more possible cause of bad breath? Dietary no-nos like digging through the garbage can for spoiled treats or eating stool. At least these are relatively easy to prevent. A garbage can with a tight lid can put an end to scavenging; there are many products available to help discourage your pet from munching on waste.
Occasional bad breath isn’t usually a serious problem. Continuous bad breath can indicate a health issue that needs medical attention. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s bad breath. If nothing else, have your pet’s breath checked as part of her annual exam.