While your pet’s breath may be a little stinky following a meal, if their breath regularly smells your fur baby is most likely suffering from some level of dental disease. 

The term “dog breath” has been adopted as a colloquial way of describing foul smelling breath, but there is actually no such thing as “dog breath.” The term was only coined because so many dogs in this country suffer from dental disease, which is a common cause of bad breath.  

With a large proportion of dogs exhibiting bad breath caused by dental disease, it led people to the assumption that dogs naturally have bad-smelling breath!

In addition to bad breath, keep an eye out for any other signs that your pet’s dental health needs to be tended to. Some other common signs of periodontal disease in pets include:

Often times, dogs and cats with dental problems typically continue to behave and eat normally, making it difficult to catch problems until they have become much more severe. 

During your pet’s biannual wellness visits and yearly dental cleanings, your veterinary team will examine your pet’s teeth to ensure no dental disease is developing - which is why it is essential to stay on top of these appointments. 

Between visits, if you notice your pet displaying any of the signs or symptoms listed above, including bad breath, please book an appointment with your veterinarian.  

Although us humans brush and floss at least once daily to keep our teeth and gums healthy, most pet parents don’t realize that dental care for their pets is just as important.  

In fact, veterinary experts say that more than 85% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three are affected by periodontal disease. The pain and tooth loss caused by this disease can be easily avoided by ensuring your pet is receiving regular dental care.

The cause for periodontal disease, and therefore bad breath, is the same for pets as for humans. Without cleaning away plaque that forms over a pet’s teeth, tartar buildup occurs and eventually leads to tooth and gum decay.  

When the mouth is uncleaned and gums are decaying, it creates the perfect storm for infections to develop. If infection goes untreated, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.  

The only way to fully prevent bad breath in dogs and cats is through yearly full dental cleanings at your vet’s office.

If your dog or cat has bad breath, it is important to book a checkup to ensure there are no signs of dental damage or disease.

Between dental checkups and veterinary cleanings, there are several at-home remedies to help improve your pet’s breath. Home pet dental care includes tooth-brushing, oral rinses, and dental chews.

Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth to remove plaque not only cleans the teeth, but also brings attention to any issues that may require medical intervention, such as loose teeth or painful areas.  

With regular at-home dental care and annual veterinary cleanings, we can work together to keep your pet healthy and their breath fresh!