Bad Breath Can Indicate Your Pet Needs Dental Care

Cat fights gingivitis

Bad Breath May Mean Your Pet Has a Dental Problem

Overwhelmed by your pet's bad breath? If you flinch every time your pet nuzzles against your face, it may be time to make an appointment with the veterinarian. Stinky breath can be a sign of a tooth or gum problem that requires prompt dental care.

Why Your Pet's Breath Smells Bad

Plaque and tartar build-up is a common cause of bad breath in people and pets. Clear, sticky plaque constantly coats your dog or cat's teeth with a layer of smelly bacteria. If plaque remains on the teeth for more than a few days, it turns into tartar, a hard brown or gray deposit that's visible on the teeth.

You'll usually see tartar between teeth and at the bottom of the teeth next to the gums. Plaque continues to form on top of the tartar, inflaming and irritating your pet's gums.

Tartar increases your pet's risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease. In addition to causing bad breath, the disease can lead to gum damage, infections, and tooth loss. Although any pet can suffer from gum disease, it's more common in smaller dogs with crooked or crowded teeth and may cause them to lose teeth prematurely. The American Kennel Club notes that toy breeds may only have half of their teeth by age 12 due to dental issues.

Bad breath may be a problem if a piece of food or a non-edible object become stuck between your pet's teeth. As the trapped food decays, you'll notice an unpleasant smell. Bacteria builds up on anything that becomes trapped between the teeth, whether it's food or a string from a toy.

Cancerous tumors in the mouth are another source of bad breath. Tissues in the tumor may become infected and die, causing unpleasant breath odor, according to PetMD.

Other causes of bad breath include:

  • Eating Something Smelly
  • Bacterial Imbalances Caused by Nutritional Deficiencies
  • Liver, Respiratory or Kidney Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Mouth Injuries

Signs It's Time to See the Veterinarian

In addition to frequent bad breath, other signs of a dental issue, include:

  • Yellow or Brownish Build-Up on Teeth
  • Swollen, Red Gums
  • Bleeding from the Mouth (You may see blood on food or on toys.)
  • Chewing on One Side of the Mouth or Dropping Food When Chewing
  • Lack of Interest in Eating
  • Pawing at the Mouth
  • Slow Chewing
  • Drooling
  • Weight Loss

Dental problems can be painful. Pets suffering from periodontal disease or other issues may not liked to be touched around the mouth.

A Visit to the Veterinarian Will Help Improve Your Pet's Dental Health

If plaque and tartar build-up are the problem, a thorough dental cleaning at the veterinary office will improve your cat or dog's breath. Pets usually receive anesthesia during cleanings, as they're often unwilling participants when it comes to dental work. Yearly cleanings are recommended for most pets, but some may need more frequent professional cleanings.

If your pet has periodontal disease, its gums may begin to pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets around the teeth. Debris and bacteria collect in the pockets, which only worsens your pet's breath.

Dogs and cats with gum pockets will need a special deep dental cleaning to removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria above and below the gum line. Antibiotics may also be needed to treat bacterial infections. Although your veterinarian will do everything possible to save your pet's teeth, sometimes extraction (removal) is the only option if periodontal disease is severe.

Your pet may need surgery if a tumor is the reason for the bad breath. Tumors can benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous. If your pet has a cancerous tumor, radiation or chemotherapy may also be recommended, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.

How You Can Prevent Bad Breath

Cleaning your pet's teeth every day removes plaque and prevents bad breath. Start the process slowly by cleaning your furry friend's teeth with a moistened washcloth or piece of gauze.

You may only be able to clean a few teeth at a time at first. As your pet gets used to teeth cleaning, you may be able to clean more and more teeth in one sitting. Eventually, your pet may let you use a finger brush or pet-sized toothbrush with toothpaste. Use a rice-sized portion of pet toothpaste or gel whether you brush or wipe your cat or dog's teeth.

Concerned about your pet's bad breath? Call our office to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

American Kennel Club: Do Small Dogs Have More Dental Problems Than Large Dogs?, 7/13/2021

American Kennel Club: How to Get Rid of Stinky Dog Breath, 7/8/2021

PetMD: Bad Breath in Pets: Causes and Treatments

American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Dental Care

Location

Find us on the map

Monday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:45 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Words can not begin to express our gratitude for the care you had given Hunter over the years. When his time came, he watched for you to come through the door and his tail showed his affection towards you. That was most comforting having you there. Thank you.""
    ~R.H
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Maggie over the years. Y'all are the best and Dr. Johnson, you are the best vet in the world! God bless you all.""
    ~ J.D.
  • ""Your care for my beloved Mattie these last 10n years made her life, and mine much better….God bless each of you for all you did for us and I'm sure for all your other two and four legged patients.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""Thank you for saving my life." ~T.C."
    ~T.C.
  • ""I can not express how grateful I am for you and your staff… I appreciate everything you did in Beckham's treatment. He was so lucky to have such a wonderful doctor on his side. Thank you for all you do for the benefit of all our beloved pets.""
    ~L.B.
  • ""Dr. Johnson - There are no words that can truly capture your kindness.""
    ~G.B.
  • ""Thank you for the great care you took of Taco and the rest of our family. He is doing great now! He is enjoying running and playing with all four legs again.""
    ~W.C
  • ""People who avail themselves of your services at the clinic certainly are blessed to have such a caring staff....bless you and your devoted staff.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""A sincere thank you for taking such good care of Dulce. We are so thrilled that she is back to her normal self. You gave her the support and care she needed in her darkest hours and kept us confident in her recovery.""
  • ""Just to say how much we appreciate all of you. You all are wonderful people. We feel blessed to have our beloved furry children in your care when they need it. Your professional knowledge and your acts of kindness have a beautiful act all it's own. You are a great vet, compassionate and everything good all in one. You are in our daily prayers.""
    ~T.F.
  • ""Thank you and all of your staff for the excellent care you gave to my wonderful Abbey, who was so much a part of the family. Thank you for all the advice and support you gave to me these last few months. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without your constant support. I will, and I have highly recommended you to family and friends, as I feel you are the best!""
    ~P.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking care of my kitty, Slingshot. He is feeling better and better. My Paw-Paw said that you took extra special care of him and I really appreciate it. So, thank you again for taking care of my cat.""
    ~T.B. (age 6)
  • ""Dr. Johnson, I don't know why you decided to move here from your home in New Jersey, but I absolutely believe it was so you could help me and Mickey. I know coming to someone's home is not what a typical veterinarian would do, but you are obviously an extraordinary man in a world filled with ordinary men….On top of that, your sensitive and wonderful handwritten note arrived and touched my heart…You are one of those quiet, unheralded champions who make life easier for everyone you touch.""
    ~C.W.
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Lola when she had her reaction, and your office was already closed. I know you took time away from yourself and your family and I really appreciate it.""
    ~R.M.
  • ""Thank you for giving me more time with my best friend. We are all so grateful.""
    ~A.M.
  • ""Thank you for all of your support for Maxine during her illness. All was very much appreciated and will always be remembered. I have related to all my friends of what a great doctor and staff at Birdneck Animal Hospital.""
    ~O.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking such good care of me over the last 4 years. I am doing well and both legs and feet feel great. You sis an awesome job on me Dr. Johnson, and I'm gonna have a great year this year and I hope to see you only for my check up. You guys are the best!""
    ~Budkus
  • "We can't thank you enough for the wonderful and loving care you gave to"Budkus" while he was in your care. He was so little and so sick and we were so scared for him. Each and every one of the staff members made us feel like we had the only dog in the world. Like nothing else mattered except getting "Budkus" well again. Our deepest gratitude to all of you for the excellent care and attention we received, for your encouragement, comfort, and understanding, and most importantly for saving his life! Thank you so much.""
    ~ J.,B.,C.