Bad breath in dogs and cats is a common concern of pet parents. There are many causes of bad breath in cats and dogs. What may seem just an oral hygiene problem can be deeper than that. It may also occur due to dental disease, bacterial infection, oral cancers, gum tumors, sinus infections, upper respiratory diseases etc. In veterinary terms foul breath is called halitosis. This condition needs correct diagnosis, proper treatment and daily maintenance.
Though it might seem normal, poor dental condition including foul mouth odor is quite hazardous for the pets. Apart from the physical pain they also go through depressive tendencies. So, if your pooch or pussy has the problem of bad breath, then don’t take it lightly and be the first one to take veterinarian guidance. The course of treatment would depend upon the severity of the disease diagnosed by medical tests.
Common causes of bad breath in cats and dogs:
Periodontal disease: It happens to nearly 90% of all adult canines and felines. If not treated on time, it spreads in other parts of body including kidney, lungs, liver and heart.
Gum inflammation: It may happen due to injuries while chewing hard substances. Overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth of the pet is another cause of gum inflammations.
Digestive tract diseases: These occur due to poor digestion, belching and reflux.
Respiratory infections: These are more common in cats and occur due to weak immune system, allergens, sinus problems etc.
Treatment of bad breath in cats and dogs:
- As per the diagnosis treatment may include antibiotics, veterinary ultrasonic tooth cleaning etc. Your Vet is the best guide for this as he would treat the pet as per the current health condition of the pet. In addition, pet parents need to follow oral hygiene at home to make sure that the pet is not susceptible to other diseases.
- Oral hygiene includes daily habit of brushing the pet’s teeth. You need to cultivate this habit when from the puppy age as it is easy to form habits in younger pets then in older ones. The pet may resist initially but if you choose beef or other flavored tooth paste then he may take it readily. Choose a brush that is designed especially for the pet. It should be soft on their gums.
- Giving them food that does not hurt their gums and root canals is another way of preventing gum injuries and dental problems. Again, food should be easy to digest as many a time digestive tract diseases are a common reason for bad breath in dogs and cats.
- Do not let dental injuries go untreated even if they are small. Take the injured pet to the Vet for a complete treatment as minor injuries may turn into worse condition leaving the pet diseased and depressed.
To sum up, bad breath in pets is not normal. There can be several reasons for it. On facing such a problem, consult an experienced Vet who can diagnose the actual problem and do the best possible treatment for your pet. On your part, follow a good oral hygiene for your pet. These simple steps are enough to keep your pooch or pussy smiling. So, try them!