Five reasons your pet may have bad breath

  

Did you know that even though people like to playfully refer to stinky pet breath as doggie and kitty breath, bad breath is actually not the norm? In fact, if your pet’s panting makes you squirm, you know that something is going on.

Here are the top five reasons why your pet’s breath might turn smelly.

• Periodontal disease. This is the most common reason for funky pet breath, and we can blame the smell on bacteria. These bacteria start out in plaque and tartar found on the surface of teeth, but they are not content to stay there. The bacteria will slowly spread to your pet’s gums (a disease known as gingivitis) and then work their way farther into the ligaments and bones surrounding the teeth. This infection can be uncomfortable and over time can lead to bone loss and even loose teeth.
• Abscessed tooth. When bacteria reach the root of a tooth, they set up a pocket of infection surrounding it, which can lead to swelling in the jaw or under an eye. Tooth root abscesses are often caused by periodontal disease, as well as by chipped or fractured teeth that expose the pulp, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth. Broken and abscessed teeth are common problems for dogs who chew hard items like bones.
• Foreign body. Our pets love to eat sticks and all kinds of other strange things, and sometimes these get stuck between their teeth. Since our poor pets can’t simply use a toothpick or floss, these foreign bodies will stay stuck for quite some time, causing inflammation, infection and even ulcers of the tissue. Imagine the relief they must feel when these are finally found and removed during a dental cleaning!
• Oral mass. Unfortunately, masses and cancers can happen anywhere in the body, even the mouth. This is a tough spot because owners often can’t see that there’s a problem until the mass is rather large and cumbersome. In many cases, bad breath will be the very first sign that something is wrong.
• Systemic disease. Not everything that makes pet breath stinky happens in the mouth. Several systemic diseases can affect your pet’s breath, making it smell decidedly odd. The classic examples are kidney disease and diabetes.

So, don’t just chalk up bad breath to something your pet ate! Talk to your veterinarian to make sure your pet’s mouth is healthy.

Plus, browse our online dental resource to find everything you need to care for your pet’s teeth at home >>