BAD BREATH IN PETS (halitosis).

Common Mouth Myths: True or False?

Pets are supposed to have bad breath.

FALSE.

An odour is not normal. Bad breath in pets is often a sign of dental disease and requires treatment to safeguard their health.

Pets don’t need regular oral hygiene.

FALSE.

Even with regular dental cleanings at your vet, your pet still needs regular tooth brushing to keep his breath sweet and his pearly whites sparkling.

Pets’ mouths clean themselves.

FALSE.

While there are some natural enzyme systems at work in your pet’s mouth, it will not keep your pet’s mouth clean. Debris build up on your pet’s teeth and requires brushing or rubbing to keep the mouth fresh.

Cats don’t need dental care

FALSE.

Cats and small-breed dogs often require more dental care then larger-breed dogs.

Cats have stinky breath because they eat smelly foods.

FALSE.

An odour in your cat’s mouth is a sign of a health problem, you should discuss this with your vet.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE

You can prevent bad breath and dental disease with regular oral care. This is the best way to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. You may also use oral hygiene rinses, dental diets, and safe chew toys to keep your pet’s mouth clean. Remember, the more home care that you offer to prevent dental disease, the less care your veterinarian will need to provide to treat problems in the future.

SIGNS YOUR PET IS SUFFERING FROM DENTAL DISEASE

  • Bad breath

  • Red gums (healthy gums are a pink, shrimp-like color)

  • Pus oozing from gums

  • Facial swelling

  • Yellow or brownish buildup on the teeth

  • Pain

Another clue that your pet may be in pain is if it goes to the food bowl and backs away as if scared or drops food from its mouth.

TREATMENT

If your vet identifies signs of dental disease, they may recommend pre-anesthetic testing. This can include blood work and an electrocardiogram to see whether your pet is a candidate for anesthesia. It is necessary for your pet to be anesthetised for your veterinarian to fully diagnose the source of the problem and take steps to correct it. Untreated dental problems in pets have been linked to serious medical problems, including heart, liver, and kidney disease.