Pet’s Breath Smells?
When your pet’s breath smells bad, it is relatively common, even with progress in veterinary dentistry. However, over the last several years, dental hygiene in pets has changed from occasional tooth extractions to routine dental cleanings and other preventative care practices. As a result of this progress, bad breath in pets has evolved into a diagnostic tool for many veterinarians.
What Are the Causes of Bad Breath in Pets?
To determine the cause of pet halitosis, you’ll need to take your dog or cat to the vet for a thorough physical examination. Now, this may sound like an overreaction to some. After all, no one expects their pet’s breath to be cool and minty. But if your pet’s breath smells so awful that you find yourself repelled, it may signal a more serious underlying problem.
There are several different causes of bad breath in pets, including:
- Periodontal diseases
Bad breath may be the first clinical sign of oral disease. But unfortunately, periodontal disease isn’t one of those things that will resolve on its own. Instead, it’ll just worsen with time as dental care home products are not necessarily useful when the disease has already taken hold. As such, it’s important to evaluate your pet’s teeth and gums.
Halitosis due to poor oral health may be caused by:
- Bacteria associated with plaque
- Build up or tartar
- Decomposing food particles retained within periodontal pockets
Brushing your pet’s teeth and taking them for a comprehensive oral health assessment could help prevent periodontal disease.
- Kidney disease
Bad breath that constantly smells like feces or urine may be a symptom of kidney issues. It could also be a tell-tale sign that your pup has recently eaten poop—another problem your vet must investigate. That said, if your dog’s kidneys aren’t working as they should, they may not be able to filter and process toxins properly. Kidney disease is a severe condition that, when left untreated, is potentially fatal. Therefore, it’s crucial to take bad breath in pets seriously.
On that note, if your pet’s breath smells sweet, it may indicate excess sugar in the bloodstream, which is an early warning sign of diabetes.
- Liver disease
Foul breath, vomiting, diarrhea, and a general lack of exercise could indicate that your pet has a liver problem – especially if a yellow tinge accompanies these symptoms to the gums. Liver disease is a severe medical condition. So it’s vital to get your pet to the vet as soon as possible.
Other causes of bad breath in pets include:
- Skin diseases such as infections in the lip fold that are common in some breeds of dogs
- Cancerous growths in the mouth
- Poor dietary habits such as coprophagia
- Abnormalities within the digestive tract
- Trauma and foreign bodies within the oral or digestive tract
What To Do If Your Pet Has Halitosis?
Consult a veterinarian. Occasional bad breath is to be expected of your furry companion. However, if your pet’s breath is genuinely foul, it wouldn’t hurt to book a consultation with your vet.
Contact Hebron Veterinary Hospital
Contact us at (860) 228-4324 or visit our contact page if you need help when your pet’s breath smells. We may be able to help diagnos or resolve the issue. Also, be sure to give us a call if it’s time for any of your other pet’s regular wellness or preventative care visit.