Bad breath (halitosis) in pets
Does your pet's mouth smell not so sweet? A bad odor can be a
sign of serious problems for your pet, such as periodontal disease
or oral or systemic infection.
Common mouth myths: true or
false?
Pets are supposed to have bad breath.
FALSE. An odor is not normal. Just like in
people, bad breath in pets is often a sign of dental disease and
requires treatment to safeguard your pet's health.
Pets don't need regular oral hygiene.
FALSE. Even with regular dental cleanings at
your veterinary practice, 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 builds up on the teeth and requires brushing 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 food.
FALSE. An odor in your cat's mouth is a sign of
a health problem, and you should discuss your pet's problem with
the veterinarian.
Prevention: The best
medicine
You can prevent bad breath and dental disease with regular oral
care. Our veterinarians recommend daily tooth brushing. This is the
best way to keep your pet's mouth healthy. You can also use daily
oral hygiene rinses, dental diets, water additives and safe chew
toys to help keep your pet's mouth clean.
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 he goes to the
food bowl and backs away as if scared or drops food from the
mouth.
Treatment: What the veterinarian will
do
Our vets conduct a thorough head-to-toe exam as well as a
comprehensive oral exam. If the doctor identifies signs of dental
disease, they may recommend pre-anesthetic blood work. It is
necessary for your pet to be anesthetized for a professional dental
cleaning. The teeth will be scaled (the tooth itself and the area
under the gumline), polished and a fluoride treatment applied.
Remember, untreated dental problems in pets have been linked to
serious medical problems, including heart, liver and kidney
disease. So if you notice bad breath or other signs of dental
disease, give us a call to set up an appointment today.
Schedule your pet's professional dental cleaning during the
month of February and receive $25.00 off of the cost.