Bad breath is one of the most common complaints pet owners have about their furry companion. Full professional cleaning by veterinarians, maintaining good dental health at home and the changing of diet may help lessen the odor.
Halitosis which causes an offensive odor many pet owners cannot seem to stand, is caused by the build-up of bacteria on the teeth that form plaque. Bad breath in pets is usually a result of periodontal diseases, which is found in 85 percent of domesticated pets.
In fact, around 80 percent of dogs suffer from periodontal disease by the time they are 5 years old. Untreated periodontal diseases will only make the smell worse.
Another most common cause of bad breath in pets is related to what they eat. Some canned dog foods, dry food, food high in fish oil, raw food diets and food hard to digest are some culprits.
Bad breath can also be triggered by a broken tooth, tooth decay, gum disease or sinus infection. On a slightly more severe level, it can also stem from other medical conditions such as bacterial infections, fungal overgrowth, or cancer.
Systemic diseases such as kidney diseases or diabetes may also be the cause. An experienced veterinarian can easily differentiate breath caused by kidney disease or breath caused by diabetes.
The most beneficial form of treatment is a full professional cleaning by a veterinarian, according to Pet MD. Most veterinarians suggest having your pet's teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year.
Tooth brushing and dental chews at home can also help preserve dental health in between cleanings. Make sure to not use human toothpaste, as there is toothpaste made specifically for pets.
The best thing for pet owners to do is to desensitize their pets while they are still young. Other helpful tips include giving them hard biscuits, dry food, a tablespoon of plain and sugar-free yogurt, raw bones, bite-size carrots, charcoal biscuits or tablets or adding parsley to their diet, according to Dog's Best Life.
It is important to know that the older pets get, the more likely their breath will reflect their general health. Fortunately, most cases of bad breath problems are largely treatable.
