Bad Breath in Pets: Common Causes and How to Treat It Effectively
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You love your pet, but their breath? Not so much. That whiff of “doggy breath” or that sharp smell from your cat’s mouth might seem like a small inconvenience. After all, pets don’t brush their teeth like we do, so isn’t bad breath just part of the deal? Not quite. If your pet’s breath makes you pull back, it’s a red flag. Let’s walk through why bad breath in pets is never just normal, what might be causing it, and what you can do about your pet’s dental health.
When Bad Breath Means Something More
- Consistent bad odor is a sign that something’s wrong. The medical term for bad breath is halitosis, and in pets, it’s usually linked to poor oral hygiene, but it can also be a symptom of something more serious.
Common causes include:
- Periodontal disease (gum infections, plaque, tartar buildup)
- Tooth decay or fractured teeth
- Oral abscesses
- Foreign objects stuck in the gums
- Kidney disease (causes a urine-like breath odor)
- Diabetes (can cause a sweet or fruity breath smell)
- Liver disease (may cause foul odor with yellow gums or vomiting)
In most cases, chronic bad breath is due to bacterial buildup in the mouth, especially if your pet’s teeth have never been professionally cleaned.
What Does Your Pet’s Breath Smell Like?
Not all bad breath smells the same. Pay attention to the type of odor:
- Rotten or fishy smell: Often indicates dental disease.
- Sweet or fruity smell: Could be diabetes, especially in combination with increased thirst or urination.
- Ammonia or urine-like odor: May point to kidney dysfunction.
- Foul smell + vomiting + yellowing eyes/gums: Get to a vet. It could be liver-related.
What Can You Do to Help?
1. Schedule a Dental Checkup
- If your pet has never had a dental exam or cleaning, start there. Vets can examine the teeth and gums thoroughly (including under the gumline) to identify plaque, tartar, infections, or broken teeth.
At Autumn Trails Veterinary Center, we offer comprehensive dental evaluations and cleanings to get your pet’s mouth back on track.
2. Start Brushing
Brushing your pet’s teeth daily is the most effective way to prevent bad breath in pets and avoid long-term dental issues. Use:
- Pet-safe toothpaste (never use human toothpaste, it’s toxic to pets)
- A pet toothbrush or finger brush
- Gentle strokes and lots of patience
Don’t worry if you can’t brush every day; start with a few times a week and build from there.
3. Incorporate Dental Treats and Chews
- Dental chews and toys can help reduce plaque buildup, freshen breath, and keep your pet engaged. Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
4. Switch to Dental-Friendly Food or Water Additives
- Your vet may recommend dental-specific kibble or water additives that help reduce bacterial growth in your pet’s mouth. These are great options if your pet resists brushing.
5. Know When It’s More Than a Mouth Issue
- If you notice other symptoms along with bad breath in pets—such as weight loss, vomiting, increased thirst, or appetite changes—it could indicate a systemic illness rather than just a dental issue.
In these cases, bloodwork, urinalysis, or imaging may be needed to identify the cause.
Prevention Is the Best Cure
Once your pet’s mouth is clean and healthy again, keeping it that way is key. Here’s what you can do:
- Annual dental exams
- At-home brushing (at least 3x/week)
- Regular use of approved dental treats
- Keep up with wellness visits to catch issues early
- Your pet deserves better, and so do you.
Yearly dental appointments are ideal for keeping dental issues at bay. At Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center, we perform a range of dental services, from cleanings to dental extraction, to help keep your pet’s mouth looking and feeling great. We are located in Charlottesville, VA. Appointments are conveniently available; call us at 434-971-9800.
