Pet bad breath and dental care
Pet’s breath scaring you? Bad breath in dogs and cats is rarely ‘just the way it is’. Teeth and gums are usually involved.
Why the smell appears
Plaque, tartar, gum inflammation, sometimes internal disease. The longer tartar stays, the stronger the inflammation.
What you can do at home
Regular brushing with pet toothpaste (not human). Special dental treats and additives sometimes help but do not replace brushing and check-ups. Look in the mouth: red gums, heavy tartar, reluctance to chew — reasons to see a vet.
When to see a vet
Strong odour, bleeding, pain when eating, loose teeth, refusal of hard food — professional assessment is needed. Sometimes a dental procedure under veterinary care is required.
What not to do
Do not use human toothpaste. Do not scrape tartar yourself with sharp tools. Do not ignore the smell for months.
Common questions
From what age should I brush?
Training is easier from a young age when the pet accepts handling more calmly.
Does dry food alone help?
It sometimes reduces plaque a little, but it does not solve the problem for everyone.
Can tartar only be removed under anaesthetic?
Not always, but with serious inflammation and a large amount of tartar a full veterinary procedure is often needed.
You can find vets in the Petty catalogue.
Places and specialists in the Petty directory:
Veterinary