Isn’t it funny how we rarely notice our own bad breath? The same goes for our pets. You’ve probably never heard a dog or cat complain about their housemate’s breath, but as humans, we definitely notice when our furry friends have foul-smelling mouths. Unfortunately, bad breath in dogs and cats isn’t just unpleasant, it could be a sign of a much bigger issue.
At Carefree Dentistry and Oral Surgery, our board-certified veterinary dentists are dedicated to preserving the special bond between pets and their humans. One of the biggest threats to that bond? Halitosis, the clinical term for bad breath.
What Is Halitosis?
The term halitosis comes from the Latin word halitus (breath) and the suffix -osis, indicating a diseased or abnormal state. Halitosis isn’t just a nuisance, it’s often a symptom of a deeper problem in your pet’s mouth or body.
What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs and Cats?
The most common cause of halitosis is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. Within minutes of eating, or even after a professional dental cleaning, plaque begins to reform. The bacteria in plaque produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) like hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan, which are responsible for that nasty odor.
Other Possible Causes of Pet Halitosis:
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Dental infections or abscesses
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Oral tumors or growths
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Systemic illnesses (e.g., kidney or gastrointestinal disease)
If plaque isn’t removed within 48 hours, it can mineralize into tartar (calculus), a yellow, brown, or green crust that protects bacteria and makes breath even worse. Brushing alone can’t remove tartar; it requires professional dental scaling under general anesthesia.
Why Bad Breath Is More Than Just a Cosmetic Issue
Many pet owners think bad breath is just a cosmetic concern. In reality, it’s often a warning sign of periodontal disease, a serious condition involving inflammation and infection of the tissues supporting the teeth.
Effects of Periodontal Disease:
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Pain and tooth loss
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Damage to the jawbone
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Increased risk of heart, liver, or kidney disease
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Systemic inflammation and illness
Studies show that VSCs are toxic to oral tissues and play a key role in the development of periodontal disease. Even if you don’t see plaque or tartar, persistent bad breath may indicate that your pet needs a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT).
How Veterinarians Diagnose Halitosis
Veterinary dental specialists often use the strength of a pet’s bad breath to estimate the severity of their dental disease. In fact, several studies have shown a direct correlation between the amount of VSCs and the level of periodontal damage.
A COHAT performed by a board-certified veterinary dentist can reduce halitosis for up to three months. Once the teeth are cleaned, scaled, and polished, the next step is regular home care.
How to Prevent Bad Breath in Dogs and Cats
The best way to fight pet halitosis is through a combination of professional dental care and consistent home hygiene.
Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth
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Gold standard: Brushing twice a day
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Very good: Brushing once a day
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Minimum effective: Every other day
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Example routine: Brush every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for two minutes
Brushing is most effective after a professional cleaning and cannot remove existing tartar, only a veterinarian can do that.
What About Cats?
Yes, cats can also be trained to accept tooth brushing, especially when started early, introduced gently, and with a bit of luck. Don’t forget your feline friend when it comes to oral care!
Other Tools That Help Reduce Halitosis
While brushing is the most effective, other products can support your pet’s oral health:
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Chlorhexidine rinses and toothpaste
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Dental chews
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Water additives
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VOHC-approved products (visit VOHC.org for safe, research-backed options)
Remember: these tools work best after the teeth are cleaned. They help maintain oral hygiene, but won’t work effectively on dirty teeth.
Why Routine Dental Care Matters
Even with excellent home care, problems can still arise. Routine exams and professional cleanings catch issues early, minimizing pain and long-term damage.
And don’t forget, pets age up to seven times faster than humans. So, a yearly dental exam is like waiting seven years for a human dentist visit!
Don’t Ignore That Stinky Breath
Bad breath in dogs and cats is not normal, it’s a red flag. It’s often the first and most obvious symptom of a deeper dental or health issue. If your pet has persistent halitosis, contact a board-certified veterinary dentist for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.
At Carefree Dentistry and Oral Surgery, we’re here to help keep your pet healthy, happy, and huggable, no matter how close you get. Contact us today to schedule your pet’s next dental appointment.
Kipp J. Wingo, DVM
Diplomate, American Veterinary College of Dentistry
Carefree Dentistry & Oral Surgery for Animals