Let's face it – your pet's breath isn't always going to smell fresh and minty! Dogs and cats are notorious for eating things that can leave their breath smelling less than pleasant, from cat faeces and other animals to things they really shouldn't be eating.
However, persistent bad breath is different. If your pet's breath consistently smells unpleasant, it can be a sign that something needs attention.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
Dental Problems
Dental problems are one of the most common causes of persistent bad breath in dogs and cats. Plaque, tartar, gingivitis, periodontal disease and damaged or decaying teeth can all contribute to an unpleasant smell.
Bacteria around the teeth and gums can produce foul-smelling compounds, particularly when dental disease has progressed.
Oral Infections
Infections, ulcers, abscesses or injuries in the mouth can also cause bad breath. A foreign object lodged between the teeth or elsewhere in the mouth may create irritation, infection and an unpleasant odour.
Diet
Diet can influence your pet's oral and digestive health. Fresh, species-appropriate foods can form part of a natural approach to feeding, while appropriate chewing opportunities may help mechanically remove some plaque from the teeth.
Naturally dried chews such as Kangachoos, dried duck necks, dried turkey necks and dehydrated shark cartilage can provide chewing enrichment for suitable dogs.
Always choose chews appropriate for your pet's size, age and chewing style, and supervise them while chewing.
Digestive Health
Digestive problems may sometimes be associated with changes in breath odour. Gastrointestinal issues such as gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal infections or food intolerances can affect digestion and may contribute to unpleasant breath.
A healthy digestive system and balanced diet are important parts of overall wellbeing.
Kidney Problems
Changes in kidney function can cause waste products to build up in the body. In some pets, this can result in breath that has an unusual ammonia-like or chemical smell.
Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which may cause breath to develop a distinctive sweet or fruity odour. This requires urgent veterinary attention.
How Can You Help Your Pet's Breath?
Good dental care is one of the best ways to support fresh breath and healthy teeth and gums.
Feed a Natural, Balanced Diet
A fresh, balanced diet can provide a wide range of nutrients and may be part of a natural approach to your pet's overall health.
If you choose to feed a raw diet, it is important that it is appropriately balanced for your dog's or cat's nutritional requirements.
You can learn more about natural feeding here:
Provide Appropriate Chewing Opportunities
For dogs that can safely eat them, raw meaty bones can provide an opportunity for chewing and may help mechanically remove some plaque from the teeth.
Choose appropriately sized bones and always supervise your dog. Never feed cooked bones, as they can splinter and cause serious injury.
If your dog does not eat bones, there are other ways to provide dental care.
Brush Your Pet's Teeth
Regular tooth brushing is one of the simplest ways to help reduce plaque accumulation.
Greenpet offers a range of natural dental-care options, including:
Essential Dog Herbal Toothpaste
Mira-Pet Ultrasound Toothbrush Kit
Start slowly and make dental care a positive part of your pet's routine.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Occasional unpleasant breath is usually nothing to worry about, particularly if your pet has just eaten something smelly.
Persistent or suddenly changed breath, however, should not be ignored. An examination is particularly important if bad breath is accompanied by:
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Difficulty eating or chewing
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Drooling
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Red, swollen or bleeding gums
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Loose or damaged teeth
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Facial swelling
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Pawing at the mouth
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Vomiting or diarrhoea
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Increased thirst or urination
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Weight loss or reduced appetite
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Lethargy or other changes in behaviour
A persistent change in breath odour can sometimes be an early indication of an underlying problem. Identifying the cause is more important than simply trying to mask the smell.
Keeping Your Pet's Breath Fresh
Regular dental care, a nutritious diet and appropriate chewing opportunities can all form part of a natural approach to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
If your pet's breath remains persistently unpleasant despite good dental care, it's worth having the cause investigated rather than simply covering up the odour.
If you're unsure which natural dental products or feeding approach would be suitable for your pet, contact Greenpet for guidance.