Blech!

"Doggie Breath" can make grown men cringe and toddlers cry, but somehow many of us pet owners have resigned ourselves to living with it, saying, "All dogs have bad breath." 

It Doesn't Have To Be That Way

Not all dogs have bad breath, and most of the ones that do don't have to.  The number one most common cause of bad breath is a build-up of bacteria, which is highly preventable and readily curable in most cases.  Bad breath is a symptom, not a condition.

The Cause and The Cure

Dental and gum disease are the most common health problems that threaten dogs and cats.  Up to 80 percent of all pets over two years old are affected by periodontal disease, which is caused by build-up of bacterial plaque on teeth.

Just as with people, professional teeth cleaning and routine oral care at home for your pet can help prevent a number of dental problems.  If periodontal disease is not stopped, it can lead to constant mouth pain, difficulty eating and tooth loss.  The bacteria from plaque also may enter the bloodstream and slowly poison vital internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs.  Call your veterinarian if you see signs such as bleeding or inflamed gums, loose teeth, excessive salivation, a reluctance to eat or chew, or bad breath.  Sometimes a pet with dental problems will attempt to chew food on one side of the mouth - look for head tilting while your pet is chewing.

Dental problems can become very serious before you even notice a problem.  A dental check up, along with a thorough professional cleaning (done at your vet's office) is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your pet healthy.

The good news about oral disease is that many cases are highly preventable.  You should provide regular dental care at home, if possible, by brushing your pet's teeth with a specially designed pet toothbrush, or using an oral cleansing solution.  Always use a pet toothpaste, and never a toothpaste made for humans.  Pet toothpaste doesn't foam the way our toothpaste does, and it's safe if swallowed.

Be sure to provide something healthy for them to chew on (dental chews are designed to scrape the teeth thereby reducing, and helping to prevent, tarter and plaque build-up).

Even cats like to chew, and there are some great products on the market made especially for them, like Greenies.

If you can provide even minimal dental care at home using the above suggestions, it will help prevent bacterial build-up in the mouth, which in turn prevents bad breath.

Tip:  February is Dental Health Month in the veterinary world and many vet's offer discounts or specials on dental cleanings during that month.