Treating bad breath in dogs and cats is important since it often indicates a bigger problem such as dental plaque or tooth decay. In fact, bad breath or halitosis is a common complaint for many pet owners. A pet with halitosis can lead to embarrassment for the pet owners during family events, parties, and special gatherings.
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What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs and Cats?
Bad breath in dogs and cats can be caused by a poor diet. If pets are unintentionally fed a diet that includes spoiled foods, bad breath can result. More commonly, pets that are fed kitchen scraps can develop halitosis since the food is sometimes left for an hour or more before the pet eats it.
Even pets that are fed a diet of dry pet food or a combination of dry and wet pet food can develop bad breath. If cats and dogs do not receive dental care, it is possible for plaque to build up on their teeth. This is known as calculus buildup, and it is this buildup that can lead to bad breath.
The presence of teeth that are decaying can also lead to bad breath. Decaying teeth are often the result of poor dental care for the pet. If the decaying tooth is not treated, not only can it continue to cause bad breath, but it can also lead to health problems for the pet.
Occasionally, bad breath is actually caused by a pet who insists on eating things that they should not. Coprophagia or feces eating is actually quite common in dogs. While this behavior may not appear to be normal, certain studies have suggested that dogs eat feces as a way of identifying the animals that have produced it. Coprophagia has also been blamed on poor diets and underlying health conditions. Whatever the reason behind a pet’s indulging in a bit of feces eating, it can lead to bad breath when it occurs frequently. Unfortunately, coprophagia is known to become a habitual behavior in canines and so it is quite difficult to cure even with persistent effort.
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Halitosis can also be caused by an underlying medical condition such as kidney and liver ailments. If your pet shows other signs of physical disorders, it is extremely important that you visit the veterinarian. Moreover, if you attempt to treat your pet’s bad breath but do not see any signs of improvement, you might want to visit the veterinarian and get a full physical to determine the status of your pet’s health. Of course, I always recommend a holistic veterinarian.
In addition to preventing your pet’s bad breath by feeding your cat or dog a proper diet, it is important to provide dental care. A number of dental products for cats and dogs are available for the prevention of calculus buildup and bad breath. To avoid toxins and harmful ingredients, it is important to use a dental care product for pets that has been formulated with natural ingredients. Look for a dental care product made with grape seed extract and grapefruit seed extract for the best results in preventing plaque buildup, oral infections, and bad breath.
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http://www.Natural-Wonder-Pets.com. Gary LeMon is a Master Herbalist specializing in natural remedies for dogs and cats. His evenings and weekends are spent crusading for animal rights and making the Earth a greener, friendlier place to live.
Dogs express lingering illness and other health concerns mainly thru the condition of their skin and coat, teeth and gums, and diet habits. The symptom of bad breath in dogs may be employed by owners as a convenient tool in spotting diseases early. The issue is a majority of dogs receive no attention to the cleaning of their teeth and gums, this permits plaque and tarter buildup causing chronic bad breath in dogs. Bad breath in dogs or halitosis taints up to 90% of canines, and results from dogs experiencing varying degrees of periodontal disease. Because the unhealthy condition of a dog’s teeth and gums gives them constant halitosis, major sicknesses that present symptoms through a dog’s breath progress undetected by owners until other symptoms develop.
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The early detection of disease in dogs is vital to the successfully treatment of many canine ailments. The facility to effectively manage a dog’s health care requires owners to be conscious of unhealthy changes in their body, a dog’s breath being one of the most significant changes to observe. After prevention early identifying of protracted sicknesses in dogs is important in providing them effective medical care. Regardless of the fact many treatments available to humans are also available to dogs ; the severity of a dog’s condition may deem the treatment to expensive or tough to perform on your dog. For this reason owners are beginning to provide the proper oral cleanliness care for their dogs and bestowing them with fresh breath so they’re going to be ready to notice certain sicknesses in time to effectively treat them.
A few chronic sicknesses that present the indication of halitosis in dogs are easily treatable when noted early. The most typical conditions that cause bad breath, include diabetes mellitus ; respiratory Problems like inflammation of the nose passages ; redness of the sinuses ; and stomach issues, such as enlargement of the esophageal tube. Dogs that develop the type of stomach disease due to a blockage of the stomach system will have halitosis. If not perceived early a dog can experience sever damage to their guts. This is an instance of a disease that can be detected early by noticing its symptom of bad breath in dogs. Our beloved dog’s depend on us to be aware of symptoms that indicate they need veterinarian care, appreciating the importance of a dog’s breath helps owners satisfy this responsibility.
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Making sure your dog’s mouth is healthful and clean guarantees that you are going to not overlook bad breath caused by underlining diseases. Bio-chemistry focusing on how dog’s teeth and gums interact at a bacterial level has developed highly efficient oral care sprays and gels. These products ‘ all natural formulations utilize substances that promote a healthy environment inside a dog’s mouth. The power to simply and effectively provide your dog with good oral cleanliness really improves an owner’s capability to be successful advocates for their dog’s health care. When choosing a product look for powerful naturally sourced ingredients that act as antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents. These substances include grape seed extract and the active form of neem that studies have proved to significantly improve oral health.
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I am part of VitaHound’s research staff that maintains the industry’s leading dog lover’s site http://VitaHound.com. Our tons of articles on %LINK3% allow owners to become strong advocates for their dog’s health care. Our readers become professionals in areas ranging from %LINK2% helping eliminate %LINK1% to choosing the best dog nutritional supplements helping a dog’s overall health and well being.
Bad breath sign of bad dog health? Nah, that can’t be possible! Well it is true. While it’s perfectly acceptable to have your pooch’s breath smell of scavenged or raw meat, every time he breathes into your face, unknowing of the torture he subjects you to, you should have alarm bells ringing if his breath smells really-really bad every single time. Highly offensive bad breath means your pet health is at risk.
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Halitosis, or bad breath, is a horrible odour coming from mouth of your doggie. There is more than just your pooch’s breath that is unpleasant. While there are plenty of pet products available to help all you pet owners deal with bad breath and the overall dog health. These pet products include dog toothbrush and toothpaste, treats that are meant to reduce tartar, and doggie breath drops or breath fresheners! However, it’s very important to know what really causes Halitosis and affects the pet health as well as the treatments that are available for this condition.
Typically, halitosis affects the pet health due to oral causes, but in some cases bad breath can be caused by other diseases or dog health conditions that include:
Gingivitis (inflammatory gums)
Periodontitis (inflammation of the tissues, which surround the teeth)
Infected tooth/teeth
Foreign bodies such as piece of bone, hair, or plant material stuck in the dog’s mouth
Oral ulceration/ Oral neoplasia
Lung diseases (ex: lung cancer)
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Halitosis can be discomforting for the dog as well. He may not be able to convey his pain or discomfort. So don’t risk the dog health and watch out for symptoms such as:
Oral pain and discharge
Bloody discharge from the mouth
Excessive Drooling
Dysphagia (or difficulty in swallowing food)
Depression
It can be depressing not just for the pooch but for you as well, if you dog is no longer smiling or if you have to shove his off every time he approaches you. The best thing to do when you notice any or some of the above symptoms is to get medical advice. Only a vet can assess the cause or extent of damage caused by Halitosis and its affect on the pet health. The veterinarian will most likely make a complete oral examination as well as subject your dog to periodontal probing. Sometimes, a full mouth X-ray may be necessary.
While the vet will do what is best for the dog health based on the correct diagnosis and tests, you can also ensure that the pet health is maintained by brushing your dog’s teeth every day. There are several products on the market to help you deal with doggie breath including dog toothbrush and paste, dog treats that can help minimize tartar or freshen dog breath as well as doggie breath drops. It is first important to understand and treat any underlying diseases that may be causing the foul odour. You can also follow dietary recommendations (as advised by the veterinarian). Vets suggest Hill’s Prescription Diet T/D or Eukanuba Restricted-Calorie Rewards for Halitosis.
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If you need further information on dog health, including discussion groups visit our pet forum. We also have a great directory of articles and pet issues on pet health with hundreds of related subjects.
The association humans have with dogs might be the most successful relationship between man and animal in the history of time. The domestic dog dates so far back research reports some seriously different findings. The most satisfactory date is 31,700 BP, this date has little meaning to anyone that isn’t an anthropologist, never the less it is a a hundred thousand years ago.
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The partnership was founded on the wants of humans for assistance in herding, hunting, protection and a method of detection and alarming their owners of intrusion. While many of the working facets of the relationship still exist the bond has developed into one of friendship. A dog’s unique sense of their owner’s mood is mystic and re enforces the devotion and love many owners have for their dogs.
The owners and families of the modern dog are living much nearer with their hounds, dogs or living inside with the rest of the family and spending less of their time in the yard. Scores of dogs are regarded as one of the family leaving their old standing of pets for the birds, fish, and even cats to meet.
The hygiene of the family dog is beginning to become central to the vibrancy of their interaction with the people around them. For the last forty years the canine diet has produced halitosis in dogs. A dog’s bad breath is a symptom of periodontal disease but so few dogs receive regular oral hygiene care that bad breath in dogs is considered ordinary. As dogs start to live for longer the degree of periodontal illness is now reaching stages of seriousness not seen during the past. The odor from dog periodontal illness influences the standard of sociability dogs rely on for a healthy state of mind.
A dog’s powerful sense of their owner’s mental condition is what endears us to these animals, this high level of sensitivity to our moods can also stress a dog. As owner’s interactions are effected by their dogs halitosis our dog’s senses the growinging detachment of the physical contact that is the foundation stone of their mental well being.
Oral hygiene care in dogs used be a difficult task, dogs are highly resistant to anybody making an attempt to open their mouths. It is improbable a dog will hold still while an owner attempts to clean their teeth like how owners brush their own teeth. Cleaning dog teeth can be accomplished by making use of all natural products formulated to deal with the harmful bacteria that cause canine periodontal disease and the bad breath that results as a symptom. The ingredients in these products are highly effectual and can be applied daily by simply spraying a mist into a dog’s mouth or gels that can be applied directly to a dog’s teeth and gums.
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Modern times and the modern dog need modern dental care. The notion dogs naturally have bad breath is a notion that has to change. The ability of care givers to make provision for their dog’s oral health hasn’t ever been easier.
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I ‘m part of VitaHound’s research staff that maintains the industry’s leading dog lover’s site www.VitaHound.com. Our tons of articles on permit owners to become powerful advocates for their dog’s health care. Our readers become gurus in areas starting from helping eliminate to choosing the best dog nutritional supplements helping a dog’s overall health and well being.
Dental and oral problems are important to learn, to prevent and to cure. Dogs may not live to the fullest if there’s something that bothers on their mouth. Mouth and teeth diseases will also keep the dog owner from getting too close because of unpleasant odor. Proper hygiene and oral care is important, and it ensures our dog is healthy.
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Tartar Build Up. The most common form of canine dental disease is tartar buildup. This causes irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth (gingivitis), resulting in exposure of the roots. Ultimately, this leads to infection and tooth loss. Infection will accumulate in the mouth, resulting in gingivitis, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis (sore throat). Infection within the mouth will be picked up by the blood stream and carried to other parts of the body. Kidney infections, as well as infections involving the heart valves, frequently begin in the mouth. One of the main factors determining the amount of tartar buildup is the individual chemistry in the mouth. Some dogs need yearly cleanings; other dogs need a cleaning only once every few years.
Bad Breath and Halitosis. Dog bad breath is a common problem that makes unpleasant situation for dog owners. Bad breath could keep from enjoyable playing and getting close with dogs which upsetting for the dog too. Dog halitosis bad breathe is a particularly foul and offensive odor coming from dog’s mouth. While it’s unpleasant, dog bad breath can also be a sign of a serious health problem like infection or any internal health issues that releases the foul odor. Furthermore symptoms like facial swelling, pawing at the mouth, sneezing, and nasal discharge can all be signs of mouth disorders. However, even if you only observe the foul odor, it’s still important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian so that the cause of your pet’s halitosis can be identified and treated, preventing continuation of the unpleasant odor as well as protecting your furry friend’s health and happiness.
Periodontitis or Periodontal Disease. Periodontitis is the inflammation of the structures that support teeth, the gum tissue, periodontal ligament, alveolus (small cavity) and cementum (bonelike connective tissue covering the root of a tooth and assisting in tooth support). It is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world in dogs and is caused by bacteria that make up plaque. ‘Periodontal’ comes from two Greek words that mean ‘around the tooth.’ Periodontal disease is a series of changes that are associated with the inflammation and loss of the deep supporting structures of teeth. Periodontal disease is inflammation of some or all of the tooth’s support structures (gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone). When compared to gingivitis, periodontitis indicates bone loss. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria. Initially a pellicle forms on the clean tooth. This pellicle attracts aerobic gram positive bacteria (mostly actinomyces and strepococci). Soon more bacteria adhere forming plaque. With in days the plaque thickens, underlying bacteria run out of oxygen and anaerobic motile rods and spirochetes begin to populate the sub gingival area. Endotoxins released by the anaerobic bacteria cause tissue destruction and bone loss. Small breed and brachycephalic dogs are at greater risk of periodontal disease because their teeth are often crowded together. This results in an increased accumulation of plaque because the normal cleansing mechanisms are hindered. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will progress to periodontal disease which is irreversible. Periodontal Therapy is one of the treatment that controls plaque.
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Mouth Infections and Stomatitis. Infection or inflammation in the mouth – stomatitis – can be caused by cuts, burns, foreign bodies stuck in the mouth, and diseases of the gums and the structures that support the teeth (periodontal disease). Metabolic diseases such as kidney failure can also cause painful stomatitis. Stick are common and potentially serious, especially those in the back of the mouth. To treat stomatitis, the cause is addressed: physical injuries are treated, foreign objects are removed, dental conditions are corrected , and any underlying metabolic disorder are controlled to prevent recurrence. Secondary bacterial infection is common, so appropriate antibiotics are almost always used.
Foreign bodies in the mouth and throat. Dogs love to chew sticks, stones, bones and other hard materials but also potentially dangerous: sticks can cause damage to the mouth and can also crack teeth, especially molars. This may lead to tooth-pulp exposure and infection. Sticks can also lodge in the back of the throat, too far for easy removal with a spoon handle. A dog with something in its throat gags, paws anxiously at its mouth, and may drool or vomit. A foreign body in the throat may cause swelling that interferes with breathing. If the object blocks the voice box, the dog chokes and faints. Treat the dog immediately for choking. For severe cases, surgery is needed. Always supervise what the dogs chew, or rather give them balls and other chewing toys instead of sticks and other not safe to chew materials.
Dog Mouth Tumors. Tumors are uncommon but can occur on the gums, tongue or roof of mouth, or in the salivary glands. When possible they are surgically removed, followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Dog Oral Examination. The annual physical exam must include an oral exam to recognize problems with teeth, periodontal disease, and other oral diseases. The comprehensive oral exam begins by observing the face, recognizing that there are normal breed variations but carefully observing for abnormalities.
Diet and Chewing Behavior. Studies show that hard kibbles are slightly better than canned foods at keeping plaque from accumulating on the teeth. Dogs that chew on various toys or edible dental chews may remove some of the plaque build-up.
Home Care. The owner plays an important role in the oral health care for their companion animals. We consider the pet owner and the family veterinarian as key members of our dental health care team. Out Comprehensive Oral health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) as well as all of our services may be ineffective without the pet owner’s involvement. It is important that the pet owner has interest in their pets’ oral health. Regular teeth brushing are strongly recommended because it is a huge benefit for pets and it allows for close observation for oral problems.
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Hannah Serrano is a passionate writer of http://www.americaoutdoor.com, an informative website about dog crates and pet strollers pets and animals.
Many dog owners fail to provide their dog with proper dental care. In most instances, dental hygiene for dogs is being overlooked at a great price. Dogs also get bad breath and bacteria that can lead to gingivitis. Dog owners need to provide proper dental care for their dogs. By providing proper dental care you will also improve his overall health and save you lots of money later. Proper dental care is just as important as his nutrition, exercise, and routine grooming. This article you give you some tips on how to provide your dog with dental care that you can do at home.
Observing Your Dog’s Dental Health
Catching teeth problems early will help avoid severe dental disease. The easiest way to keep track of your dog’s teeth is to look at them on a regular basis. Look for signs that may be a problem.
To inspect your dog’s teeth do the following:
Lift the lips all around the mouth.
Look at the front and back teeth closely as possible.
Be gentle and use caution so that you don’t get bit.
Your veterinarian will also examine your dog’s teeth during routine examinations.
Look for the following signs of possible dental problems:
Halitosis (bad breath)
Reluctance to chew/ cries out when chewing
Increased salivation
Red or puffy gums
Bleeding gums
Tatar / Calculus (hard coating on teeth that is usually brown or yellow; results from plaque build-up)
Missing or loose teeth
Anything else about the mouth that appears unusual
Contact your veterinarian if you should notice any of the above symptoms.
The Dangers of Dental Disease
Plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar, or calculus. These areas grow bacteria and eat away at the teeth and gums. Halitosis, periodontal disease, oral pain and tooth loss can occur. However, the bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth – they can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart and kidneys. The most important thing to do is address dental disease as soon as it is detected, no matter how minor. Better yet, work hard to prevent it!
Preventing Dental Disease in Dogs
There are several things you can do to help keep your dog’s teeth in good shape. Start a dental care routine as soon as possible in your dog’s life so he get’s used to the feeling of having his teeth brushed and inspected. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that typically fall out by about six months of age and then his permanent teeth come in. By this time, your dog should be getting his teeth brushed regularly. If you decide to brush your dog’s teeth, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
Never brush your dog’s teeth with human toothpaste – it can make your dog sick! Use special enzymatic toothpaste made especially for dogs. The same goes for oral rinses.
Plaque begins to turn into tartar / calculus within 24-48 hours, so daily brushing is recommended. Work your dog’s tooth brushing into your own routine – consider brushing his teeth around the same time you do yours so it will be easier to remember.
Use a “finger brush” or special long toothbrush designed for use on dogs. When starting out with brushings, the finger brush can help ease your dog into it, as these do not feel as awkward as hard brushes.
Before you begin, ask your veterinarian to show you some techniques to make tooth brushing easier on you and your dog.
If you are not able to brush your dog’s teeth, there are other options. Consider using oral rinses made especially for dogs. You can also purchase special dental treats. Avoid real bones – not only can they lead to gastrointestinal upset, they may also cause tooth fractures.
Final Tips
Very important: make sure you keep up with his vet exams. From time to time, a professional dental cleaning may be recommended. This requires general anesthesia. During the procedure, your dog’s teeth and gums will be examined closely for problems. The teeth will then be scaled and polished. If dental problems are noted, tooth extractions could become necessary. Alternatively, you may be referred to a veterinary dentist for specialty procedures. Some dogs need dental cleanings one or more times per year, while others can go longer. Be certain to follow your vet’s recommendations. And remember, what you do at home can really make all the difference. By providing the proper dental care for your dog will go a long way for a longer and healthier life.
Happy dog teeth cleaning!
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I care about pet cats and dogs and just like to communicate information to help new and existing pet owners take good care of their pets. Go to my website to learn more about dogs at: . There you will find more dog articles and stuff to buy such as 211 dog calendars, gifts, toys, pet friendly hotels, and organic dog food.
It must be pretty awful to be afraid to kiss, and it is needless since you can cure halitosis or bad breath easily and quickly if you know what to do.
The agony of a guy being afraid when a girl comes close must be terrible, and for a girl too since women also suffer from bad breath. Kissing is a normal thing for teenagers, and for anyone in fact. To be afraid of a kiss must be awful.
Although you cannot smell your own breath, you will know that yours smells bad when people step back from you when you talk, or someone of the opposite sex flinches and turns away when you get close. You have to do something about it other than just brushing your teeth, and do it quick.
What Causes Halitosis?
This article with give you information on how to cure that problem, but first let’s have a look at what causes halitosis and dispel some myths. Halitosis is caused by evil smelling sulfur compounds that are products of the break-down of proteins by bacteria that live in your mouth. Although poor dental care can contribute, it is not the main reason. These bacteria are natural, and are meant to be in your mouth, but in some cases they start to work overtime and break down some proteins too fast, so generating these nasty volatile compounds.
Bacteria Live Deep in you Tongue and Cheeks
The bacteria are anaerobic, which means that they work best in the absence of oxygen, so do not live on the surface, but deep within the tongue, between the papillae or rough bumps on your tongue, in your cheeks and in your throat. That’s why brushing does not help much. They thrive in dry mouths, where the lack of oxygen-containing saliva creates ideal conditions for them. Dry mouths can be caused by some medications such as antihistamines and high blood pressure treatments and also by alcohol. Hence the ‘dog breath’ the morning after a heavy night!
High protein foods also cause halitosis, and the acidity of coffee speeds up the activity of the bacteria. A cheeseburger and coffee is probably worse before a date than eating onions! Sinus problems also create bad breath and it is next to impossible to eradicate after sinus surgery. So what can you do to cure your problem? It is, after all, a serious problem since it can affect your success in romance and also your employment prospects. No employer wants somebody with stinking breath talking to customers, so you have to do something, and do it quick. Luckily there is a cure for bad breath.
How to Cure Bad Breath
The cure lies in the fact that the bacteria are known to be anaerobic. They don’t like oxygen. It figures, therefore, that if you apply a substance that is rich in oxygen it will stop the little guys doing all that damage in your mouth. The compounds that you can smell are called Volatile Sulfur Compounds, or VSCs. If you can stop the bacteria from creating them then you have found the solution.
There are oxygen-rich compounds that can be used for this. If they are applied as a paste to the tongue and cheeks, and removed with a tongue scraper, they are very effective. The treatment can then be backed up by oxygenated mouthwashes and toothpastes to get down into the body of your tongue and cheeks. Brushing your tongue and cheeks with a soft toothbrush is also effective. These compounds can also break down the VOCs into odourless substances.
Once you have your bad breath under control, you can keep it controlled by keeping an eye on the proteins you eat. You don’t have to stop eating high protein foods such as cheese and fish, just be aware that you are eating them and then clean your tongue and cheeks afterwards. This stops any debris accumulating and being decomposed by the bacteria.
Ordinary Toothpaste is not Effective
An ordinary toothpaste in not good enough for this, but pastes are available containing high-oxygen materials. More details are available on my website of you want them, or you could try asking your pharmacist. You must be prepared, however, for an old-fashioned view of halitosis as being due to poor oral hygiene, which it definitely is not. It is a condition that some people have, that is caused by natural friendly bacteria, and certain medical or dietary conditions. In some cases it can be genetic.
Improved oral hygiene might help slightly by masking the problem, but will not cure it. A reduced alcohol intake is only a temporary cure if the condition is caused by excessive alcohol, but not if there is another cause. In that case, alcohol is simply making it worse rather than being the prime cause.
Do Not be Afraid to Kiss
Do not be afraid to kiss. You can cure bad breath or halitosis fairly easily if you go the right way about it. Don’t try to cure it in any other way other than attacking the bacteria with oxygen. You will not kill them since they are there all the time and will easily be regenerated after an antibacterial treatment such as a mouthwash. The only real cure is to use a highly oxygenated compound.
I suffer myself, but have never had a problem with my breath for the past two years.
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More information on the cure for bad breath is available on Peter’s website at and general health information on
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