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Did you know that stinky pet breath is not normal? If your furkid’s morning breath (or any other time of the day breath) has become unbearable, there is probably a serious underlying cause.
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Periodontal disease
This is the most common reason for bad pet breath. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease are in plaque and tartar on the surface of teeth. Then the bacteria slowly spread to your pet’s gums and then into the ligaments and bones surrounding the teeth. Over time, this infection can cause bone loss and loose teeth.
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Abscessed tooth
When bacteria reach the root of a tooth, they set up a pocket of infection surrounding it, leading to swelling in the jaw or under an eye. Tooth root abscesses are often caused by periodontal disease and chipped or fractured teeth that expose the pulp, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth. Broken and abscessed teeth are common problems for dogs who chew hard items like bones.
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Foreign body
Our pets love to eat sticks and other strange things, and sometimes these get stuck between their teeth. Since our poor pets can’t simply use a toothpick or floss, these foreign bodies will stay stuck for quite some time, causing inflammation, infection, and even tissue ulcers. Imagine the relief they must feel when these are finally found and removed during a dental cleaning!
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Oral mass
Unfortunately, masses and cancers can happen anywhere in the body, even in the mouth. This is a tough spot because owners often can’t see that there’s a problem until the mass is rather large and cumbersome. In many cases, bad breath will be the first sign that something is wrong.
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Systemic disease
Not everything that makes pets’ breath stinky happens in the mouth. Several systemic diseases can affect your pet’s breath, making it smell decidedly odd. The classic examples are kidney disease and diabetes.
So, don’t just chalk up the bad breath to something your pet ate! Talk to your veterinarian to make sure your pet’s mouth is healthy.