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Pet breath is so notoriously noxious that it can be difficult to remember that it doesn’t have to be a part of pet ownership! Green Dog Dental created Green Dog Pet Products to help with problems like this.
Clean Teeth, Healthy Gums, Longer Life
Cats and dogs, like humans, require regular dental care in order for their mouth, teeth, and gums to remain healthy. And, despite our best intentions, it can be tricky to consistently brush your dog or cats teeth on a regular basis.
Because so few people are really able to commit to doing it regularly, smelly dog and kitty breath have become a commonly accepted part of pet-parenting. In fact, by age three over 80% of dogs and cats will show signs of periodontal disease. Yikes!
Bacteria and Bad Breath
Bad breath in dogs and cats, just like in people, is caused by an increase of the bacteria that produce odors in your pet’s mouth and stomach. There are many factors that can contribute to this bacterial increase and bad breath, but the main culprit is usually poor dental hygiene. Tartar buildup, plaque, and gum disease can all contribute to bad breath in both dogs and cats.
But dental hygiene issues are not the only cause of bad breath in our pets. Gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases can also cause your pets breath to smell foul. Certain kidney diseases can cause mouth odors, as well as some diseases of the stomach and intestines.
If your pet is suffering from one of these ailments, though, bad breath is unlikely to be the only symptom, so you shouldn’t jump immediately to the worst-case scenario. It’s much more likely that your pet’s halitosis is caused by poor dental hygiene.
What Can You Do?
Want to combat bad pet breath? Here’s what you can do:
- Clean your pet’s teeth. Both cats and dogs should be trained early on to except tooth cleaning as part of their daily (or at least 3X weekly) routine.
- Plaque reducing treats can be helpful, though some are more effective than others. Dr. Garcia created smileSPRAY for this reason.
- Consider a water additive. There are many water additives on the market that claim to cure your pet’s bad breath, though not all live up to this claim. Ask your vet for a recommendation.
- Bring your pet for regular professional cleanings at your vet’s office. While daily dental hygiene is a must, there really is no substitute for an annual cleaning.
If you live in Los Angeles, Green Dog Dental has locations in Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks and West Hollywood. You can even schedule online!
Visit the Green Dog Gazette for more tips on dental care and info on taking care of your pet's teeth and gums.