|
Does
it seem lately that your pet has morning breath-all
day long? It may be tough, but have him open wide
and take a look inside his mouth.
Dog Bad Breath & Cat Bad Breath -Some Causes
Are
there any ulcers or lumps and bumps on his gums?
If the answer is yes, an infection may be causing
the offending odor. Are his teeth stained? If so,
your animal companion is suffering from tartar buildup-the
most common cause of bad breath in dogs and cats.
Avoid Dog & Cat Bad Breath by Brushing Teeth
The
best way to combat bad breath is by daily brushing.
Use a toothpaste made especially for your pet's
species; you should be able to find them in a pet
supply store in such pet-friendly flavors as poultry
and beef. To get your pet used to daily brushing,
start with just a little paste on your fingers or
some soft gauze. Gently rub it along his outer teeth
and gums for about 5 seconds. Over several days,
gradually increase "brushing" time to
30 seconds. When you think your animal companion
is comfortable enough, switch to a soft toothbrush.
There are some made specifically for dogs and cats.
You may opt for diluted salt water instead of canine
or feline toothpaste, but never use human toothpaste.
It may contain detergents that can cause pets to
get an upset stomach if swallowed. Always exercise
caution and common sense when attempting to brush
your pet's teeth. Some animals will not permit it,
so you may need to abandon the procedure if you
are in danger of being bitten.
When to See a Vet for Dog Bad Breath
If
you pet has an excessive amount of tartar on the
teeth, brushing will not help control the odor.
In this case, ANIMED recommends that you schedule
a trip to the veterinarian for dentistry. Without
proper early care, excessive tartar and gum disease
may lead to problems chewing and eating and other
medical consequences, such as the loss of a tooth.
Tartar
can also be somewhat controlled with regular chewing,
so be sure to provide your dog with hard rubber
toys or synthetic bones. As he gnaws, he'll be cleaning
his teeth and gums. Chewing raw carrot sticks or
biscuits will do the trick, too. Do not give your
animal companion meat bones, which may splinter
and become lodged in your pet's throat or intestines.
Health Problems & Cat & Dog Bad Breath
If
your pet's breath has an unusually sweet or fruity
scent, inform your veterinarian. This could be an
indicator of diabetes, particularly if your animal
has been drinking and urinating more frequently
than usual. If your animal companion's breath smells
a bit like urine, this may be a sign of kidney disease,
A liver disorder could be the problem if the odor
is unusually foul, and if your pet has been vomiting,
lacks appetite, and his eyes or gums are tinged
yellow. If your dog or cat's breath has any unusual
smell, such as those just mentioned, it's a good
idea to consult your veterinarian.
|
