Pet Halitosis: 5 Steps to Improve Your Pet's Breath

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, can be a troubling issue for both cats and dogs, signalling not only an unpleasant smell but sometimes an underlying health concern. With gum disease common in domesticated pets, tackling halitosis is an important part of promoting your pet's overall well-being. While tooth brushing is often recommended, it isn't always enough to solve the problem. This article explores the causes of halitosis and provides five vet-approved steps to help improve your pet's breath and maintain oral health.

1. Schedule a Veterinary Dental Exam and Cleaning

The most common cause of halitosis in cats and dogs is periodontal disease, a result of plaque and tartar buildup around the teeth and gums. A veterinarian can perform a thorough oral examination to identify this and other issues, such as tooth decay or infection. Professional dental cleaning—usually performed under anaesthesia—removes plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line, which is crucial for long-term oral health. Sometimes, teeth that are severely affected may need to be extracted. This is a vital first step to tackle the root cause of persistent bad breath and prevent further health complications.

2. Implement Regular Tooth Brushing

Regular tooth brushing is a highly effective way to prevent plaque accumulation and maintain fresh breath. Ideally, this should be done daily but at least weekly brushing can still offer benefits. Use pet-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste, as human products can be harmful to animals. Many pet toothpastes come in palatable flavours, making the routine more enjoyable for your pet. Consistent brushing helps to mechanically remove food particles and bacteria that cause gum disease and halitosis.

3. Use Veterinary-Approved Dental Products

Following professional cleaning, ongoing dental care with veterinary-approved products can greatly reduce plaque buildup and freshen breath. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) endorses dental diets, treats, water additives, and topical applications demonstrated to reduce tartar and combat bad odours effectively. Products containing zinc ions are particularly beneficial as they inhibit the bacteria responsible for unpleasant smells. Incorporating these products into your pet’s daily care routine supports a healthy mouth between professional visits.

4. Provide Dental Chews and Treats

Dental chews serve as an excellent complement to brushing and veterinary products. They work mechanically to break down plaque and stimulate saliva flow, promoting healthier gums and fresher breath. When selecting dental chews, choose appropriate sizes for your pet’s breed and ensure they cannot be swallowed whole to avoid choking hazards. For dogs, there is a wide variety of bones and chews specifically designed for oral health, while cats increasingly have options too. Offering these regularly can make a noticeable difference in maintaining good oral hygiene.

5. Maintain Routine Dental Checkups

Regular veterinary dental checkups, ideally twice a year, enable early detection and management of oral health issues. Halitosis may recur if underlying dental disease is left untreated, leading to more severe problems affecting your pet’s general health. By scheduling routine examinations, your vet can monitor for developing conditions such as gingivitis, advanced periodontal disease or other oral abnormalities and intervene promptly. This proactive approach supports long-term oral health and fresh breath.

Additional Tips for Managing Halitosis

Besides these five core steps, it’s helpful for pet owners to regularly inspect their pet’s mouth for foreign bodies or any signs of discomfort such as excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth or reluctance to eat. Sudden bad breath may sometimes be linked to diet or the ingestion of foul substances like trash or faeces (coprophagia). If you observe other symptoms including rapid weight loss, changes in appetite, or alterations in urination, seek veterinary advice immediately as these may indicate systemic illnesses that can affect breath quality.

By combining professional veterinary care, consistent home oral hygiene, and the use of veterinary-approved dental products, you can significantly improve and maintain your pet’s breath and overall health.