Our furry friends’ breath is notorious for being a little noxious. But while many pet owners attribute bad breath to be par for the course when it comes to dog and cat ownership, this simply isn’t the case!
DON'T IGNORE BAD BREATH
Bad breath in dogs and cats can have a variety of causes, the most common of which is periodontal disease. Bacteria in your pets mouth, when left unchecked by proper dental hygiene, forms into plaque and tarter which can lead to dental disease and gingivitis.
WHAT IS TARTAR?
Tartar is simply but the hardening of the bacterial layer that forms on canine teeth.
If the tartar isn’t removed by regular brushing, it accumulates and stratifies more and more creating a veritable colony of microorganisms inside the mouth, which can cause, in addition to the bad smell of the breath, a variety of diseases (some of which can be quite serious).
And it’s a vicious circle: the more tartar is formed, the more bacteria cling to it and proliferate!
CLEAN THEIR TEETH!
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly with an enzymatic toothpaste can help halt the formation of tartar and prevent dental disease, which will stop bad breath in its tracks. Regular brushing, coupled with using Green Dog Dental smileSpray (three times a week!) will not only keep your dog’s breath fresh and clean, but will help ward off the more serious effects of canine periodontal disease.
Cats are generally even less enthusiastic about having their teeth brushed than dogs are, so Green Dog Dental smileSpray is particularly useful for our feline friends!
OTHER PET HEALTH PROBLEMS
But bad breath sometimes goes beyond dental care. Sometimes, bad canine or feline breath can be caused by gastrointestinal issues. Health problems originating in the GI tract can cause bad breath. Renal (kidney) disease can also cause bad breath.
It’s not a bad idea to bring your pup to the vet to get checked out if your dog’s breath has a different odor than usual, if the bad breath comes on suddenly, or if your dog is exhibiting other symptoms that may indicate a gastrointestinal issue.