Is it hard to cuddle with your furry friend because of their awful breath? If it has become difficult to get close to your cat or dog because of bad breath, it’s time to pay attention to their health! Stinky animal breath is more than just an inconvenience; it can also be a symptom of a more serious disease.
Veterinarians see many pets with tooth and gm problems. The most common cause of bad breath and other tooth-related diseases is tartar buildup. Just like in humans, small particles of food can become lodged in canine and feline teeth after eating. If these particles are not removed, oral bacteria can start to build and form plaque. It is the plaque that gives your pet bad breath, but it is also the case of some serious oral disease. It can cling to the base of your furry friend’s teeth, causing the gums to become inflamed and recede.
In older pets, kidney and liver disease often affect the mouth. Unfortunately, when too much bacteria accumulates, they will sometimes break loose and enter your pet’s circulatory system. Once they enter the blood stream, bacteria can become lodged in the liver, kidneys, and the heart valves.
You can tell that your pet is beginning to have a plaque buildup simply by looking at their teeth. In the early stages, the plaque is just a thin brown or yellow coating on the sides of the teeth, most noticeably on the molars. In more severe cases, the teeth and gums are clearly inflamed and may bleed at the touch. Another sign of oral disease in your pet is drooling. The wetness and infection that is often associated with tooth decay frequently cause the lips to become inflamed. However, these health conditions are perfectly treatable once your pet’s dental issues are taken care of!
It’s important to pay attention to your pet’s breath so that you can ensure the health of your four-legged friend’s teeth for many years to come! In order to remedy bad breath and its negative health effects, the most important thing you can do at home is to brush your pet’s teeth with a very small toothbrush. Pet stores sell meat and malt-flavored toothpaste, which will make your pet’s oral hygiene experience all the more bearable! Of course, make sure to take your furry friend to his or her yearly checkups so the vet can catch problems before they become too serious.
