August is Pet Dental Health Month — so what better time to look at the causes of bad breath in cats and dogs and how a good dental routine can keep your pet's oral health at its best?
Bad breath is common in cats and dogs, and while we love their kisses and sweet little faces rubbing against ours, nothing is worse than when our furry friends open their mouths and a horrendous stench fills the air.
More often than not, the culprit of bad breath (or halitosis) in dogs and cats is easily preventable dental hygiene issues. Occasionally though, halitosis in pets can be a sign of more serious health problems, and knowing what to look out for is essential.
Causes of bad breath in dogs and cats
There are several causes of halitosis for pets. Like us, animals will occasionally have bad breath for no real reason, but it usually indicates an underlying health problem at play.
For the causes listed below, a trip to the vet is often necessary to obtain the proper medicine and treat the condition adequately.
Dental disease
A few factors can contribute to dental diseases in cats and dogs. Most commonly, plaque build-up on the teeth can lead to tarter, which looks like dark gunk along the gumline of the tooth. Tartar is a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria and can lead to gingivitis and more severe oral diseases.
Bacterial infection
Sometimes, the soft tissues in the mouth become infected with bacteria. As a result of this infection, bacteria and pus can build up and produce chemicals that cause a cat or dog's breath to stink. If the pet ingests these dangerous bacteria, they can cause other medical problems requiring antibiotics.
A broken tooth
Occasionally, a dog or cat may break a tooth, and if left untreated, the broken area or stump can become infected, causing a foul smell. If the infection proceeds through the tooth canal and into the jawbone, it can cause osteomyelitis (bone infection).
A foreign object
A cause of a dog's bad breath can sometimes be a piece of bone becoming lodged in the mouth, producing bad-smelling bacteria. This problem nearly always prevents dogs from closing their mouths fully and increases salivation.
Mouth ulcers
Common contributors to a cat's bad breath are often illnesses, such as cat flu and autoimmune diseases, and conditions like tooth abscesses. These can result in ulcers that appear on the gums, causing pain, discomfort, and often an unpleasant smell.
Other causes of halitosis in pets
In rare cases, illnesses like kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes can cause bad breath in pets. These issues are regarded as severe and can be fatal, so if poor dental hygiene has been ruled out as a cause, it's best to go to your vet for further examination.
Signs of poor dental health in dogs and cats
Aside from the dreaded dog or cat breath stink, there are other indicators you can watch out for that may mean poor dental health in your pet.
- Appearing hungry but not eating
- Chewing on one side of their mouth only
- Bleeding of the gums
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Reduced or abnormal grooming habits
- Discolouration of the teeth
- Redness or inflammation of the mouth area
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How to look after your pet's teeth and gums
All mammals need to maintain clean teeth to stay healthy, including dogs and cats. It is essential that pet parents start with good oral care habits right from when their pets are young.
Observation
To quickly identify dental issues in pets, we need to keep an eye out for tell-tale signs. The faster you treat oral conditions, the less likely your pet will experience serious illnesses. Your vet can show you how to perform a thorough oral examination.
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Regular cleaning
Cleaning your pet's teeth at home is the best way to maintain good dental health. It may take your pet a bit to get used to it, so the earlier you start, the better. These days there are even toothbrushes and toothpaste made specifically for cats and dogs.
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Browse our teeth cleaning products
Prozym RF2 Toothpaste Kit
The Prozym Dental Treatment Range fights bad breath and prevents dental diseases. Prozym products contain an exclusive added ingredient, which is scientifically proven to reduce biofilm, the first sign of periodontal disease, by up to 70%.
Prozym RF2 Toothpaste has a delicious flavour your dog and cat will love and helps to prevent or reduce dental plaque, tartar and bad breath. The Prozym Toothpaste Kit contains toothpaste in a convenient dispenser as well as a handy finger brush.
Prozym RF2 Solution boosts your pet's dental hygiene and freshens their breath. This palatable and refreshing solution fights against dental plaque and bad breath in dogs and cats. Simply add to your dog or cat's daily drinking water.
Petosan OralCleaner Finger Cloth
Petosan OralCleaner Finger Cloth is a reusable, antibacterial microfibre finger brush which removes plaque and bacteria from your dog's mouth. It is easier to use and provides better cleaning than finger toothbrushes. The Finger Cloth is an ideal way to start toothbrushing your dog.
Petosan Complete Dental Kit for Dogs
Petosan Complete Dental Kits
For Small Dogs (<6kg): Contains a small double headed toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth (finger brush). Ideal for dogs who are new to toothbrushing.
For Large Dogs (>16kg): A plastic outer protective case contains a large toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth.
Petosan OralCleaner Finger Cloth
A reusable, antibacterial microfibre finger brush which removes plaque and bacteria from your dog's mouth. It is easier to use and provides better cleaning than finger toothbrushes. The Finger Cloth is an ideal way to start toothbrushing your dog.
Petosan Toothpaste
This tasty poultry-flavoured toothpaste has been specifically formulated for pets to help remove plaque and prevent the build-up of tartar. No rinsing required.
- Small Dogs (3 - 6kg)
- Medium Dogs (7 - 15kg)
- Large Dogs (16kg+)
Food and water dental products
One of the easiest ways to ensure the best dental health for your cat or dog is to feed them food with a texture that will cause friction. These hard foods remove unwanted matter and reduce plaque build-up.
There are also many pet foods formulated to limit tartar and contain nutrients to support strong teeth and gum health.
Another exciting and innovative product is Aquadent Fr3sh Dental Water Additive for Dogs and Cats, which is an additive for your pet's water supply that targets the oral and digestive causes of bad breath.
Shop our dental food for Dogs
Royal Canin Expert Dental Medium & Large Breed Adult Dog Dry Food
Royal Canin Dental Dog is recommended for adult medium breed dogs (over 10kg and 12 months) and large breed dogs (over 25kg and 15 months for daily oral hygiene, dental plaque and tartar (to limit their development), and associated halitosis.
Formulated to support daily oral hygiene and to limit dental plaque and tartar development and associated halitosis. Clinically proven to effectively reduce tartar build-up. The shape and size of the kibble allow good prehension and tooth penetration into the kibble. This helps to reduce plaque accumulation and tartar formation. Formulated to help maintain healthy bones and joints. VOHC Accepted for tartar control.
Tartar Control
Clinically proven to effectively reduce tartar build-up.
Brushing Effect
The shape and size of the kibble allow good prehension and tooth penetration into the kibble. This helps to reduce plaque accumulation and tartar formation.
Bone & joint Support
Formulated to help maintain healthy bones and joints.
VOHC Seal
helping to control tartar.
Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care Adult Dog Dry Food
Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Dry Dog Food is clinically proven nutrition to reduce plaque, stain & tartar buildup and clean up to the gum line. The triple action fibre matrix technology works like a toothbrush and toothbrush in one and is formulated as a complete and balanced nutritional solution for your dog's daily health and immune system support.
The unique kibble size, shape and texture help scrub the teeth to remove plaque and clean up to the gum line to promote fresh breath and healthy gums & teeth. Exclusive feeding of Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Dog Dry Food is shown to be more effective than toothbrushing. This food is recommended for lifelong feeding of adult dogs. It’s also formulated to promote a urinary environment that reduces the risk of developing struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. It’s made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust, and was developed by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians. Please consult your veterinarian for further information on how Hill's Prescription Diet foods can help your dog continue to enjoy a happy and active life.
Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Dry Dog food is accepted as the ONLY therapeutic nutrition for proven reduction in buildup of both plaque & tartar by Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).*
- Specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to support your dog’s dental health
- Clinically proven nutrition to reduce plaque, stain and tartar buildup
- Unique kibble size, shape and texture cleans tooth surface up to the gum line
- Clinically proven triple action fibre matrix technology to help freshen breath, clean and whiten teeth and reduce plaque & tartar buildup
- Complete & balanced nutrition with clinically proven antioxidants to support your dog's daily health and immune system
- Consult with your vet to make sure Prescription Diet t/d is the right food for your dog
Advance Triple Action Dental Care Chicken with Rice Large Breed Dog Dry Food
Advance Triple Action Dental Large Breed Dry Dog Food delivers optimal nutrition for Australian pets by combining global science with local expertise and select natural ingredients. Advance products are uniquely formulated for Australian pets.
Advance™ products are scientifically formulated to help improve dog health. Made locally from our home in the Central Tablelands of NSW by leading dog nutritionists for over 20 years. A unique knowledge of the needs of Australian dogs sees us sourcing and blending high quality ingredients to create a range of specifically tailored foods. Recommended by top breeders and professional dog groups.
- Freeze Dried Green Lipped Mussel Powder: Source of Chondroitin and Glucosamine to help manage joint health
- Kibble Technology: Helps reduce plaque and tartar
- Tartar Reduction Formula: Promotes dental health
- Natural Plant Extract: Inhibits bacteria to help freshen the breath
- Fermentable Prebiotic Fibre: Supports digestion for ideal stool quality
- Omega 3 and 6 Plus Zinc: To maintain a healthy skin and coat with reduced coat scale
- Immune Health
- Heart Health
Shop our dental food for Cats
Royal Canin Expert Dental Dry Cat Food
Plaque Control
The shape and size of the kibble allow good prehension and tooth penetration into the kibble. This helps to reduce plaque accumulation and tartar build-up.
A specific blend of fibres, including psyllium, helps control hairball formation by eliminating ingested hair through the stools.
This diet is formulated to promote a healthy urinary environment thanks to an adapted balance of minerals.
Hill's Prescription Diet Feline t/d Dental Care Cat Dry Food
Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Cat Dry Food is clinically proven nutrition to reduce plaque, stain & tartar buildup and clean up to the gum line. It is formulated as a complete and balanced nutritional solution for your cat's daily health and immune system support. Exclusive feeding of Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Cat Dry Food has been shown to be more effective than toothbrushing. The kibble size, shape and texture cleans to the gum line to promote healthy gums and teeth. It’s made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust, and was developed by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians. This food is recommended for lifelong feeding of adult cats. It’s also formulated to promote a urinary environment that reduces the risk of developing struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian for further information on how Hill's Prescription Diet foods can help your cat continue to enjoy a happy and active life.
Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Dry Cat food is accepted nutrition for the reduction in buildup of plaque & tartar by Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
- Clinically proven nutrition to reduce plaque, stain and tartar buildup
- Unique kibble size, shape and texture cleans tooth surface up to the gum line
- Special fibre matrix technology with dual cleaning action to fight bacteria-laden plaque
- Complete & balanced nutrition with clinically proven antioxidants to support your cat's daily health and immune system
- Consult with your vet to make sure Prescription Diet t/d is the right food for your cat
Advance Triple Action Dental Care Chicken with Rice Adult Cat Dry Food
This super premium, Australian made, dry cat food is complete and balanced to support the nutritional requirements of your adult cat and is designed to help promote good oral health. It contains beneficial nutrients including antioxidants to help strengthen the immune system, zinc and linoleic acid for healthy skin and a shiny coat as well as yucca extract to help minimise litter box odour. Advance Adult Cat Dental is formulated with controlled mineral levels and high digestibility to help support urinary tract health and the addition of psyllium husk and slippery elm bark to this formula helps to reduce hairball production.
- Super premium, Australian made, dry cat food
- Designed to help promote good oral health
- Antioxidants to support a strong immune system
- Zinc and linoleic acid for skin and coat health
- Yucca extract to minimise litter box odour
- Controlled mineral levels and high digestibility to support urinary tract health
- Psyllium husk and slippery elm bark to aid in hairball reduction
- Suitable for adult cats from 12 months of age
Chew toys and treats
For dogs especially, items such as chew toys, pigs ears and deer horns provide them with a suitable object to gnaw on. This process assists with teeth cleaning and provides environmental enrichment.
We also recommend dental chews for pets, like Veggiedent, Oravet, and Greenies treats.
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Browse our vet recommended dental chews
Greenies Original Treat Pack Regular (12 Treats)
One Greenies™ Dental Chew a day helps clean your dog’s teeth by using their natural chewing action to wipe away plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of the teeth. The chewy and flexible texture allows teeth to sink in with every bite all the way to the gums for more effective cleaning. Greenies bear The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance for plaque and tartar control.
The highly soluble ingredients in Greenies help the chews to break down quickly for easy digestion. And most importantly, dogs love the taste!
- Cleans Teeth & Maintains Healthy Gums: With a unique chewy texture for a sparkle in every smile.
- Fights Plaque & Tartar - with Veterinary Health Council (VOHC) Acceptance when fed daily, scientifically proven to reduce build up.
- Freshens Breath with Natural Spearmint makes mouths happy day after day, with powerful breath freshening ingredients.
- Natural Ingredients Plus Vitamins, Minerals & Nutrients
- Easy to Digest: Highly soluble ingredients
- Delicious & Nutritious: Balanced recipe for healthy treating
- Complete & Balanced Nutrition: Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult dog maintenance.
- Vet Recommended: For dental care
VeggieDent FR3SH Small Dog
VeggieDent® FR3SH dental chews feature an innovative Z-shape design that makes them easy for your dog to grab and chew. This unique shape, combined with the right size and texture, effectively reduces plaque and tartar formation, promoting dental health as endorsed by the Veterinary Health Care Council (VOHC®).
Key Benefits:
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Highly Palatable: Tasty flavour that dogs love.
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Freshens Breath: Helps eliminate bad breath while cleaning teeth.
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Natural Ingredients: Made from plant-based ingredients with no animal proteins or artificial additives.
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Perfect Chewing Experience: Z-shape enhances grip and encourages longer chewing time.
Choose VeggieDent® FR3SH for a healthier smile and fresher breath for your canine companion!
Contains:
- Pomegranate an antioxidant to promote gum health
- Erythritol to cool and freshen the mouth
- Inulin a prebiotic that addresses the digestive cause of bad breath
Pack Sizes
15 chews per pack
Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews For Medium Dogs (11 - 23kg)
Dual-action ORAVET dental chews are the simple solution for your dog’s at-home, daily dental care. As your dog chews, that chewing
action scrubs away at existing plaque. At the same time the unique ingredient, delmopinol, spreads throughout their mouth to create a
protective barrier and help prevent bacterial attachment.
To make the process of protection even simpler, ORAVET dental chews are easy to give, and dogs love them. ORAVET dental chews are
serious protection made seriously simple.
Features & Benefits
- The unique formulation in ORAVET prevents bacterial attachment on teeth resulting in
- 59% reduction in bad breath* in dogs
- 57% reduction in tartar*
- 39% reduction in plaque*
- Create a cleaner mouth and fresher breath for your dog.
- Cleans down to the gumline.
- Scrubs away existing plaque.
- Contains a unique ingredient, delmopinol, that coats the teeth, preventing bacteria from attaching to the enamel, inhibiting plaque formation, and keeping your dog’s mouth protected.
*With a daily ORAVET chew for 28 days.
Vet check-ups
Having your vet take a good look for dental issues regularly is the most effective way to ensure your pet is in the best health. Traditionally vets would only examine a pet's teeth during visits for vaccinations or other health checks. Nowadays, most vet clinics provide dental examinations regularly.
While many of us just put up with bad breath in cats and dogs, it is an issue that is often easily fixed. In some cases, it may require the assistance of a vet to rectify. With a good knowledge of dental and gum care for your pets and a selection of helpful and effective products available, your furry friend's breath will be smelling fresh in no time.
