- Common Disease Name:
Bad Breath, dental disease, tooth decay, gum disease- Medical Term for Disease:
- Halitosis, periodontal disease
- Species Affected by Disease:
- Dogs and cats
- Age Animal Usually Affected:
- Any, but more common in older dogs
- Commonly Affected Breeds:
- Any, smaller breeds tend to have more dental disease
- Sex Usually Affected:
- Both
- Disease Symptoms:
- Disagreeable odor from mouth, drooling, pawing at mouth, weight loss
- Methods of Diagnosis:
- Go to Vetrinarian will do an exam, x-rays and possible teeth cleaning.
- Disease Causes:
- Many causes: the most common is dental disease such as gingivitis, periodontitis, abscess of the teeth roots, or baby teeth which have not fallen out and are gathering food or hair around the teeth.. Other cause of bad breath can be eating feces or garbage, a foreign object such as a stick or thorns stuck in the roof of the mouth or tongue. Chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal upset and many other systemic illnesses can cause bad breath.
- Treatment:
- It is important to determine the cause of the bad breath prior to attempting treatment. An examination of the mouth may help you figure out what the problem might be if it relates to the teeth or foreign objects in the mouth. An examination by a veterinarian will be useful. Sometimes a dog must be sedated in order to examine the mouth properly.
- Prevention:
- Preventive dental care: Dry dog food, special dental diets, dog biscuits, teeth-cleaning chews, pet tooth brushes, drinking water additives all help prevent plaque from forming into tartar. Periodic professional cleaning is often necessary. Owners should train puppies to allow them to check teeth and gums for problems, and oral hygiene should be practiced consistently. Dog dental cleaning kits are available. Watch for a double row of teeth, indicating retained puppy teeth, as well as redness or foul odors. Any abnormalities should be checked by a veterinarian.
- Medicines Used for Treatment of Disease:
- Dental cleaning and polishing; Extractions and treatments of gum pockets. Antibiotics are often needed.
- Helpful Products:
- Dog toothbrushes and toothpaste, dental chews, dental diets, biscuits for plaque reduction, dry food, drinking water additives to reduce plaque.
