Bad Breath in Dogs and Cats
- Herb Rovay
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
When Your Pet’s Breath May Signal a Health Problem
Bad breath in pets, also called halitosis, is one of the most common concerns reported by dog and cat owners. While it is easy to assume that bad breath is normal for pets, a persistent unpleasant odor from the mouth is often a sign of an underlying health problem.
In many cases, bad breath is associated with dental disease, which can cause pain, infection, and long-term damage to the teeth and gums if left untreated.
What Causes Bad Breath in Pets?
The most common cause of halitosis in dogs and cats is periodontal disease, a dental condition caused by bacteria and plaque buildup on the teeth.
Bacteria begin attaching to the tooth surface within hours after teeth are cleaned. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) and causes inflammation of the gums. As the disease progresses, bacteria can damage the supporting tissues of the teeth and even the underlying bone.
These bacteria produce gases that cause the unpleasant odor commonly associated with bad breath.
Other Causes of Bad Breath
Although dental disease is the most common cause, other health problems may also lead to halitosis.
Possible causes include:
eating spoiled or foul-smelling food
metabolic diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease
respiratory infections involving the nose or sinuses
gastrointestinal problems
infections or injuries in the mouth
foreign objects lodged in the mouth
certain skin infections around the lips
Because several different conditions can cause bad breath, a veterinary examination is important to identify the underlying problem.
Signs of Dental Disease in Pets
Periodontal disease can be painful, but many pets show very subtle signs.
Possible symptoms include:
bad breath
red or swollen gums
difficulty chewing hard food
pawing at the mouth
drooling
loose teeth
However, many dogs and cats with dental disease show no obvious symptoms, which is why regular veterinary dental examinations are important.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Bad Breath
Halitosis is easy to recognise by the unpleasant odor from a pet’s mouth.
Your veterinarian will perform a complete oral examination to identify the underlying cause.
If the cause is not immediately clear, additional tests may be recommended, such as:
blood tests
dental imaging
examination under anesthesia
These tests help determine whether the bad breath is related to dental disease or another medical condition.
Treatment for Bad Breath in Pets
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
For pets with periodontal disease, treatment often includes professional dental cleaning performed under anesthesia.
In more advanced cases, treatment may involve:
deep cleaning below the gum line
dental surgery
extraction of damaged teeth
Once the dental disease has been treated, the bad breath typically resolves. B
Preventing Bad Breath
The best way to prevent halitosis is through good dental care.
Helpful steps include:
regular veterinary dental examinations
professional dental cleaning when recommended
daily tooth brushing at home
dental diets or dental chews recommended by your veterinarian
Consistent dental care helps prevent plaque buildup and keeps your pet’s mouth healthy.
Dental Care for Pets in Kalamunda
If your dog or cat has persistent bad breath, the team at Hilltop Veterinary Hospital in Kalamunda can perform a dental examination and recommend appropriate treatment.
Maintaining good dental health not only improves breath but also helps protect your pet’s overall health.
Concerned About Your Pet’s Breath?
If your pet has bad breath or signs of dental disease, book a consultation with Hilltop Veterinary Hospital so our veterinary team can assess your pet’s oral health and recommend the best treatment.
Explore More Pet Health Advice
For more practical veterinary guidance on common health concerns, preventative care, and early signs of illness, explore our Pet Health Advice library.
You can also browse our Dog Health Care and Cat Health Care sections for more helpful articles.
The information provided in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Every pet’s medical situation is unique. If your pet is showing signs of illness or dental problems, please consult your veterinarian for a proper examination and personalised treatment plan.
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