background
tv schedule store
logo nav barDiscovery ChannelThe Learning Channel (TLC)Animal PlanetTravel ChannelDiscovery Health Channel
.com address
bottom
search top
site index
search
May 24, 2012
Diseases
Bad Breath: What are the common causes in cats & dogs?
Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

Bad breath, medically termed 'halitosis', is a common problem reported by pet owners. The most common cause of halitosis is some sort of dental problem. Bacteria, saliva and food particles can form plaque, which causes bad breath. This can further develop into gingivitis, or worse, periodontal disease, which will make the breath even more unpleasant.

In addition to dental problems, other causes of bad breath include:

  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Kidney disease
  • Gastrointestinal disease including cancers and obstructions
  • Infections of areas around the mouth, such as the folds of the lips
  • Respiratory disease, e.g.; some sinus infections
  • Dietary "indiscretions" such as eating stool or spoiled garbage
  • Other oral disease such as tonsillitis, cancer, trauma, and some autoimmune diseases

    Any pet with bad breath should be examined by a veterinarian, unless you know it's caused by something the pet ate. Some causes of bad breath can cause severe and even fatal complications if not treated promptly.

    • send to a friend
    printer friendly version

    More Information

    Bad Breath: What are the common causes?

    Cleft Palate

    Dental Facts

    Foreign Bodies in the Mouth

    Normal Anatomy of the Teeth & Mouth

    Salivary Cysts

    Tonsillitis

    Main Menu

    advertisement

    Picture(s): DCI |
    Information provided courtesy of Peteducation.com

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS

    Discovery Channel | TLC | Animal Planet | Discovery Health | Science Channel | Planet Green
    Discovery Kids | Military Channel | Discovery News | Investigation Discovery | HD Theater | Turbo | FitTV

    HowStuffWorks | TreeHugger | Petfinder | PetVideo | Discovery Education

    Visit the Discovery Store: Toys & Games | Telescopes | DVD Sets | Planet Earth DVD | Gift Ideas

    By visiting this site, you agree to the terms and conditions
    of our Visitor Agreement. Please read. Privacy Policy.
    ATTENTION! We recently updated our privacy policy. The changes are effective as of September 10, 2008.
    To see the new policy, click here. Questions? See the policy for the contact information.

    Copyright © 2012 Discovery Communications, LLC.

    The leading global real-world media and entertainment company.