Your Pet's Bad Breath

Your pet’s bad breath may be more than just an annoyance, warns veterinarian Steve Van Mil: “About 40% of all pets have periodontal disease.”The condition can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to many diseases. Worried about your pet’s breath?

Start at home Check their teeth regularly for signs of dental disease, such as yellow or brown spots and red, inflamed gums. Invest in a good rinse and entice them with dental chew treats. There are also specially formulated foods now available to help prevent plaque build-up.

See your vet They may recommend a cleaning under general anaesthesia to remove tartar and plaque, and repair teeth.

Get out the brush Yes, you really need to brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth. Your vet can show you how. Don’t use human toothpaste with baking soda or fluoride (swallowing these ingredients may be harmful for your pet); there are more appealing flavours such as chicken and beef.