Remedies for Bad Breath in Cats and Dogs

By Age 3, Most Cats and Dogs Have Gingivitis - Jennifer Copley

Pets may develop bad breath because they suffer from gum disease or a more serious illness. Curing bad breath in cats and dogs requires determining the cause and treating it. This may involve removing a foreign object, treating tumours or infections, tooth extraction, making dietary changes, or just having a veterinarian thoroughly clean the teeth. There are also a number of remedies and preventatives that can be used in addition to any treatments prescribed by a veterinarian.

Dental Care for Cats and Dogs

There are toothbrushes that fit over a finger and flavoured pastes formulated especially for pets. A children’s toothbrush can also be used, but don’t use toothpastes designed for people – they can make pets sick because animals don’t spit out the paste.
Chlorhexidine sprays, available from veterinarians and pet supply stores, can also be sprayed on a small toothbrush and applied to a pet’s teeth without actually brushing to help to reduce bacteria and dissolve plaque. They are not as effective as regular tooth brushing, but better than nothing.

Dental Treats for Dogs and Cats

A number of companies have developed treats designed to remove tartar or freshen breath. According to Fraser Hale of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, studies have shown the efficacy of C.E.T. Forte Cat Chews in gingivitis reduction for cats and Pedigree Dentabones for dogs. Veterinarian Ron Hines recommends C.E.T. Chews and IAMS Tartar Treats.
Dental treats should be considered a supplement to dental care, not a replacement for it. Check with your veterinarian before providing dental treats if your pet suffers from a medical condition or is on a special diet (hypoallergenic, calorie-reduced, etc.).

Breath Fresheners for Cats and Dogs

There are drops and gels available for reducing or eliminating bad breath that can be sprayed, applied manually, or added to water or food, depending on the product. Some claim to kill plaque and help keep teeth clean as well. However, if there is an underlying medical problem, breath fresheners will just mask it, so checking with your veterinarian before using these products is recommended.

Bones and Chew Toys for Dogs and Cats

Chewing bones or chew toys can help prevent tartar build-up, particularly if started when pets are young. However, small bones such as those from chicken or fish are dangerous as they can splinter and are easily swallowed. If providing bones, choose heavy shank and shin bones that can’t be swallowed, but keep in mind that pets chewing bones or hard rawhide items risk tooth fracture. Supervising pets while they chew on rawhide or bones is recommended.

There are plenty of softer chew toys designed for dogs and cats. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends Dr. Ballard’s Chew-eez rawhide strips (now sold under the Purina label) as among the safest products on the market. As for other chewables, the Association expresses concerns about Pigs’ ears, which may harbour pathogens, and dental rings (paperboard covered in mint flavour, colouring, and ground bone), because no studies have been conducted into their safety or efficacy.

Dental Diets for Cats and Dogs

Some veterinarians recommend feeding a dry food rather than canned to reduce tartar on teeth. However, others have expressed concerns that such diets can lead to chronic low-level dehydration and urinary tract problems. Also, many dry foods are high in carbohydrates and relatively low in protein, putting pets at risk for diabetes and other serious health problems.
If feeding dry food, be sure to choose a high-protein food in which real meats (not grains or by-products) comprise at least the first two items on the ingredients lists, and provide bowls of water at multiple locations throughout the house to encourage more drinking. Some high-quality dry foods for cats and dogs include:

• Inova EVO
• Wellness Core
• Castor & Pollux Organix

See What Should I Feed My Cat for more information on healthy food choices for felines and Foods That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs for information on foods that you should never feed your pets.
For information on why pets develop bad breath, see Causes of Bad Breath in Cats and Dogs.
References:

• Drs. Foster & Smith. (2010). “Cat Dental Facts” and “Dog Dental Facts.” DrsFosterSmith.com.
• Hale, F., World Small Animal Veterinary Association. (2001). “Homecare Products and How They Work.” Veterinary Information Network, VIN.com.
• Feline Advisory Bureau. (n.d.). “Mouth Problems in Cats.” FABCats.org.
• Hines, R., DVM, PhD. (2009). “Why Does My Cat or Dog Have Bad Breath?” 2ndChance.info.
• Primovik, D., Dr. (2010). “Halitosis (Bad Breath) in Cats” and “Halitosis (Bad Breath) in Dogs.” PetPlace.com.
• WebMD.com. (n.d.). “Bad Breath in Cats” and “Bad Breath in Dogs.” WebMD.com.