Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Although this unpleasant condition is often overlooked by pet owners, it can indicate a wide range of underlying health issues that may require treatment.
Causes of Halitosis
There are many potential causes of halitosis in pets. The most common of these is periodontal disease, an inflammatory condition of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Other underlying causes of halitosis include respiratory problems, gastrointestinal diseases, and coprophagia (consumption of feces). Halitosis can also be a secondary symptom of serious conditions including diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer.
Symptoms of Halitosis
The primary symptom of halitosis is bad breath. This may occur alone or accompanied by other symptoms. Please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet displays any of the following signs or symptoms of halitosis.
- Unpleasant odor from the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Excessive salivation
- Bleeding gums
- Lethargy
Diagnosis of Halitosis
Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset of their symptoms. Please provide detailed information about your pet’s diet, behavior, and overall health to help your veterinarian determine the underlying cause of halitosis.
A complete physical and oral examination will then be carried out to check for potential causes of your pet’s symptoms. A urinalysis and routine blood tests may also be performed to rule out conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend further testing as part of the diagnostic process. These tests may include dental and chest X-rays to assess your pet’s oral and respiratory health.
Treatment of Halitosis
Treatment of halitosis will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Potential treatments include dental cleaning and removal of teeth to treat periodontal disease, antibiotics to combat infection, and dietary changes to help prevent coprophagia. Pets with serious underlying illnesses such as diabetes or cancer will require specialized treatment. Your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment options based on your pet’s overall health and the cause of halitosis.
Prevention of Halitosis
There are several steps you can take to help prevent halitosis in pets. We recommend feeding a healthy, balanced diet to support your pet’s nutritional needs and preventing access to non-food items, feces, or garbage. It is also important to keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean to prevent periodontal disease that can lead to halitosis. Finally, please schedule regular veterinary appointments and oral examinations so your pet’s overall health can be continuously monitored.
