Unleashed: Is your pet’s bad breath the sign of a bigger problem?

More than just offending your olfactory sense, a dog or cat’s breath can be dangerous. In fact, it can signal hidden dental problems that can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Preventive veterinary dental care can save you money in the long run. During its Pet Dental Health Month in February, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advocates preventive care as a good way to protect your pet’s health and your budget.

According to a 2013 VPI Pet Insurance analysis, the average cost to prevent dental disease in pets is $172, but the costs to treat dental disease hover around $532.

“While most people take care of their own [dental care], they often forget [to] take care of their pet’s teeth through a regular dental health care regimen,” AVMA President Clark K. Fobian, DVM, says.

Fobian adds that one of the most common problems veterinarians see is dental disease.

“An untreated dental infection can spread to the heart, kidneys and other organs and suddenly become life threatening,” he says. “Good dental hygiene at home [and] regular dental cleanings by your veterinarian are the most efficient and cost-effective way to keep your pets healthy, comfortable and pain-free.”

Some vets recommend daily brushing. Alternatively, several nutrition companies offer dental diets. “The texture of those foods generates a mechanical cleansing effect on the surface of the tooth as the pet is eating,” American Veterinary Dental College President Jan Bellows, DVM, says.

“Chews and other dental treats mechanically scrape the tooth surface or chemically remove excess calcium in saliva that could otherwise be deposited on the teeth,” she says. “There are also plaque-retardant water additives, sprays, gels or dentifrices and products that seal the surface of the teeth to prolong the beneficial effect of professional dental scaling.”

Regular dental checkups are essential to help maintain your pet’s dental health. However, if you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately:

• Red swollen gums and brownish teeth.
• Exceedingly bad breath: Most pets have breath that is less than fresh. But, if it becomes truly repugnant—similar to the smell of a rotten egg—it’s a sign periodontal disease has already started.
• Bleeding from the mouth.
• Frequent pawing or rubbing at the face and/or mouth.
• Reluctance to eat hard foods—for example, picking up a piece and spitting it out.

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Even though cats don’t smile to communicate happiness, these felines would certainly feel fabulous if they found new homes. 

Creature Feature

Arwen is a purr machine that loves to be pet. However, she does like to be the queen of the house. So, sometimes, she displays a bit of a cattitude. Her ideal home would be one without small children or other cats.

Dexter is a playful black and white kitten.

Peppermint Patty is as loving and sweet as she is beautiful. This lazy cat wants nothing more than a loving forever home with people who don’t mind if she hangs out in their laps and gets lots of petting and cuddling. Peppermint Patty is good with children; but, she prefers to be an only cat.

Cinzia is looking for a home to treasure her, so she never ends up in a shelter again. This unique calico/Oriental mix is thriving in foster care, but would love a home of her own.

Abraham is a love and super laid-back boy. This young male adapts quickly to any environment and gets along great with other cats, dogs and people.  Besides his solid temperament, this great guy sports a marble patch tabby coat and pretty orange eyes. His best buddy is Lily, who was also surrendered to the shelter. They would love to go to a forever home together.

Lily is a super sweet and feisty kitten. She likes making friends with other cats, dogs and people. She has an exotic Abyssinian look with a tick tabby coat and gorgeous orange eyes. Her best buddy is Abraham, who was also surrendered to the shelter. They would love to go to a forever home together.

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and litterbox trained. Many other adoptable cats and kittens are available from Project Purr.