Tryon’s Take on National Pet Dental Health Month: Why Does Dog Breath Smell Bad?

Hi there, New York friends! It’s Tryon, your favorite pup and official treat tester at Inwood Animal Clinic. I’ve been wondering, and maybe you have too: Why does my breath get so stinky?

I mean, I’ve been told more than once that my kisses smell like garbage, and I don’t think I’m alone here. Don’t worry, I’m not self-conscious, and I still dole out kisses like it’s nobody’s business. Honestly, I think garbage smells great, but I guess people just don’t agree.

Anyway, February is National Pet Dental Health Month, which is all about helping pets like me dial down the stink factor and keep our mouths healthy, so we can enjoy snuggling up close to our people.

Why does “dog breath” happen?

Okay, so here’s the scoop. It all starts with plaque, this invisible layer that sticks to your pet’s teeth after they eat. If pet parents don’t scrub it off with a toothbrush, it turns into tartar, which feels like a layer of concrete on your chompers. Not only is tartar gross-looking, but it’s teeming with harmful bacteria.

I know what you’re thinking. How could a cute little dog like me have this gross problem? Well, it’s more common than you might think. In fact, up to 85% of dogs and cats over 3 years old share the same problem. 

Bad breath can mean something’s wrong

I am known to enjoy many smells my people think are awful, but I guess bad breath isn’t something you’re supposed to ignore. True “doggy breath” shouldn’t really have an odor. If your pet’s breath stinks, they might have a problem called periodontal disease. 

The bacteria associated with tartar can cause your pet’s gums to become red, swollen, and sore. Sometimes, they even bleed! If it gets really bad, their teeth can get loose or fall out—yikes! Your dog needs those pearly whites to chew on toys and bones, and to play with their friends at day care. Healthy teeth are just as important to my feline friends!

Want to hear the worst part? The bacteria can get into your pet’s blood and travel to their heart, liver, or kidneys. I’m not sure exactly what that means, but it sounds bad!

When your pet needs a dental checkup

Do you know that some pets don’t notice their teeth are sick? Not me! Some people say I’m “dramatic” when something’s wrong, but I just think I’m really good at communicating. In case your pet isn’t so good at letting you know something’s wrong, here are signs that mean they need a dental checkup:

• Stinky breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Brown or yellow tartar on the teeth
• Abnormal chewing
• Pawing at the mouth
• Drooling
• Missing teeth
• Decreased appetite

How to keep your pet’s teeth clean

Here’s what my friends at Inwood Animal Clinic recommend to keep my teeth healthy:

• Teethbrushing — I love getting my teeth brushed! You can’t use human toothpaste, but they make yummy flavors just for pets like me. Chicken on a brush? Yes, please.
• Dental chews — Dental chews come in cool shapes that help scrape away plaque. 
• Dental diets— Dental food has enzymes to help with pet dental health. 
• Professional cleanings — About once a year, I fall asleep at the vet and wake up with clean teeth. I love the way my freshly clean mouth feels, and suddenly, my humans like my kisses again. I guess this happens to other pets, too. 

Veterinarians: The MVPs of fresh breath

I know everything there is to know about squirrels, vacuum cleaners, and the proper way to unstuff a plush toy. But when it comes to pet dental health, I trust the team at Inwood Animal Clinic. They know what’s going on inside my mouth better than I do.

Here’s what they can do for pets:

• Pet dental health checkups
• Teeth cleaning under safe general anesthesia
• X-rays to see what’s happening below the gumline
• Treatments and tooth extractions
• Home care regimens to maintain oral health

You can brush your pet’s teeth and give them chews at home, but teaming up with your vet is how you win the pet dental health and fresh breath game. 

Keeping your pet’s mouth clean means less discomfort and fewer health problems. If you haven’t booked your pet’s dental checkup yet, call my friends at Inwood Animal Clinic. They’ll help keep your best friend’s smile in tip-top shape so you can keep enjoying those sneaky kisses. 

Until next time,

-Tryon