The Truth About Dog Breath
If you lean in to give your dog a kiss this February and find yourself recoiling from their breath, don’t just write it off as standard “dog breath.” While nobody expects a canine’s breath to smell like mint, a truly foul odor is often the first indicator of a much deeper issue. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, making it the perfect time for Charlotte pet owners to address the one area of pet health that is most commonly overlooked: their mouths.
It is a startling statistic, but according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue of yellow teeth. Dental disease is a progressive, painful condition that can have serious consequences for your pet’s entire body.
The Invisible Threat Animals are masters at hiding pain. It is an evolutionary survival instinct. A dog with a severely abscessed tooth might still eat their dinner every night because the drive to survive outweighs the pain. This means pet owners often don’t realize there is a problem until the disease is advanced.
When plaque builds up on teeth, it hardens into tartar within a few days. This tartar pushes under the gumline, creating pockets where bacteria thrive. This leads to gingivitis (red, swollen gums) and eventually periodontal disease, which destroys the bone supporting the teeth. Furthermore, this bacteria doesn’t stay in the mouth. It can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums and damage vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
What You Can Do at Home The gold standard for preventative care is brushing your pet’s teeth. Ideally, this should happen daily, but even three times a week can make a significant difference. The key is to use toothpaste specifically designed for pets—never human toothpaste, which contains fluoride and detergents that will upset their stomach. Start slowly, using a finger brush and lots of positive reinforcement, making it a bonding experience rather than a wrestling match.
If your cat absolutely refuses to let you near their mouth, or your dog thinks the toothbrush is a chew toy, look for alternatives. Dental-specific diets, water additives that fight plaque, and products carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal can all support oral health, though they aren’t a complete replacement for brushing.
The Role of Professional Care Just like humans need a dentist, pets need professional assessments. Your regular veterinarian should check your pet’s teeth during their annual wellness exam. If there is significant tartar buildup, they will recommend a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia. This is the only way to clean beneath the gumline where the real damage occurs.
At a quality kennel or boarding facility, staff are often trained to notice changes in a pet’s eating habits or demeanor that might signal mouth pain. Many grooming salons also offer teeth brushing as an add-on service. While a groomer cannot remove hardened tartar, regular brushing during grooming appointments can help maintain a healthy mouth between veterinary visits.
This February, take a moment to lift your pet’s lip and look. Check for red gums or brownish buildup. If you see warning signs, schedule an appointment with your vet. Prioritizing dental health is one of the most effective ways to add happy, pain-free years to your beloved companion’s life.