Dear Porky and Buddy,
My cat Otis is a beautiful sweet boy but just lately, when I go to kiss him (you betcha, right on the lips), I have been noticing that he has bad breath – really yucky bad breath. He seems OK otherwise. Should I be worried about this or is it just too many indescribable mouse parts?
Steve
Dear Steve
Mouse parts don’t cause bad breath, or at least not for long enough to discourage kissing.
But dental disease does and, all kidding aside, it is a common problem for both dogs and cats and can lead to serious illness.
Halitosis, bad breath, is the most common early warning of dental disease.
It’s usually caused by an infection of the gums and sometimes the other supporting structures of the teeth.
Plaque builds up every day on the tooth surface, including at the gum line.
If not removed, the plaque can harden in less than 2 days.
With more advanced disease you might see staining near the gum line, red inflamed gums, loose teeth and tartar accumulation.
Many pets suffer from this problem, but there is a solution if you start now.
Just like people, the very best way to reduce the risk of dental disease in pets is good dental care.
It may seem weird to you, so do it in private and don’t post it on your Facebook page – but brushing Otis’s teeth, even just three times a week, can add years to his life – and remember those are years without stinky breath and painful teeth.
As it happens, February is Pet Dental Month, so why not call your vet to get advice about the equipment and supplies you will need to take on this new form of playing with Otis.
Your vet can also give you tips on how to do it for both cats and dogs.
It is surprisingly easy and well worth it.
You want to always be able to kiss him, right?
The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County.
Located at 110 W. Second St., Oswego, NY.
Phone: (315) 207-1070.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oswegohumane.org
Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other!
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My cat’s breath and teeth and gums are horrible. Is it any use to try to brush his teeth at this point, they look so sore. I did brush his teeth on and off when he was younger but I guess it didn’t help.