It's pretty normal for your cat or dog to have bad breath, and there are ways you can make sure that a bad-smelling mouth is still a healthy mouth. Yet there are times when bad breath, or "halitosis", is actually a symptom of a health issue that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian. Read on to get some tips on dental health, and to learn when bad breath can signal a medical emergency.

Normal Bad Breath

What's behind this? This can often be the result of plague and tartar that's giving your cat or dog gum disease. In cases of particularly bad buildup, you may need to find a professional to clean your pet's mouth. With regular brushing, smart toys, and a good diet, you can reduce bad breath in most cases. Good oral hygiene can do more than ward off nasty breath, it can also protect your pet from a painful infection or even tooth loss.

When Bad Breath Is a Serious Symptom

There are times when you need to go to the vet to see if your pet's breath is indicating an emergency health problem. Some serious symptoms include:

• Breath that smells like vomit
• Fruity breath
• Breath that smells of urine
• Very brown tartar buildup
• Pawing their mouth

A vet can examine your pet to see if there is a serious cause for these symptoms. For example, breath that smells markedly like fruit or something sweet could be a danger sign of diabetes, a symptom that could be accompanied by a serious increase in drinking and urinating. A liver issue could be indicated by vomit breath, lost appetite, and yellowy gums or corneas, while urine breath could mean kidney disease. If your cat has really brown tartar on their teeth, and if they're drooling, have swollen gums, or struggle when eating, then they could have an escalated gum disease. A vet might also look for stomach or lung issues as the source of chronic or severe bad breath. When in doubt, it doesn't hurt to call a veterinarian.

In general, regular checkups with the vet are a good idea, and not even bad breath is something to be ignored in these regular visits. A vet can conduct a physical exam, and may need to order tests in order to get to the root of your pet's halitosis. You may also be asked about what your pet eats, how often you brush their teeth (the answer should be, "Every day!"), and how often they exercise. Their behavior could also be a factor in getting to the right diagnosis.

If you're looking for a vet in your area, you can find the health professional you need on our directory today!