If your beloved Fido is getting older, you may be becoming more familiar with dog bad breath. Many older dogs have a lifetime buildup of tartar on their teeth, a coating of mineral deposit, food particles, proteins, and bacteria. If there is heavy buildup, it will be brownish or grey, and it will be easily visible, particularly on the outside surfaces of the back molars. This tartar generates a foul odor. If your dog's breath smells awful to you check the teeth: are they coated with tartar?

Cat bad breath is less common but still occurs frequently. It arises from the same causes: a buildup of deposits on the teeth. The actual cause of the unpleasant smell in cat's bad breath, dog bad breath, and even human bad breath is the same - bacteria multiplying in the mouth (although in humans, these bacteria are more typically found on the back of the tongue, rather than on the teeth). The offending organisms are anaerobes, bacteria that live in the absence of oxygen. They live in grooves and folds in the tongue, gums, and teeth, and believe it or not, the mineral deposits on the teeth provide them with lots of little nooks and crannies, while the food particles and proteins from saliva provide them with lots of food.

When anaerobic bacteria break down proteins in the mouth to get nutrients, they produce a byproduct - airborne molecules called volatile sulfur compounds that smell awful. They simply smell like rotten meat. They are the primary component of dog and cat bad breath. The anaerobic bacteria cause other problems too - in sufficient numbers, they can cause gum disease and jaw abscesses, and make it easier for other disease-causing organisms to move in and colonize the mouth. If they gain access to the bloodstream they can cause septicemia and spread bacterial infection to other parts of the body. Don't ignore cat or dog bad breath - it's more than just a cosmetic problem.

You can avoid the development of dog bad breath. There are products on the market now to help you keep your pet's teeth clean and healthy. Cat bad breath can be more difficult to deal with because cats tend to be less cooperative, but depending on your cat, you may have some success. Pet toothpastes are formulated with enzymes to break down the tartar so you can sometimes remove it to a degree even after it is already established on the teeth. Chew toys and bones for dogs are sometimes effective as well. Failing this, book an appointment for your pet to have their teeth professionally cleaned. It's worth it to avoid cat or dog bad breath and the possible health consequences.