CAUSES OF BAD BREATH IN CATS:
Dental Diseases:
The leading cause of bad breath in cats is poor dental hygiene. Cats have a lot of saliva in their mouth, and when this saliva combines with odor-causing bacteria, it results to the formation of plaque on the lining of the teeth. With time, if the plaque is not removed, it mineralized to tartar. Tarter forms a hard substance that can only be removed using medical intervention. Both tartar and plaque are known to cause periodontal infections, gum inflammation, gingivitis and inflammation of the oral structures.
Diet: Certain foods such as fish-based products, liver-based products, dense protein treats and manufactured supplements can contribute to bad breath in cats.
Foreign Body in the Mouth:
Cats are curious and usually play with anything that comes across their face. In some cases, foreign bodies such as strings, rubber bands, bones and other small objects can get stuck within the oral cavity, and if not removed quickly, they may contribute to bad breath.
Excessive Salivation:
Excessive salivation, also known as hyper-salivation can result in bad breath in cats. In most cases it is a neurological disorder caused by defects in your cat's cranial nerve control systems, which regulate the movement of the mouth and tongue. This neurological disorder affects the ability of your cat to close and open its mouth, resulting to free flow of saliva. While saliva alone is tasteless, and odorless, it contains millions of bacteria, and when it dries around the mouth, dried and matted fur can collect, which then contribute to the bad breath.
Metabolic Diseases:
Some internal diseases such as kidney and liver can result to bad breath in cats. This is because both of these diseases are synonymous with the build-up of toxins in the blood, and render the blood ineffective in removing the toxins.
 CAUSES OF BAD BREATH IN DOGS:Dental or Gum Disease:
Bad breath in dogs can occur when your dog has a dental condition—from gum disease or infection to tooth decay.
Kidney Disease:
Metabolic diseases like kidney disease or failure can cause bad breath. A decrease in kidney function can make a dog’s breath smell like ammonia.
Toxic & Foreign Substances:
All dogs are different, but there’s a common assumption that some dogs will eat anything, including things that are bad for them. Eating disgusting stuff like feces and long-dead animals can also cause significantly bad breath. If you suspect your dog has ingested a potential toxin (antifreeze or a rodenticide, for example), call Dr. Daniels immediately.
Diabetes:
Diabetes, specifically diabetic ketoacidosis, can also make a dog’s breath smell unusual, giving it a sweet, almost fruity smell. Uncontrolled diabetes can also suppress the immune system, allowing bacteria in the mouth to grow unchecked.
Oral Tumors:
Oral tumors are another potential cause due to the fact that their growth is often too fast for blood vessels to keep up, thus causing dead areas. Bacteria then takes over the dead areas, and that bacteria is often what causes a foul odor. These tumors can vary in shape and size so if you notice any masses or discolorations in your dog’s mouth, they should be checked out by a veterinarian.
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