### Pet Dental Care: Why Bad Breath Matters Bad breath in your dog or cat can be more than just an unpleasant smell; it can be a sign of serious dental issues. Here’s what you need to know to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. #### Regular Vet Visits Schedule a dental exam with your vet at least once a year. For dogs with a history of dental disease, more frequent visits may be necessary. Dental X-rays can help detect issues that are not visible during a regular exam. #### At-Home Dental Care Discuss a complete at-home dental care plan with your vet. This may include brushing your pet’s teeth, using water additives, dental chews, specialized diets, oral gels, and rinses. Brushing should be done as often as possible, using toothpaste made specifically for pets. #### Recognize Symptoms Be aware of symptoms like bad breath, swelling of the face, drooling, bleeding from the mouth, discolored teeth, chipped or broken teeth, or a change in eating habits. These can be signs of painful dental problems that require immediate attention from your vet. #### Special Tips for Cats Cats should have a dental exam every six months. Look for signs of pain such as loss of appetite, lack of activity, sensitivity to touch, and hiding behavior. Start brushing your cat’s teeth early in their life and be consistent. Check for redness, swelling, bleeding, and broken teeth during brushing and report any issues to your vet. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your pet’s dental health and overall well-being.