{"id":146,"date":"2026-05-08T11:19:40","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T16:19:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.broadwayoaksanimalhospital.com\/blog\/?p=146"},"modified":"2026-05-09T11:21:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T16:21:25","slug":"why-does-my-dog-or-cat-have-bad-breath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.broadwayoaksanimalhospital.com\/blog\/why-does-my-dog-or-cat-have-bad-breath\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My Dog or Cat Have Bad Breath?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Dog<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Sometimes it\u2019s during the most ordinary moments\u2014a yawn, a nuzzle, or a sleepy stretch\u2014that you notice your pet\u2019s breath has changed. Pet bad breath is one of the most common concerns pet parents mention during visits. At Broadway Oaks Animal Hospital<\/a> <\/strong>in San Antonio, we hear this concern all the time. While a little odor may seem harmless, it can be a sign that something more is going on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at what causes bad breath in pets and when it\u2019s time to schedule a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Is Bad Breath in Pets Ever Normal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Short answer? Not really.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to assume that pets simply have stinky mouths. But persistent pet bad breath usually signals an underlying issue. While a temporary odor after eating something questionable may pass quickly, ongoing halitosis in dogs or noticeable cat bad breath deserves attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, the culprit is dental disease, and it\u2019s far more common than many pet parents realize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Most Common Cause: Dental Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By age 3, many dogs and cats show signs of periodontal disease. That means bacteria, plaque, and tartar are building up below the gumline, where you can\u2019t see them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how it happens:<\/p>\n\n\n\n