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THERAPEUTIC NUTRITION

Useful information about the needs of cats and dogs with nutritionally sensitive health conditions.

Dental/Oral Health Disorders

Halitosis in Dogs and Cats

Although halitosis can occur due to other diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, it most often originates in the oral cavity.1 Malodor may occur when particles of food are trapped in the teeth, or when production of saliva decreases in senior pets.1 However, a more severe halitosis is often associated with the development and progression of periodontal disease. Plaque bacteria, primarily the anaerobic bacteria that become more predominant as plaque continues to build up on the teeth, metabolize proteins in the oral cavity, leading to the release of volatile sulfur compounds, e.g., hydrogen sulfide, which are responsible for the unpleasant odor.1 Halitosis is often the first sign that owners notice of periodontal disease.2,3 As part of a comprehensive dental hygiene program, nutrition can play a role in the management of halitosis, as well as the associated periodontal disease, in pets.

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Key Messages

  • Research has shown that feeding dogs specially formulated dental chews and diets can reduce halitosis due to periodontal disease.2,4-7 By virtue of specific ingredients and mechanical properties, dental chews and diets may inhibit production of the volatile sulfur compounds responsible for halitosis:
    • Soluble zinc salts, e.g., zinc sulfate, bind sulfur and, instead of forming volatile sulfur compounds, form compounds that do not have an odor.2,3 Due to their antimicrobial activity, zinc salts may also reduce plaque.2,3,7,8
    • Inorganic phosphate salts, such as tetrasodium pyrophosphate, may inhibit mineralization of plaque to form tartar.2,3,9 Tartar acts as a nidus for additional plaque accumulation, which can contribute to the release of a higher concentration of volatile sulfur compounds, as well as to further progression of periodontal disease.3,10
    • Due to enhancements that prolong chewing times and increase contact with the teeth and gums, specially formulated dental diets and chews provide an abrasive (mechanical) action, scraping off plaque and tartar as the pet chews.2,4,7-9
    • Dental chews and diets have been shown to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation in cats11,12 and thus may reduce halitosis as well, although data to support this benefit has not been published.
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“The odor you have noticed in your pet’s mouth is due to bacteria and plaque on your pet’s teeth. After a professional scaling and polishing of the teeth, we can use dental chews or a dental diet to help reduce new plaque deposits on the teeth, which can help keep your pet’s breath more pleasant.”

Related Tools and Content:

Gingivitis & Periodontitis in Dogs and Cats

Nutrition can play a role in the prevention and management of periodontal disease in dogs and cats.

View Brief 1 min to 5 min

References

  1. Eubanks, D. L. (2006). Canine oral malodor. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 42, 77–79.
  2. Mateo, A., Torre, C., Crusafont, J., Sallas, A., & Jeusette, I. C. (2020). Evaluation of efficacy of a dental chew to reduce gingivitis, dental plaque, calculus, and halitosis in toy breed dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 37(1), 22–28. doi: 10.1177/0898756420926766
  3. Roudebush, P., Logan, E., & Hale, F. A. (2005). Evidence-based veterinary dentistry: A systematic review of homecare for prevention of periodontal disease in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 22(1), 6–15.
  4. Gorrel, C., Warrick, J., & Bierer, T. L. (1999). Effect of a new dental hygiene chew on periodontal health in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 16(2), 77–81.
  5. Simone, A., Jensen, L., Setser, C., Smith, M., & Suelzer, M. (1994) Assessment of oral malodor in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 11(2), 71–74.
  6. Gorrel, C., & Bierer, T. L. (1999). Long term effects of a dental hygiene chew on the periodontal health of dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 16(3), 109–113.
  7. Jeusette, I. C., Román, A. M., Torre, C., Crusafont, J., Sánchez, N., Sánchez, M. C., Pérez-Salcedo, L., & Herrera, D. (2016). 24-hour evaluation of dental plaque bacteria and halitosis after consumption of a single placebo or dental treat by dogs. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 77(6), 613–619. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.77.6.613
  8. Logan, E. I. (2006). Dietary influences on periodontal health in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 36, 1385–1401. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2006.09.002
  9. Hennet, P., Servet, E., Soulard, Y., & Biourge, V. (2007). Effect of pellet food size and polyphosphates in preventing calculus accumulation in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 24(4), 236–239. doi: 10.1177/089875640702400405
  10. Harvey, C. E. (1998). Periodontal disease in dogs: Etiopathogenesis, prevalence, and significance. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 28(5), 1111–1128.
  11. Ingham, K. E., Gorrel, C., & Bierer, T. L. (2002). Effect of a dental chew on dental substrates and gingivitis in cats. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 19(4), 201–204.
  12. Clarke, D. E., Servet, E., Hendriks, W., Thomas, D. G., Weidgraaf, K., & Biourge, V. C. (2010). Effect of kibble size, shape, and additives on plaque in cats. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 27(2), 84–89.