This article was contributed by Virbac, the veterinary experts behind C.E.T.®, AQUADENT® FR3SH™ and VEGGIEDENT® FR3SH™.
If your pet's breath is smelling far from fresh, you might be tempted to brush it off as typical "doggy breath". However, bad breath is not the norm for our four-legged friends. It is frequently the first warning sign of canine and feline periodontal disease or an underlying health condition.
According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Dental Guidelines, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental issues by the age of two.
With a proactive daily dental routine, you can target the root cause of the smell and keep your pet's mouth healthy. Here is how you can tackle your pet's dental hygiene at home easily.
What Causes Bad Breath in Pets?
Bad breath (halitosis) in pets generally stems from two main reasons:
1. Plaque & Tartar Build-up
Plaque: A sticky, bacteria-laden substance that gathers on the teeth and under the gum line. As bacteria break down food, they release foul-smelling compounds.
Tartar: Forms when plaque isn't removed daily and hardens over time.
Gingivitis & Periodontitis: Plaque under the gums causes inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. Left untreated, it advances to periodontal disease, creating pockets that trap decomposing food and bacteria, generating a foul smell.
2. Dietary and Medical Issues
Dietary Habits: Eating strong-smelling foods, garbage, or things they shouldn't.
Medical Conditions: Inflammation of soft mouth tissues (stomatitis), airway infections, digestive issues (acid reflux/vomiting), or systemic conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes.
Dental disease can cause pets immense discomfort and pain. Additionally, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting your pet's heart, kidneys, and liver.
Cleaning Your Pet's Teeth at Home: The Gold Standard
The absolute best way to maintain a clean mouth is through a daily dental routine. While products work well solo, combining brushing, a water additive, and a daily dental chew creates the ultimate comprehensive care routine.
Brushing with C.E.T.® Enzymatic Toothpaste
C.E.T.® Enzymatic Toothpaste is the "gold standard" in pet oral care. While generic pastes only clean mechanically, C.E.T.® features an active dual-enzyme system that boosts the mouth's natural defences. It reduces plaque and tartar by over 50% on its own, and by over 90% when paired with a toothbrush!
C.E.T.® Enzymatic Toothpastes are available in poultry and malt flavours that pets love.
Pair it with a soft C.E.T.® Fingerbrush (ideal for beginners and small pets) or a dual-ended C.E.T.® Pet Toothbrush. The C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit includes everything you need to get started.
Teach your pets to love having their teeth brushed in just seven-days!
Day 1 - Get Comfortable. Gently stroke your pet's cheeks and slowly lift the lip for 30 seconds. No brush yet!
Day 2 - Taste Test. Repeat Day One, but let your pet try a small amount of toothpaste from your finger.
Day 3 - Introducing the Motion. Repeat Day Two but this time, gently rub your finger (or a finger brush) along the gum line for 30-45 seconds.
Day 4 - Practice Makes Perfect. Repeat Day Three, increasing the time by another 15 seconds. Get them used to the sensation.
Day 5 - Introduce the Brush. Run your finger over the teeth for 30 seconds, then gently introduce the toothbrush for another 30 seconds.
Day 6 - Increase Time. Repeat Day Five, but increase the brushing time by an extra 30 seconds.
Day 7 - Full Clean. You're doing it! Aim for 1 minute of brushing on each side of the mouth.
Reward with praise and a healthy treat, such as a VEGGIEDENT® FR3SH™ dental chew for dogs, at the end of each session!
Easy Daily Alternatives
If your pet won't tolerate brushing, look for solutions featuring active FR3SH™ Technology, which addresses the biological, oral, and digestive roots of bad breath rather than just covering it up the smell. It uses Pomegranate to cleanse bacteria, Erythritol to block bacterial glue, and Inulin to target digestive odours.
For Dogs and Cats: AQUADENT® FR3SH™ Dental Solution
This is a daily liquid solution mixed directly into your pet's water bowl. Formulated with safety first, it contains zero artificial aromas, xylitol, chlorhexidine, or parabens.
It is uniquely recognised as the only dental water additive on the market that satisfies strict Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) guidelines for both plaque AND tartar control in dogs.
While currently officially VOHC Seal approved for dogs, it is completely safe and highly effective for use in cats as well.
To work its magic, it must be added to fresh water every single day. Empty yesterday's bowl, give it a quick clean, and mix a fresh batch daily.
For Dogs: VEGGIEDENT® FR3SH™ Dental Chews
A premium dental chew is an excellent addition to any dog's oral care routine. Carrying the official VOHC seal of acceptance for reducing plaque and tartar in dogs, these chews are an ethical, plant-based alternative to traditional rawhide.
They have been formulated using ingredients of natural origin, these low-fat, highly digestible chews contain zero wheat gluten, GMOs, or artificial additives. Their unique Z-shape allows the chew to clean hard-to-reach teeth, providing a mechanical scraping effect that removes bacteria and plaque.
Just one chew a day, matched to your dog's size (XS, S, M, or L) ensures safety and maximum efficacy.
When to See Your Vet
At-home dental care cannot reverse advanced, hardened tartar buildup. When bad breath doesn't resolve with a dental routine, or your pet has visible tartar and red, swollen gums, it is time to book a consultation with your vet. They can evaluate your pet's mouth, perform a professional scale and polish under anaesthesia, and get their oral health back on track.
Ready to Transform Your Pet's Dental Health?
By investing just a few minutes a day, you can protect your dog or cat's smile and support their long-term health and wellbeing. Start your pet's journey to fresher breath and healthier teeth today with these veterinary-approved dental care solutions:
C.E.T.® Enzymatic Toothpaste & Brushes – The gold standard for daily brushing.
AQUADENT® FR3SH™ Dental Solution – Effortless water additive for brush-resistant pets.
VEGGIEDENT® FR3SH™ Dental Chews – Plant-based, VOHC-approved chews dogs love.
Shop now and give your pet the gift of a healthy smile. Your pet's teeth—and your nose—will thank you!