Brushing
Ask your veterinarian how to introduce brushing gradually and use products intended for pets. Do not use human toothpaste.
Dental and oral care in Japan
When your dog or cat has bad breath
Check eating, drooling, bleeding, swelling and pain—not only the smell—then decide whether to contact a veterinary clinic.
Contact a veterinarian sooner
Call a veterinary clinic if your pet has difficulty eating, reduced appetite, bleeding from the mouth, facial or jaw swelling, heavy drooling, obvious pain, or a broken or loose tooth. Sudden strong bad breath with other changes should not be managed with products alone.
What to check before you call
- When the smell started and whether it changed suddenly
- Red, bleeding or swollen gums
- Loose, broken or discoloured teeth and visible tartar
- Dropping food, chewing on one side or avoiding hard food
- Drooling, rubbing the mouth or facial swelling
- Changes in appetite, energy, weight or behaviour
Do not force open a painful mouth. A pet in pain may bite. Photos, a short video and a list of current medicines can help when you contact a clinic.
Home dental care
Chews and diets
Check the target species, ingredients and feeding directions. Very hard objects can damage teeth or create other hazards.
Veterinary care
Home care cannot diagnose disease below the gumline. Persistent bad breath or warning signs need a veterinary examination.
Japanese call script for a veterinary clinic
Fill in the brackets and read this by phone or show it at reception.
犬（猫）の口臭と歯ぐきが気になります。
口臭が始まった時期：［日時］
食べ方の変化：［ある・ない］
出血・腫れ・よだれ：［症状］
年齢・体重：［年齢・体重］
今日、診察できますか。
英語での対応はできますか。Find regional veterinary association clinic information →
Clinic information is mainly in Japanese. Call before travelling and confirm the animal treated, appointment rules, opening hours, language support, estimated fees and payment methods.
Optional product to compare
PR / advertising. The provider page and subscription terms are in Japanese.
キュアペット
PRA recurring-order supplement for dogs sold in Japan. Before ordering, check ingredients, directions, the first and later payment totals, shipping interval, pause and cancellation deadlines. It does not replace a veterinary examination.
Check the Japanese product page and terms →If there is bleeding, swelling, pain or reduced appetite, contact a veterinary clinic before considering a product.
Questions
Should I contact a vet for bad breath alone?
Contact a clinic sooner if it is sudden or accompanies eating difficulty, bleeding, swelling, drooling, pain, reduced appetite or a damaged tooth. Discuss persistent bad breath at a veterinary examination.
Can I use human toothpaste?
No. Use only products intended for your animal and ask a veterinarian if your pet has a condition or takes medicine.
Can a supplement replace an examination?
No. Supplements and dental diets do not diagnose or treat dental disease.