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Whales, Sea Lions, and Tasmanian Devils: Bad Breath in the Animal Kingdom

From humpback whales to Tasmanian devils, bad breath isn't exclusive to humans. Discover the surprising causes in the animal world.

In this image there is a lion which opened its mouth. At the bottom there is grass.
In this image there is a lion which opened its mouth. At the bottom there is grass.

Whales, Sea Lions, and Tasmanian Devils: Bad Breath in the Animal Kingdom

Garlic may be the most common cause of bad breath in humans, but it's not the only culprit. Some marine mammals and other animals also struggle with unpleasant oral odours due to their diets.

Humpback whales, known for their acrobatic leaps, are infamous for their bad breath. Described as a potent mix of fart and fishiness, it's no surprise given their diet of krill. Sea lions, too, suffer from fishy breath due to their marine diet. Even Tasmanian devils are notorious for their unpleasant breath, which can be attributed to improper oral hygiene and their diet of carrion.

Bad breath in animals can be caused by remnants of food trapped between teeth and on the tongue. Vultures, which feed on rotting flesh and habitually vomit, are another example of this. While no specific ranking exists, animals known for strong or unpleasant odours, like skunks or certain beetles, use their smell as a defence mechanism.

Bad breath isn't exclusive to humans. Some animals, like humpback whales and Tasmanian devils, also struggle with unpleasant oral odours due to their diets and hygiene habits. Understanding these causes can help us appreciate and respect the diversity of the natural world.

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