Dog Bad Breath: Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell So Bad? (Vet-Approved Advice)

Let’s face it; bad breath is the enemy of a good cuddle. That is just as true for dogs as it is for humans. Unfortunately, our little canine friends are not quite as aware of their bad breath as humans are and are not the first to rush to brush their teeth, rinse with mouthwash, or grab a mint. Bad breath is a common problem in pets, especially older ones.

It is essential to know the reasons behind bad dog breath, what health concerns it may indicate, and how you can help to treat or prevent it. As such, we have compiled an all-you-need-to-know guide on bad pet breath. Enjoy!

What causes bad breath in dogs?

Dog breath is a very common thing. But there is a difference between a bit of a smell after your pet has been playing with a toy or eating a meal to an absolute regular stink. After all, we want to cuddle our four-legged friends and introduce them to people without being repulsed by a wave of bad breath.

Although bad breath can be treated as a joke, it can also indicate health problems in your pup. A wide array of things that may be causing your pet to suffer from stinky breath, so let’s look through some of the most common and serious ones

Kidney Disease

If your dog’s breath smells like urine or feces, it usually means one of two things. Either they have just eaten their own… you know what, or they are suffering from kidney problems. If a dog’s kidneys are not functioning properly, it can produce a smell from the mouth caused by waste and toxins in the body.

VET ADVICE: Kidney Care for Dogs

Liver Disease

Liver disease can sometimes be indicated by the sudden emergence of bad breath alongside some other symptoms like diarrhea and/or vomiting.

Oral Health

Unsurprisingly, the most common cause of bad breath is oral health. This can include infections in the mouth, gum disease, tooth decay, and more. Whatever the exact cause, the smell likely comes from food and bacteria building up in the mouth. Just like humans, without proper tooth/mouth cleaning, plaque appears and brings a nasty smell. If you notice a bit of a smell, this could be the cause, and you should rethink your dog’s oral hygiene plan. If you do not act, the smell can get a lot worse, and the cause issue can cause further health problems.

RELATED: Best Dog Toothpaste

Something Stuck

Something may be stuck in your pet’s mouth, such as a piece of bone, a bit of a toy, some rope, a piece of stick, or some food. A lingering foreign object may be the cause of bad breath.

Dental Disease or Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is a common cause of bad breath in dogs. This is when plaque build-up leads to tartar, which can cause inflammation in the gums. The more tartar is allowed to build up, the worse your pet’s breath will get. Overcrowded mouths and crooked teeth can contribute to this problem.

Diabetes

If diabetes is left untreated for a long time, your dog’s body will create ketones by breaking down fat. This can cause a sweet or acetone smell in the breath. You would also likely notice other symptoms such as weight loss, urination, increased thirst, and a change in appetite.

Toxic Consumption

Rotten smells can be caused by ingested toxins from plants and cigarettes. That’s why keeping toxic things out of reach of your pets is always essential.

Something Stinky

Logic dictates that if your pet eats something stinky, their breath will reflect that stink. Many pups are known to try and eat their own poop, while there are numerous other things around the house they may try to eat but shouldn’t.

Oral Tumor

Oral tumors and cancer of the mouth can lead to bad breath. This is because the tissue around the growth starts to die, which creates a bad smell. Common dog tumors include peripheral odontogenic fibromas, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Diet

Feeding your pet home-cooked or raw meals could create an imbalance of bacteria in the guy and lead to an overgrowth of Salmonella. This can lead to bad breath, so chat with a vet or nutritionist about what changes you can make to your dog’s diet.

How do you treat bad breath in dogs? Diagnosis and treatment of bad breath in dogs:

As with any problem, the cause impacts the treatment. How you treat bad breath really depends on where the smell is coming from. For example, bad oral hygiene is treated much differently than kidney disease. Bad breath is not a health concern but merely a by-product of a health problem. Therefore, bad breath should improve if you treat the underlying problem.

When you notice bad breath or a change in smell in your dog, you should always take action. While doing research is always helpful, never assume to know what is causing the smell. The safest thing to do is take your pet to the vet for a professional opinion. Bad breath can be caused by very serious health problems, so diagnosing and treating as soon as possible can be valuable.

Your vet may prescribe medication, plan a new diet for your dog, suggest therapy, or even book them in for surgery – it all depends on what the exact cause is and how serious the problem is. Of course, they will inform you exactly what is going on and what needs to be done to treat it and maintain it.

READ MORE: My Dog Keeps Scratching His Mouth

Home remedies: What can I do to treat my dog’s bad breath?

It goes without saying that there is no home remedy for liver disease or kidney disease, but there is plenty you can do about your pet’s general oral hygiene. It is your responsibility to ensure that your pup gets regular oral cleaning, as well as professional cleaning once per year.

We recommend that you brush your dog’s teeth once per day. If you start this process when they are young, they should get used to the brushing and sit patiently when they are older. If you start when they are older, there may be plenty of resistance.

If you are unable to train your pet to let you brush their teeth, or you want to maintain even better oral hygiene, then dental chews are a great investment. These chews naturally clean your dog’s teeth and promote good health while also entertaining your four-legged friend. You can also find a special dog food that is designed to improve oral health.

During your next vet appointment, ask your veterinarian what they recommend in terms of oral hygiene food, chews, and products for your dog.

While you cannot treat kidney or liver disease on your own at home, there are responsible measures you can take to ensure you do not put your pet at risk. Leaving potentially toxic food, medication, and plants around the house should be avoided – so do your research into what may be harmful to your dog and keep it well out of sight and reach.

If you notice a bad smell from your dog’s mouth, book a vet appointment to find out more.

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