If you notice your dog's breath smelling foul and strong, it might be time to take a look. While a little bit of odor is to be expected, a strong odor for long periods of time should be taken into consideration.
Bad breath in dogs, or halitosis, can sometimes indicate a serious health issue waiting to be addressed.
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know. We'll talk about why your dog has bad breath and how to easily fix this problem. With our help, your dogs will be beaming with fresh breath.
Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?
Generally, canine halitosis is caused by poor oral hygiene, dental diseases, diet, and other factors. Here are the most common causes of bad breath in dogs:
Poor Oral Hygiene and Dental Diseases
Dental problems are the number one cause of bad breath in dogs. When your dog's mouth isn't cleaned regularly, plaque can accumulate. Over time, this leads to tartar buildup.
Bacteria that remain in the dog's mouth can cause gum disease, infections, and even tooth decay. All these cause bad breath in dogs. Here’s how you can tell if your dog has any kind of dental disease:
Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth.
Red and swollen gums.
Difficulty chewing or chewing on just one side.
Pawing at the mouth.
Excessive drooling.
Diet and Eating Habits
Some foods, such as wet food, can contribute to stronger mouth odors because they stick easily to the dog's teeth. Dry kibble is less likely to get stuck in the mouth, making it a better choice when it comes to reducing bad breath in dogs.
Feeding your dog a raw diet also slightly contributes to bad breath due to the presence of bacteria.
Some treats also have strong odors. For instance, fish-based diets can leave a bad smell in a dog's mouth. Additionally, dogs have a knack for eating things they shouldn't. This includes garbage, decomposing food, or even feces. These could be the cause of a dog's bad breath.
Foreign Objects
Bad breath in dogs can also be caused by bone fragments or foreign objects lodged in their mouth. When foreign objects get stuck, they can potentially cause injuries to dogs. These injuries can serve as ideal spaces for bacteria to grow.
When bacteria grow, it can lead to a concerning infection that not only makes a dog’s breath smell bad but also threatens its health. Some of the common signs of this injury include:
Pawing at the mouth.
Excessive drooling.
Pain and discomfort.
Vocalization.
Difficulty eating.
Health Conditions
Some dogs may also get bad breath due to specific issues within their systems.
Diabetes. Canine diabetes, specifically diabetic ketoacidosis, leads to the formation of ketones. This happens when the body breaks down fat. The ketones are then released into the bloodstream, and when exhaled, they produce an acetone-like odor.
Kidney Disease. When the kidneys fail to filter out waste, toxins can accumulate in the bloodstream. Excess urea breaks down into ammonia and can also cause ulcers to form on the tongue and mouth. These result in a severe, urine-like odor.
Liver Disease. Like the kidneys, when the liver is damaged, it cannot effectively filter out toxins from the blood. These sulfur compounds and other toxins build up and release a foul and musty odor.
Oral Tumors. Growths and masses can also cause bad breath in dogs because of decaying tissue, growing infections, and food accumulation.
When to Worry About Your Dog’s Bad Breath?
Occasional bad breath isn’t unusual, but if this goes on for long periods of time or the breath becomes too foul, then it’s time to get worried. Here are some concerning signs:
Rotten, fishy, musty, or severe odor
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Excessive drooling
Difficulty chewing and eating
Pawing at the mouth
Loose or missing teeth
Behavioral changes
Pain and discomfort
Frequently Asked Questions
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