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.
What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs?
Generally, canine halitosis is caused by poor oral hygiene, dental diseases, diet, and other factors. Here are the most common reasons for 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 doesn't have regular dental cleanings, plaque can accumulate. Over time, this leads to tartar buildup.
The bacteria that stay in the dog's mouth will 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
Dogs can have bad breath because of other health problems that aren't completely related to oral hygiene. These include diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, oral tumors, and infections. Here is a summary of how health issues can cause bad breath in dogs:
Diabetes. Canine diabetes, specifically diabetic ketoacidosis, causes the formation of ketones. These ketones build up in the bloodstream and are expelled through the lungs, giving the breath an acetone-like smell.
Kidney Disease. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood. When they don’t function properly, these waste compounds can make their way into the lungs and saliva, resulting in a foul, urine-like smell.
Liver Disease. Similarly, the liver helps filter out toxins from the bloodstream. When this organ malfunctions, the toxins can accumulate and cause a musty, rotten odor that smells like a dead animal.
Oral Tumors. Tumors in the mouth can also cause canine halitosis due to the ulceration or infection of the tumors. These growths serve as decaying tissue, which is an optimal space for bacteria to grow.
What to Do if Your Dog Has Bad Breath?
Fixing your dog's bad breath will involve finding a solution for the main cause. Regular dental cleaning is the best way to reduce bad breath in dogs. Professional dental services can provide a deep clean of your dog's teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue.
If your dog has bad breath from gum infections or other dental diseases, specific medications will be used. These include antibiotics, pain relief medications, and medicated mouthwashes. For dogs with oral tumors, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy will be the available options.
In cases where the dog's foul breath is caused by foreign objects, manual removal will be done. Medications will be used to treat your dog’s wound and infection, if there are any.
Bad dog breath caused by underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and liver dysfunction, will be treated appropriately. This can include dietary changes, medicines, and management care.
Lastly, we recommend changing your dog's diet. Switch to high-quality kibble to reduce bad breath. Focus on serving food that provides the most nutrition.
If you prefer natural options, fruits such as apples, carrots, and watermelon are a good treat to give. Apples and carrots are particularly popular because they can help scrape away plaque, similarly to kibble. Small portions and pieces are recommended.
Additionally, fresh herbs such as parsley and mint can also be added to dog food to provide fresh breath. Just be sure to chop them properly.
How Do I Clean My Dog’s Mouth?
Knowing how to effectively brush your dog’s mouth is essential to get rid of bad breath and prevent it. Here’s a quick guide:
Gather the Essentials
Grab all the tools you need. These include a dog-specific toothbrush, vet-approved toothpaste, and a nearby source of water. The toothbrush can be a traditional dog toothbrush or a finger toothbrush, whatever you prefer.
Keep Your Dog Comfortable
In many cases, your dog will move around a lot when touched, so it’s important to first start by placing your hand on the chin, then the mouth, then the snout. Afterward, you can proceed to touch their teeth by slowly lifting the lips. Be gentle at all times.
For every time they stay still, reward them with treats and praise. This is important if it’s the first few times.
Practice Brushing the Teeth
If your dog seems ready, start brushing without toothpaste in circular motions, but do this slowly and in short intervals. This helps them get used to the idea of the toothbrush without reacting to it. Continue to practice this until your dog gets used to it.
Brush the Teeth
Start slow and introduce the toothbrush with the toothpaste to your dog. Let them sniff it and gradually bring it toward their mouths. Next, brush some parts of the teeth first and slowly pull away. Then repeat. For dogs who are used to it, you can brush their teeth for longer periods of time.
Reward Your Dog
After a job well done, reward your dog with a dental chew, praise, and a few moments of playtime. It’s good practice to let them know that they’ve done a good job, helping them associate regular dental brushing with a positive experience.
How to Prevent Bad Breath in Dogs?
Follow these steps to prevent bad dog breath:
Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Regularly. Regularly brushing your dog's teeth is the best way to prevent and reduce bad breath in dogs. We recommend doing this twice or thrice a week with a pet-specific toothpaste and toothbrush.
Feed a High-Quality Diet. Switch to a high-quality diet filled with minimally processed ingredients. Too many artificial fillers and unnecessary additives can cause bad breath in dogs.
Provide Fresh Water. Provide a constant supply of fresh water to your dog. This not only helps hydrate your dog, but also helps rinse the mouth.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups. Dental checkups check for any oral issues. Checkups are also helpful for regular dental cleanings.
"Fresh breath and good health go paw in paw. A little care keeps your pup feeling great and smelling fresh every day."
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
If your dog has bad breath, there must be a reason why. While the occasional odor is normal, chronic foul breath often translates to a health issue. Fortunately, you can help your dog keep its breath fresh through regular brushing and diet improvements.
Preventing bad breath in your dogs also helps keep them safe from painful diseases. This means they can spend more time playing than worrying about the pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Share
