Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem in dogs that can be caused by a variety of factors. While it is normal for a dog’s breath to have a slight odor, especially after eating, persistently bad breath can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Here are some of the most common causes of bad breath in dogs:
A Common Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs
Dental Issues One of the most common causes of bad breath in dogs is dental issues, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and infected teeth. When bacteria builds up in the mouth, it can cause a strong, unpleasant odor. It’s important to regularly brush your dog’s teeth and take them to the vet for dental check-ups to prevent these issues from developing.
Gum disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common problem in dogs that occurs when bacteria build up in the mouth and cause inflammation of the gums. This can lead to a strong, unpleasant odor in the dog’s breath. Symptoms of gum disease in dogs include bad breath, red or swollen gums, and difficulty eating.
Tooth decay: Tooth decay is a dental issue that occurs when the enamel on a dog’s tooth begins to break down, allowing bacteria to build up and cause a foul smell. Symptoms of tooth decay in dogs include bad breath, difficulty eating, and visible holes in the teeth.
Infected teeth: An infected tooth can cause bad breath in dogs due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Symptoms of an infected tooth in dogs include bad breath, difficulty eating, and visible swelling in the mouth.
Dental abscesses: A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the mouth due to an infection. It can cause bad breath in dogs due to the presence of bacteria and pus. Symptoms of a dental abscess in dogs include bad breath, difficulty eating, and visible swelling in the mouth.
Plaque and tartar buildup: Plaque and tartar are a buildup of bacteria and food debris on the teeth that can cause bad breath in dogs. Symptoms of plaque and tartar buildup in dogs include bad breath, red or swollen gums, and difficulty eating.
Broken teeth: Broken teeth can cause bad breath in dogs due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Symptoms of a broken tooth in dogs include bad breath, difficulty eating, and visible damage to the tooth.
Missing teeth: Missing teeth can cause bad breath in dogs due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Symptoms of missing teeth in dogs include bad breath, difficulty eating, and visible gaps in the mouth.
Dental infections: Dental infections can cause bad breath in dogs due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Symptoms of a dental infection in dogs include bad breath, difficulty eating, and visible swelling in the mouth.
Malocclusion: Malocclusion is a condition in which the teeth do not align properly, causing problems with chewing and biting. It can cause bad breath in dogs due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Symptoms of malocclusion in dogs include bad breath, difficulty eating, and visible misalignment of the teeth.
Foreign objects in the mouth: If a foreign object becomes stuck in a dog’s mouth, it can cause bad breath due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Symptoms of a foreign object in the mouth in dogs include bad breath, difficulty eating, and visible objects in the mouth.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.
What Your Dog Eats Affects Their Breath
Dietary Habits What a dog eats can also contribute to bad breath. If a dog’s diet is high in protein, it can lead to a stronger smell in their breath. Additionally, if a dog eats foods with strong odors, such as garlic or onions, it can cause their breath to smell bad.
High protein diet: A diet that is high in protein can lead to a stronger smell in a dog’s breath. This is because protein is broken down into amino acids in the body, and some of these amino acids have a strong smell. It’s important to feed your dog a balanced diet that is appropriate for their age and size.
Foods with strong odors: If a dog eats foods with strong odors, such as garlic or onions, it can cause their breath to smell bad. These foods contain compounds that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the breath, causing a strong odor. It’s important to avoid feeding your dog foods that may cause bad breath or other digestive issues.
Lack of proper nutrition: If a dog is not receiving proper nutrition, it can lead to bad breath due to a lack of essential nutrients in the body. Symptoms of poor nutrition in dogs include bad breath, weight loss, and a dull coat.
Too much or too little food: Feeding your dog too much or too little food can lead to bad breath. Overfeeding can cause a build up of bacteria in the mouth, while underfeeding can lead to a lack of essential nutrients in the body.
Eating spoiled or moldy food: If a dog eats spoiled or moldy food, it can cause bad breath due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Symptoms of eating spoiled or moldy food in dogs include bad breath, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Eating garbage: If a dog eats garbage, it can cause bad breath due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Symptoms of eating garbage in dogs include bad breath, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Eating human food: Some human foods can cause bad breath in dogs due to their strong odors or the presence of toxic ingredients. Symptoms of eating human food in dogs include bad breath, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Eating rawhides or other chews: If a dog eats rawhides or other chews that are not properly digestible, it can cause bad breath due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Symptoms of eating indigestible chews in dogs include bad breath, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Eating too quickly: If a dog eats too quickly, they may swallow a lot of air, which can lead to bad breath due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Symptoms of eating too quickly in dogs include bad breath, bloating, and gas.
Eating from dirty bowls: If a dog eats from dirty bowls, it can lead to bad breath due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. It’s important to regularly clean your dog’s food and water bowls to prevent this.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.
When Bad Breath in Dogs Could be a Sign of a Health Problem
Illness Bad breath in dogs can also be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as kidney disease or diabetes. These conditions can cause a change in a dog’s metabolism, leading to a distinct odor in their breath. If you notice a sudden change in your dog’s breath, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause.
Kidney disease: Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are not functioning properly, which can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body. This can cause a change in the smell of a dog’s breath. Symptoms of kidney disease in dogs include bad breath, increased thirst, and weight loss.
Diabetes: Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body is not able to properly process glucose. This can lead to a sweet smell in a dog’s breath. Symptoms of diabetes in dogs include bad breath, increased thirst and urination, and weight loss.
Liver disease: Liver disease can cause bad breath in dogs due to a buildup of toxins in the body. Symptoms of liver disease in dogs include bad breath, vomiting, and jaundice.
Respiratory infections: Respiratory infections such as pneumonia can cause bad breath in dogs due to inflammation and the presence of bacteria in the respiratory tract. Symptoms of respiratory infections in dogs include bad breath, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Digestive issues: Digestive issues such as gastrointestinal inflammation or an intestinal blockage can cause bad breath in dogs. Symptoms of digestive issues in dogs include bad breath, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Anemia: Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells. This can lead to a metallic smell in a dog’s breath. Symptoms of anemia in dogs include bad breath, weakness, and lethargy.
Cancer: Cancer can cause bad breath in dogs due to the presence of tumors in the body. Symptoms of cancer in dogs include bad breath, weight loss, and lethargy.
Metabolic disorders: Metabolic disorders such as Cushing’s disease or Addison’s disease can cause bad breath in dogs due to a change in hormone levels. Symptoms of metabolic disorders in dogs include bad breath, increased thirst, and weight gain or weight loss.
Allergies: Allergies can cause bad breath in dogs due to inflammation in the respiratory tract. Symptoms of allergies in dogs include bad breath, coughing, and sneezing.
Thyroid problems: Thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism can cause bad breath in dogs due to a change in hormone levels. Symptoms of thyroid problems in dogs include bad breath, weight gain, and hair loss.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.
Preventing Bad Breath in Dogs
There are steps you can take to prevent bad breath in your dog and keep their mouth healthy. Here are some tips:
Brush your dog’s teeth regularly: Using a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically made for dogs, brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week. This will help remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
Provide dental chews and toys: Dental chews and toys can help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath. Just be sure to choose a product that is appropriate for your dog’s size and age.
Feed a high-quality diet: Choose a dog food that is rich in nutrients and low in additives. This can help improve your dog’s overall health and prevent dental issues.
Visit the vet regularly: Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s mouth is healthy.
Use an oral care gel or spray: Products such as oral care gel or spray can help eliminate bad breath and promote healthy teeth and gums.
Choose a toothpaste with enzymes: Toothpaste that contains enzymes can help break down plaque and freshen your dog’s breath.
Avoid feeding your dog foods with strong odors: Foods such as garlic and onions can cause bad breath in dogs.
Stay hydrated: Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water, as this can help flush bacteria out of the mouth and prevent bad breath.
Use a water additive: Water additives such as Chlorhexidine can help kill bacteria in the mouth and prevent bad breath.
Keep an eye on your dog’s overall health: If you notice a sudden change in your dog’s breath, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and receive proper treatment
Top 7 products that can help prevent bad breath in dogs
TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Gel
This oral care gel contains natural ingredients that help eliminate bad breath and prevent plaque and tartar buildup. It can be applied directly to your dog’s teeth and gums using a toothbrush or your finger.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Can be applied directly to the teeth and gums
- Easy to use
Cons
PetzLife Oral Care Spray
This oral care spray contains natural ingredients that help freshen your dog’s breath and promote healthy teeth and gums. It can be sprayed directly into your dog’s mouth and is easy to use.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Can be sprayed directly into the mouth
- Easy to use
Cons
CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
This toothpaste contains enzymes that help break down plaque and freshen your dog’s breath. It is available in a variety of flavors, including poultry and beef, to make brushing teeth more enjoyable for your dog
Pros
- Contains enzymes to help break down plaque
- Available in a variety of flavors
- Can be used with a toothbrush
Cons
Greenies Dental Chews
These dental chews are specifically designed to help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath. They are made with natural ingredients and are available in a variety of sizes to suit dogs of all sizes.
Pros
- Designed to help clean teeth and freshen breath
- Made with natural ingredients
- Available in a variety of sizes
Cons
Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste
This toothpaste contains enzymes that help break down plaque and freshen your dog’s breath. It is available in a poultry flavor and can be used with a toothbrush or applied directly to the teeth and gums.
Pros
- Contains enzymes to help break down plaque
- Available in a poultry flavor
- Can be used with a toothbrush or applied directly to the teeth and gums
Cons
Virbac C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit
This kit includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental rinse to help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath. The toothpaste contains enzymes to help break down plaque and the dental rinse contains Chlorhexidine to help kill bacteria in the mouth.
Pros
- Includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental rinse
- Toothpaste contains enzymes to help break down plaque
Cons
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Kit
This dental kit includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental spray to help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath. The toothpaste contains natural ingredients to help eliminate bad breath and the dental spray can be used to freshen your dog’s breath between brushings.
Pros
- Includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental spray
- Toothpaste contains natural ingredients to help eliminate bad breath
- Dental spray can be used to freshen breath between brushings
Cons
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
This pet fountain provides your dog with a continuous flow of clean, filtered water which can help flush bacteria out of the mouth and prevent bad breath. It also promotes healthy hydration in your dog.
Pros
- Provides a continuous flow of clean, filtered water
- Helps flush bacteria out of the mouth and prevent bad breath
- Promotes healthy hydration in your dog
Cons
Chlorhexidine Wipes with Ketoconazole and Aloe for Dogs
This rinse contains Chlorhexidine, a powerful antimicrobial agent that helps kill bacteria in the mouth and prevent bad breath. It can be mixed with water and used as a mouth rinse or added to your dog’s drinking water.
Pros
- Contains Chlorhexidine, a powerful antimicrobial agent
- Can be mixed with water and used as a mouth rinse or added to drinking water
- Helps kill bacteria in the mouth and prevent bad breath
Cons
Pet Qwerks Flavorit Nylon Dog Chew Toothbrush
This chew toy is shaped like a toothbrush and is made with nylon bristles to help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath. It is available in a variety of flavors to make it more appealing to your dog.
Pros
- Shaped like a toothbrush with nylon bristles to help clean teeth
- Available in a variety of flavors to make it more appealing to your dog
- Can help freshen breath
Cons
In conclusion
Bad breath in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including dental issues, diet, and illness. By taking preventative measures, such as brushing teeth regularly and providing dental chews, you can help keep your dog’s mouth healthy and prevent bad breath. If you notice a sudden change in your dog’s breath, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause.
