Bad breath, is a common issue for dogs, and it’s often assumed that poor dental hygiene is the cause. However, there are a variety of other reasons why a dog’s breath may not be as fresh as it should be. From digestive issues to metabolic problems, there are a number of underlying causes that can lead to bad breath in dogs.
Understanding these various causes is important in order to properly diagnose and treat the problem. In this article, We will explore some of the most common Causes Of Bad Breath In Dogs Other Than Teeth “that aren’t related to dental hygiene”. . By understanding the underlying causes, we can help our furry friends breathe easy again.
Digestive Issues
Digestive issues are a common cause of bad breath in dogs. When a dog’s stomach and intestinal tract are not functioning properly, it can lead to a buildup of bacteria and other toxins that can produce an unpleasant odor.
One of the most common digestive issues that can cause bad breath in dogs is acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, and it can cause a number of symptoms, including bad breath. Dogs with acid reflux may also experience other symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Another digestive issue that can cause bad breath in dogs is pancreatitis. The pancreas is an organ that produces enzymes that help with digestion. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it can cause the enzymes to digest the pancreas itself, leading to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. This can cause bad breath, as well as other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Bowel infections are another common cause of bad breath in dogs. These infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria and other organisms, and they can lead to a buildup of toxins in the intestinal tract. These toxins can then be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to bad breath and other symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Digestive issues can cause bad breath in dogs by allowing bacteria and toxins to build up in the stomach and intestinal tract. This can lead to bad breath, as well as other symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If your dog has bad breath and is experiencing other digestive symptoms, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Respiratory Issues
Respiratory issues can also be a cause of bad breath in dogs. When a dog’s respiratory system is not functioning properly, it can lead to a buildup of bacteria and other toxins that produce an unpleasant odor.
One of the most common respiratory issues that can cause bad breath in dogs is sinus infections. Sinus infections occur when the nasal passages become inflamed, and they can be caused by a variety of bacteria and other organisms. Dogs with sinus infections may also experience other symptoms such as nasal discharge, sneezing, and facial swelling.
Bronchitis is another respiratory issue that can cause bad breath in dogs. It’s characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles, which can lead to a buildup of mucus and bacteria in the lungs. This can cause bad breath, as well as other symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing.
Lung infections are another common cause of bad breath in dogs. These infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria and other organisms, and they can lead to a buildup of toxins in the lungs. These toxins can then be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to bad breath and other symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing.
Respiratory issues can cause bad breath in dogs by allowing bacteria and toxins to build up in the respiratory system. These issues can lead to bad breath, as well as other symptoms such as nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. If your dog has bad breath and is experiencing other respiratory symptoms, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Metabolic Issues
Metabolic issues can also be a cause of bad breath in dogs. These issues occur when the body’s metabolic processes are not functioning properly, and they can lead to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream that produce an unpleasant odor.
One of the most common metabolic issues that can cause bad breath in dogs is kidney disease. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the bloodstream, and when they are not functioning properly, these waste products can build up in the bloodstream and produce an unpleasant odor. Dogs with kidney disease may also experience other symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and vomiting.
Diabetes is another metabolic issue that can cause bad breath in dogs. Diabetes occurs when the body is not able to properly regulate blood sugar levels, and it can lead to a buildup of ketones in the bloodstream. These ketones can produce an unpleasant odor, as well as other symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and fatigue.
Liver disease is another common cause of bad breath in dogs. The liver is responsible for removing toxins from the bloodstream, and when it is not functioning properly, these toxins can build up in the bloodstream and produce an unpleasant odor. Dogs with liver disease may also experience other symptoms such as jaundice, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Metabolic issues can cause bad breath in dogs by allowing toxins to build up in the bloodstream. These issues can lead to bad breath, as well as other symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and vomiting. If your dog has bad breath and is experiencing other metabolic symptoms, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Other Potential Causes
While poor dental hygiene, digestive issues, respiratory issues and metabolic issues are the most common causes of bad breath in dogs, there are other potential causes to consider as well.
One potential cause of bad breath in dogs is diet. Certain types of food can lead to a buildup of bacteria and other toxins in the mouth and digestive tract, which can produce an unpleasant odor. It’s important to make sure that your dog is eating a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age, breed, and size.
Another potential cause of bad breath in dogs is a foreign object stuck in the nose or throat. Dogs are curious animals and often explore their surroundings with their nose and mouth, which can lead to them accidentally ingesting or inhaling foreign objects. If you suspect that your dog has a foreign object stuck in their nose or throat, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian right away.
Lastly, certain health conditions such as cancer, can also cause bad breath in dogs. Cancer can lead to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream that produces an unpleasant odor. Additionally, certain types of cancer can cause tumors in the mouth or throat, which can also lead to bad breath.
While poor dental hygiene, digestive issues, respiratory issues and metabolic issues are the most common causes of bad breath in dogs, there are other potential causes to consider as well. These can include diet, foreign objects stuck in the nose or throat and certain health conditions like cancer. If your dog’s bad breath persists or your dog has other symptoms, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
12 Best Products For Bad Breath In Dogs Other Than Teeth
Purina FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs
Pro Plan Veterinary Diets has created a probiotic supplement specifically for dogs that veterinarians trust. This supplement is designed to help manage diarrhea in both puppies and adult dogs. It contains a special probiotic that helps to promote a healthy balance of microflora in the intestinal tract and can even help to reduce flatulence. Plus, the supplement uses a unique microencapsulation process to ensure that the ingredients stay stable and effective.
Pros
- Veterinarian recommended
- Helps manage diarrhea
- Promotes normal intestinal microflora
- Reduces flatulence
Cons
Dog Probiotics Treats for Picky Eaters - Digestive Enzymes + Prebiotics
Probiotic chews for dogs are packed with everything your furry friend needs to support healthy digestion. These chewable supplements contain essential probiotics and prebiotics, fiber and enzymes that can help ease various stomach issues like gas, diarrhea, constipation, and bad breath. Not only that, but they also help to control food allergies and support a strong immune system.
Chews are chicken flavored, making them irresistible to your dog. No more struggling to get them to take pills or capsules. Plus, with 180 chews per jar, you’ll get a 6-month supply of premium treats.
Made in the USA, our chews are free from soy, corn, dairy, sugar, artificial flavors, preservatives, and hormones. They are suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages, from small Yorkies to large retrievers and from puppies to seniors.
Pros
- Contains essential probiotics and prebiotics, fiber, and enzymes
- Eases stomach issues such as gas, diarrhea, and constipation
- Supports healthy digestion and strong immune system
- Chicken-flavored chewable treats
Cons
General Health Supplement for Dogs: Fiber, Prebiotics, Probiotics & Enzymes
High Fiber Grass Bits is a natural way to help your pet’s digestive tract function at its best. These bits are specially formulated to relieve digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and food intolerance, as well as reduce gas, stool odor, and bad breath. Not only that, but they also help to boost your dog’s immune system and overall health.
This innovative formula combines premium fibers, prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes to supercharge your pet’s digestive system. These four building blocks work together to form a high-fiber solution that heals and maintains your dog’s gut. It’s a one-stop solution that eliminates the need to buy separate supplements.
The grass bits are easy to serve – they can be mixed in with your dog’s food or used as a treat or topper. Unlike other brands, you don’t have to worry about powders getting stuck at the bottom of the bowl or floating in the air. The serving size varies based on your dog’s weight – one bag will last a 50-pound dog for over a month.
High Fiber Grass Bits is natural, grain-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and made in the USA. It’s made with a blend of Miscanthus Grass, Pumpkin Powder, and Flaxseed Fibers, Inulin and Xylooligosaccharides Prebiotics, Bacillus Subtilis and Bacillus Coagulans probiotics, and digestive enzymes to support a healthy digestive tract and immune system, and to break down food and increase nutrient absorption.”
Pros
- Relieves digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and food intolerance
- Reduces gas, stool odor and bad breath
- Boosts immune system and overall health
- Combines premium fibers, prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes
Cons
Pancreatic Enzymes for Dogs
This high potency pancreatic enzyme powder is specially formulated to support your pet’s digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as assist in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It contains a blend of pancreatic enzymes and essential digestive enzymes that can aid digestion, support the immune system, improve the skin and coat, and provide energy.
In addition, this powder is formulated with vitamin B12 and intrinsic factor, which helps the body absorb vitamin B12, providing additional support for pets in need of vitamin B12 supplementation. It also contains L-glutamine and beneficial probiotics for dogs and cats, which support digestive health, help re-establish and maintain a healthy gut, and optimize bacteria levels in the gut.
This powder is intended for dogs and cats over six weeks of age that require high enzyme supplementation.
Pros
- High potency pancreatic enzyme powder
- Supports digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
- Contains Vitamin B12 and intrinsic factor
- Contains L-glutamine and beneficial probiotics
Cons
Hill's Science Diet, Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Grain-free dry dog food is specifically formulated to support the digestive and skin health of adult dogs. It contains a source of prebiotic fiber to promote a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for your grown dog’s overall health.
This food is formulated without grains to make it more easily digestible and to improve nutrient absorption. Additionally, it’s packed with vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids which promote a lustrous coat and healthy skin.
Our food is made with natural ingredients and is veterinarian-recommended. With this food, you can be sure you’re providing your dog with a high-quality diet that supports their overall well-being.
Pros
- Supports digestive health and skin health
- Contains prebiotic fiber
- Formulated without grain and easily digestible
- Packed with vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids
Cons
BEXLEY LABS CurasebDog Ear Infection Treatment - Stops Infections, Inflammation & Itchiness
Curaseb’s medicated ear wash is specially formulated to treat active ear infections, inflammation, itchiness, and head shaking in cats and dogs. This medicated solution gently flushes away dirt, wax, and unwanted discharge, leaving behind a pleasant cucumber melon scent.
This ear cleaner solution is perfect for routine ear cleaning to maintain ear health and hygiene. It’s also great to use after swims and baths to prevent future ear issues. This veterinary-grade ear flush is recommended by veterinarians worldwide for use in dogs and cats.
Curaseb’s pet health products are all made in the USA using veterinary-grade ingredients. They are made in small batches to ensure quality and safety. Each batch is stringently tested by an independent lab for purity and effectiveness.
Pros
- Treats active ear infections, inflammation, itchiness and head shaking
- Flushes away dirt, wax and unwanted discharge
- Recommended by veterinarians worldwide
- Made in the USA with veterinary-grade ingredients
Cons
BestLife4Pets Breathe Easy Respiratory Support for Dog
This product is perfect for pet parents who are looking for a natural solution to alleviate their dog’s respiratory issues. It is specially formulated to provide fast-acting, first-aid support for dogs who are experiencing coughing, sneezing, or other respiratory distress. The powerful blend of arnica, Echinacea, and other plant extracts works to soothe and calm the respiratory tract, getting to the root cause of the problem instead of just masking the symptoms.
One of the great things about this product is that it is gluten-free and non-GMO, and it doesn’t contain any artificial chemicals, alcohols, or sugars. The easy-to-swallow, odorless, and flavorless pills make it convenient for pet parents to administer, without having to fight with their dog to take them. Plus, the trachea support for dogs won’t leave your dog drowsy or upset.
These dog kennel cough pills are suitable for all types of dogs, no matter their size or age. They are made in the USA with veterinary-grade ingredients, ensuring quality and safety. With this product, pet parents can rest assured that they are providing their furry friend with a natural, effective solution for their respiratory issues.
Pros
- Infused with arnica, Echinacea, and other plant extracts
- Provides fast-acting, first-aid support for respiratory distress
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
- Easy-to-swallow, odorless, and flavorless pills
Cons
Breathe Well Herbal Drops Pets - Made in USA Kennel Cough, Allergy Relief & Natural Respiratory Support
Breathe Well is a specially formulated supplement that is designed to help your furry friends with allergy relief and provide fast symptom relief. It is infused with powerful ingredients such as Calendula, Mullein leaf, and Elderberry to help your pet overcome bouts of coughing and wheezing.
Whether your cat or dog is suffering from a dry, wet, or barky cough, Breathe Well can provide an easy and fast solution. It is also perfect for soothing irritated throats.
Our formula is 100% organic, contains no additives, preservatives, fillers, is non-GMO and gluten-free. We at SafeBay, use only the best ingredients to make your cats and dogs healthy and happy. Our goal is to develop supreme quality products that improve and extend the lives of your companion animals.
Pros
- Contains maximum symptom-fighting ingredients such as Calendula, Mullein leaf, and Elderberry
- Helps with allergy relief and provides fast symptom relief
- 100% organic, contains no additives, preservatives or fillers, non GMO and gluten free.
- Designed to improve and extend the lives of companion animals
Cons
Pet Wellbeing Kidney Support Gold for Dogs - Vet-Formulated - Supports Healthy Kidney Function in Dogs
Are you concerned about your dog’s quality of life? If your pet is showing signs of discomfort, anxiety, and stress, it can have a negative impact on their overall well-being. That’s why we’re here to help.
Kidney Support Gold is a clinically-proven supplement that helps support healthy kidney function in dogs. It contains a blend of restorative “tonic herbs” that provide nutrition to the body in a way that it can readily absorb and use.
This supplement helps maintain fluid balance, urination and thirst, normal protein excretion in urine, appetite and weight, general vitality and energy, and healthy immunity. It also helps to maintain normal levels of blood urea and creatinine, which are products of metabolism excreted by the kidneys.
Our holistic veterinarians have scientifically researched the herbs used in Kidney Support Gold and tested their effectiveness. These herbs are traditionally used in Asian medicine to support overall vitality and well-being.
Our caring, in-house holistic veterinarians have developed this product with your pet’s health and well-being in mind. All our vet-created supplements are manufactured in the USA in FDA-registered, GMP-certified facilities and are made with only the highest quality ingredients, tested for purity.
Pros
- Helps support healthy kidney function
- Contains restorative “tonic herbs”
- Helps maintain fluid balance, urination, appetite, weight and healthy immunity
- Developed by in-house holistic veterinarians and manufactured in the USA in FDA-registered, GMP-certified facilities
Cons
Nutramax Denamarin Liver Health Supplement for Small Dogs
Denamarin is the leading veterinarian recommended liver support supplement for dogs and cats. It contains the ingredient s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) to help increase levels of the antioxidant glutathione, which is one of the liver’s main detoxifying agents.
The Silybin found in Denamarin has been shown to have better absorption by dogs and cats than the standardized milk thistle extract found in many other products.
The liver is a crucial organ for your pet’s well-being, responsible for removing toxins, storing energy, aiding digestion, and supporting the immune system. That’s why it’s important to make sure it’s functioning properly.
Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences has been a leader in pet health for over 30 years and provides supplements to support joint health, digestive health, and overall wellness. Their supplements are veterinarian formulated with high-quality ingredients to ensure that your pet is receiving a safe supplement.
Pros
- veterinarian recommended liver support supplement
- Contains s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) to increase levels of antioxidant glutathione
- Silybin found in Denamarin has better absorption than other products
- Veterinarian formulated with high-quality ingredients
Cons
Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Joint Health Supplement for Small to Medium Dogs
Dasuquin, the #1 veterinarian recommended joint health supplement brand, is the perfect solution for dogs under 60lbs who need support for their joints. It combines the benefits of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM to help support healthy joints.
MSM is a natural source of sulfur, which plays an important role in maintaining joint health. Dasuquin joint health supplements come in a tasty soft chew and are also available in chewable tablets, making it easy for your pet to take.
Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences has been a leader in pet health for over 30 years and provides supplements to support joint health, digestive health, and overall wellness. Their supplements are veterinarian formulated with high-quality ingredients to ensure that your pet is receiving a safe supplement.
Pros
- veterinarian recommended joint health supplement
- Contains a combination of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM
- Comes in a tasty soft chew and chewable tablets
- Veterinarian formulated with high-quality ingredients
Cons
Blood Sugar Gold for Dogs - Natural Support for Healthy Blood Sugar Levels in Your Dog with Diabetes
If you’re concerned about your pet’s blood sugar balance, our supplement is here to help. It’s designed to help maintain normal, healthy blood sugar levels and support normal serum insulin levels.
In addition to supporting healthy blood sugar levels, our supplement also helps maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also helps support eye and liver health.
Our supplement is vet-formulated, ensuring that it’s safe and effective for your pet. Give your furry friend the support they need to stay healthy and happy.
Pros
- Support normal serum insulin levels.
- Helps maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Helps support eye and liver health.
- Safe and effective
Cons
In conclusion
bad breath, or halitosis, is a common issue for dogs, and it’s often assumed that poor dental hygiene is the only cause. However, there are a variety of other reasons why a dog’s breath may not be as fresh as it should be. From digestive issues, such as acid reflux and pancreatitis, to respiratory issues, such as sinus infections and bronchitis, and metabolic issues like kidney disease and diabetes, there are a number of underlying causes that can lead to bad breath in dogs.
Other potential causes of bad breath in dogs include certain types of food, foreign objects stuck in the nose or throat and certain health conditions like cancer. Understanding these various causes is important in order to properly diagnose and treat the problem. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian if your dog’s bad breath persists or if your dog has other symptoms. A veterinarian will be able to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan that will help your furry friend breathe easy again.
In summary, bad breath in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, not just poor dental hygiene, so it’s important to consider all possible causes and to consult with a veterinarian if you notice any symptoms. By understanding the underlying causes and taking appropriate action, we can help our furry friends maintain good oral hygiene, and to live a happy and healthy life.
