Dogs are known for being man’s best friend, but one thing that can ruin that friendship is bad breath. Have you ever noticed that your dog’s breath smells like death? While it may be a normal occurrence for dogs to have bad breath, it can also be a sign of a serious health issue.
In this article, we will explore the causes of “Dog breath smells like death”, as well as how to prevent it and when to seek medical attention.
Causes of Dog Breath Smelling Like Death
One of the most common causes of bad breath in dogs is plaque and tartar buildup. Just like in humans, plaque and tartar can accumulate on the teeth and cause a strong, unpleasant odor. Bacterial or fungal infections in the mouth can also cause bad breath.
These infections can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor dental hygiene, a weakened immune system, or an underlying health condition.
Kidney and liver disease can also cause bad breath in dogs. These diseases can affect the metabolism and elimination of toxins in the body, leading to a buildup of waste products that can cause bad breath.
Similarly, diabetes can cause bad breath as a result of increased levels of ketones in the body. Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation can also cause bad breath.
How to Prevent Dog Breath Smelling Like Death
Preventing bad breath in dogs is relatively simple. Regular dental checkups and cleanings, brushing your dog’s teeth, providing dental chews or toys, feeding a healthy diet, and regular visits to the vet can all help prevent bad breath.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most effective ways to prevent bad breath. You can use a toothbrush specifically designed for dogs or a finger brush. You should brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week, using a toothpaste made specifically for dogs.
Dental chews and toys can also help to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy. Look for chews and toys that are made to promote dental health, such as those with nubs or ridges that help to scrape plaque and tartar off the teeth.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While bad breath is a common occurrence in dogs, it can also be a sign of a serious health issue. If your dog’s bad breath is persistent, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the teeth, or signs of pain or discomfort, it’s important to seek medical attention.
10 Best Dog Breath Fresheners
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste
Enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs and cats to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth with Vanilla Mint flavor pets love. Safe for daily use, Vet recommended, and made in the USA. Use with a toothbrush such as the CET Dual Ended Toothbrush. Pros:
Pros
- Formulated for dogs and cats
- Reduces plaque and freshens breath
- Safe for daily use
- Vet recommended
Cons
Vet’s Best Dog Toothbrush and Enzymatic Toothpaste Set
Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dental Gel Toothpaste is a veterinarian formulated soothing and effective mix of aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes. Freshens breath and gently cleans away plaque and tartar. Your dog will love the great taste, and you will love how it brightens and whitens teeth while freshening the breath.
Pros
- Veterinarian formulated
- Freshens breath and gently cleans away plaque and tartar
- Great taste for dogs
- Brightens and whitens teeth
- Easy to use squeeze tube
Cons
Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste
Petrodex Advanced Dental Care Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste helps reduce plaque and tartar formation. With patented enzymes, this non-foaming formula of dog toothpaste does not require rinsing. With regular use, Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs helps reduce plaque and fights bad breath. Comes in a delicious poultry flavor that dogs love.
Pros
- Helps reduce plaque and tartar formation
- Patented enzymes
- Non-foaming formula
- Does not require rinsing
- Delicious poultry flavor Cons:
Cons
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Kit
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care provides easy oral care, leaving your pet with fresh breath and healthy teeth and gums. Features an angled neck for better reach and nylon bristles to clean between teeth. Toothpaste made with Denta-C, which is scientifically formulated to help reduce plaque.
Comes with toothbrush, finger brush, and 2-1/2-ounce tube of toothpaste. Kit designed especially for adult dogs, with a larger brush that gently massages your dog’s teeth. Toothpaste made in the USA.
Pros
- Easy oral care
- Fresh breath and healthy teeth and gums
- Angled neck for better reach
- Nylon bristles to clean between teeth
- Toothpaste made with Denta-C, scientifically formulated to help reduce plaque
Cons
GREENIES Original Regular Natural Dog
Greenies Original Regular Size Natural Dental Dog Treats are natural dog treats plus vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for medium dogs.
The unique texture of Greenies Dog Chews cleans down to the gumline to fight plaque and tartar and freshen bad dog breath. Greenies Treats for Dogs are veterinarian recommended and accepted by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council).
Treat your dog fantastically with the great taste of Greenies Original Dental Treats. Greenies Dog Treats are made with natural, easy-to-digest ingredients and are nutritionally complete.
Pros
- Natural dog treats plus vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
- Unique texture that cleans down to the gumline to fight plaque and tartar
- Veterinarian recommended and accepted by the VOHC
- Great taste
- Made with natural, easy-to-digest ingredients and are nutritionally complete
Cons
Petstages Cool Teething Stick
Pros
- Ideal solution for puppies growing in their adult teeth
- Can be soaked in water and placed in the freezer for a gentle, soothing treat
- Provides an enticing alternative to furniture and personal belongings
- Great companion on a hot summer’s day
- Gets crunchy when frozen for added fun
Cons
TropiClean Fresh Breath Original Dog Dental Water Additive
Fresh Breath Oral Care Water Additive provides dental defense against plaque & tartar on the teeth and noticeably fresher breath in 14 days or less with daily use as directed. Formulated with a unique blend of ingredients for a healthy mouth and clean teeth. A tasteless and odorless teeth cleaning solution that helps freshen breath when added to your dog’s water twice daily.
Carries Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance (VOHC) for plaque control and National Animal Supplement Council Quality Seal (NASC) for adhering to the highest quality standards. Simply add half capful of Oral Care Water Additive to your dog’s 8oz water bowl, or 8 capfuls to your dog’s 1 gallon water bowl twice daily.
No brushing required! Use in combination with TropiClean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth Oral Care Gel and TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Chews or Dental Sticks for maximum oral care protection.
Pros
- Dental defense against plaque & tartar on the teeth and fresher breath in 14 days with daily use
- Formulated with unique blend of ingredients for a healthy mouth and clean teeth
- Tasteless and odorless
- Carries Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance (VOHC) and National Animal Supplement Council Quality Seal (NASC)
Cons
PetSafe Busy Buddy Jack
The textured rubber sprockets and smooth nylon knobs make it tough for your dog to access the treat rings; keeps your dog playing longer. Made from durable nylon and rubber, this toy was designed to satisfy strong chewers.
4 Busy Buddy rawhide treat rings are included (additional treat rings available separately). Top-shelf dishwasher safe. Designed for dogs 20-50 pounds. PetSafe brand has been a trusted global leader in pet behavior, containment and lifestyle innovations for nearly 30 years.
Pros
- Textured rubber sprockets and smooth nylon knobs make it tough for your dog to access the treat rings
- Made from durable nylon and rubber
- 4 Busy Buddy rawhide treat rings included
- Top-shelf dishwasher safe
- Designed for dogs 20-50 pounds
Cons
Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive
Finally say good-bye to dog and cat bad breath with our fast-acting pet bad breath treatment for dogs and cats. It’s the best, quick & easy cat & dog breath freshener. The easiest way to clean your pet’s teeth!
Veterinarian recommended cat and dog oral care water additive helps fight plaque and tartar for healthy teeth and gums. No more wrestling with pet toothpaste and toothbrushes; just add a capful of our cat and dog dental care liquid to their water bowl each day –
it’s that easy! Pet Dental Water Additive is odorless and tasteless, so they don’t even know it’s there. Trusted by pet parents, our cat and dog dental water additive is made in the U.S.A. with only the highest quality ingredients, and is a pet bad breath eliminator that actually works.
Pros
- Fast-acting pet bad breath treatment
- Easy to use: just add to water bowl
- Veterinarian recommended
- Odorless and tasteless
- Made in the U.S.A. with only the highest quality ingredients
Cons
KIPRITII Dog Chew Toys
Great for Dogs & Protect Your Home: Our dog chew toys are designed for chewing dogs to protect your home from damage. They not only give you a tidy home but also make your dog healthy. Dog Toy & Super Fun: 20 Pack pet toys for dogs, great for puppy and small dogs.
Includes 9 rope dog toys, 2 dog treat balls, 1 rubber dog toothbrush stick, 1 banana dog toy, 1 squeaky plush toys, 1 rubber toys, 1flying disc dog toy and 3 extra poop bag rolls & 1 bag dispenser as a gift.
Clean teeth & Freshen breath: Our chewing rubber toothbrush and rope toys help to clean your dog’s teeth, freshen breath and reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
Training toys are great for keeping your dog physically fit and mentally sharp and positively enhance the relationship between you and your dogs. High Quality & Excellence Service: Our dog chew toys undergo rigorous quality testing and are made with durable and natural materials.
Pros
- Designed to protect your home from chewing
- 20 pack of fun and varied toys
- Cleans teeth and freshens breath
- Great for training and improving relationship with your dog
- High quality and durable materials
Cons
PetSafe Finger Brush
The patented design of this fingerbrush allows for easy cleaning of the entire mouth with just a few swipes. Pet owners can finally provide a thorough teeth cleaning for their dog or cat with ease. The compact design works well on smaller dogs, cats, and puppies, and also works great for larger dogs as long as your finger can reach their teeth.
However, it may not work as well on extremely small pets, such as toy breeds. By adding a few drops of water inside, the silicone expands for larger fingers, and creates a seal for smaller fingers, preventing slipping off in your pet’s mouth.
The silicone bristles are softer than traditional bristles, but abrasive enough to remove plaque. The gentle nature of fingerbrushes tends to be more accepted by pets.
Pros
- Easy cleaning of the entire mouth with just a few swipes
- Compact design works well on small and large pets
- Adding water creates a seal for better grip
- Silicone bristles are softer and more gentle than
- traditional bristles -Removes plaque effectively
Cons
In conclusion
bad breath in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including plaque and tartar buildup, bacterial or fungal infections, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues. Regular dental checkups and cleanings, brushing your dog’s teeth, providing dental chews or toys, feeding a healthy diet, and regular visits to the vet can all help prevent bad breath. However, if your dog’s bad breath is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention. Paying attention to your dog’s breath and taking action if it smells like death is important for maintaining your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.
