Understanding Bad Breath in Dogs: Causes and Effective Solutions

As a pet parent, you occasionally want to receive a warm, wet kiss from your dog. But when that kiss comes with a whiff of foul-smelling breath, it's a turn-off. While occasional smelly breath is normal, chronic bad breath in dogs can be unbearable.

If your pup's bad breath smells persistently, it could be a sign of very serious health issues. In this guide, we’ll look at the causes of bad breath in dogs and provide actionable solutions to treat it effectively, ensuring your furry friend stays healthy and happy.

What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs?

Understanding the causes of bad breath is the first step in resolving the problem. The following are some of the common causes of bad breath in dogs.

1. Dental Disease

According to the Journal of Small Animal Practice, the most prevalent cause of bad breath in dogs is dental disease. Dogs develop plaque and tartar on their teeth, which leads to gum disease and tooth decay. As time goes on, this build-up harbors bacteria that have a strong, unpleasant smell.

• Plaque and Tartar Buildup: Food particles combine with saliva to form plaque, which becomes tartar if not properly removed. This results in gum disease (gingivitis), causing your dog's breath to smell bad.
• Periodontal Disease: If left untreated, dental disease progresses to periodontal disease, where the gums become infected, leading to tooth loss and a stinky dog breath.

2. Poor Oral Hygiene

Dogs don’t get the luxury of daily brushing unless you make a habit of it. Without regular care, food particles and bacteria accumulate in the mouth, causing your pup's bad breath. Even if you’re feeding your dog high-quality food, ignoring their oral care will still result in persistent bad breath.

3. Diet and Dog’s Food Choices

Your dog's diet can also lead to bad breath. An unbalanced diet, especially one full of low-quality kibble or table scraps, will leave food particles in your dog's mouth, encouraging the growth of bacteria.

• Fish and Liver Foods: Some foods, such as fish or liver, while nutritious for dogs, are odor-intensive and will make a dog's breath smell strong.
• Low-Quality Dog Food: Some dog foods contain fillers or artificial additives that can lead to bad breath or even exacerbate existing dental health issues.

4. Underlying Health Conditions

According to research done by Wallis et al. (2020) in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, bad breath can also be a sign of other, more serious health conditions, such as:

• Diabetes: Diabetic dogs will often have a sweet-smelling odor due to the presence of excess glucose in the blood. If left untreated, it may advance to more severe health complications.
• Kidney Disease: If your dog's breath smells like urine, it may be a sign that there is an issue with your dog's kidneys, as they're no longer processing toxins effectively.
• Liver Disease: Diseases that affect your dog's liver can cause metallic breath, along with yellowing gums or vomiting.

5. Foreign Objects in the Mouth

Dogs love to chew, and occasionally they become a little too zealous. Sticks, bones, toys, or foreign objects can be lodged between your dog's teeth, decaying over time and resulting in stinky breath. If you think this might be the situation, a trip to the vet is necessary to extract the object and prevent infection.

If your dog has recently eaten poop, this can also lead to stinky odors, as the bacteria and human waste materials leave lingering smells.

6. Breed-Specific Risks

Wallis et al.’s (2021) article in The Veterinary Journal found that smaller dog breeds are more prone to dental disease due to the size of their mouth and teeth. This makes bad breath a more prevalent issue in smaller dogs. Regular dental check-ups are extremely important for these dogs to prevent serious oral issues.

When to Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Bad Breath

While occasional bad breath can be a sign of an unbrushed mouth or a disease, there are warning signs to watch for. The following are common symptoms of serious oral health issues:

• Bleeding Gums: If your dog’s gums are bleeding, it’s a sign that the oral infection is more severe and may have advanced to a dental disease.
• Visible Tartar: Yellow or brown tartar on your dog's teeth is a clear indicator of gum disease. Consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and professional treatment.
• Difficulty Eating or Dropping Food: If your dog is having difficulty eating or is continually dropping food from his mouth, this can be an indication of tooth pain or gum infection.
• Unusual Drooling or Pawing at the Mouth: If your dog is constantly drooling or pawing at their mouth, it can be a sign of a dental issue or even something stuck between their teeth.
• Behavioral Changes: Dogs with severe health problems, like kidney disease or liver disease, will also show changes in behavior, like lethargy or loss of appetite.

If any of these symptoms appear alongside bad breath, consult with your vet for a proper diagnosis.

Preventing Bad Breath Before It Starts

Preventing your dog's stinky breath is easier than curing it once it becomes a persistent problem. Take the following preventive measures to keep your dog's breath fresh and oral care on track:

• Start Dental Care Early: Begin by brushing your dog's teeth as early as possible, especially when they're still a puppy. The earlier you start, the more likely your dog accepts brushing as part of their routine, and it becomes a habit that discourages the underlying causes of bad breath.
• Use Dental Supplements Proactively: Add oral health products or supplements to your dog’s diet before bad breath becomes a recurring issue. When you proactively support your dog's oral health, you no longer have to dread puppy kisses filled with foul-smelling breath. We have the best dental health products for dogs at Pup Labs, designed to keep your dog’s teeth clean, breath fresh, and gums healthy.
• Know Your Breed’s Risk Level: Certain breeds are more susceptible to dental disease, so if you have a small breed, be sure you're on top of their oral health from day one. This early care can help with chronic bad breath as well as other underlying reasons for poor oral health.

How to Treat Bad Breath in Dogs Effectively

Now that you understand what is causing your dog's bad breath, it’s time to do something about it. The following are some of the best methods of curing bad breath in dogs:

1. Professional Dental Cleanings

The most effective way to treat dental disease is through a professional cleaning. Your veterinarian will professionally clean your dog's teeth under anesthesia, scaling tartar and plaque responsible for bad breath.

How often should this be done? We recommend annual professional dental cleanings for dogs, especially if they’re prone to periodontal disease.

2. Daily Brushing & Home Dental Care

Regular brushing of your dog's teeth is among the best ways to fight bad breath. Brush your pup's teeth with a dog toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste to prevent plaque and promote oral hygiene.

Enzymatic toothpaste works by breaking down plaque and minimizing bacterial growth, thus ensuring your dog's fresh breath.

3. Dental Chews and Toys

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and it can help with tartar control. Invest in dental chews or toys that promote oral health. Look for VOHC-approved (Veterinary Oral Health Council) products that meet standards for reducing plaque and tartar.

Our Fresh Breathies Dental Health Chews are tasty and can help get rid of bad breath. They support gums and teeth, aid in gut and immune function, help with age-related decline, and reduce inflammation for a happier tummy, joints, and heart.

4. Supplements That Support Oral Health

Adding oral health supplements to your dog's diet can also combat bad breath. Supplements containing ingredients like yuca, mushrooms, spirulina, parsley, probiotics, or enzymes deodorize and support overall oral health.

At Pup Labs, we offer a range of products that freshen your dog's breath and support their dental health. For instance, our ProDenta supplement fights bad breath by improving oral cleanliness from the inside out. Simply add it to your pup's food or water to freshen their breath and support oral health.

5. Remove Foreign Objects or Seek Vet-Only Treatments

If there's something stuck between your dog's teeth, like a foreign object, have it extracted by a vet. Even if you're the bravest pup parent, don't try to remove it yourself. Foreign objects can lead to infection, worsening your dog’s breath smell, and potentially leading to a more serious health issue. Food particles remain lodged around the foreign object, creating plaque, which could cause problems down the line, like gum disease.

Additionally, human medication or improper treatment will hamper the healing process and can cause damage to your pup's body. Therefore, consult a vet for proper treatment and also to ensure you don’t overlook any underlying health issues. Taking immediate action will prevent further damage and restore your dog's dental health to normal.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath in Dogs Long-Term

If you want to keep breath fresh and prevent recurring bad breath in the long term, consistency is key. The following are steps to make sure your dog's bad breath doesn't recur:

1. Build Routine Oral Hygiene Care

Establish a regular brushing schedule for your dog's teeth and give them dental chews regularly. This will prevent bad breath from coming back in the future.

2. Regular Vet Checkups

Ensure your dog gets regular vet checkups to catch any oral health issues early. Your vet will also monitor your furry friend for underlying health problems that could be contributing to bad breath. If your dog’s bad breath persists, ask your vet for medical advice to help determine the root cause and develop a treatment plan.

3. Hydration and Fresh Water Access

Ensure your dog has easy access to fresh water. Proper hydration helps dilute oral bacteria, reducing the chances of foul-smelling breath.

4. Balanced Nutrition

A healthy diet promotes proper oral health. Don't feed your dog low-quality food or human snacks that result in plaque and tartar buildup. Consult a vet for a specialized diet to improve your dog's health.

5. Consistency is Key

Creating and maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine will make your dog's mouth healthy and clean. Also, see a vet if you feel that your dog requires prescription medication or oral care products to treat the underlying causes of recurring bad breath.

Note: Always see a vet if you have concerns about your pet's condition or persistent bad breath, as it could be caused by something that needs professional attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Be Worried If My Dog Has Bad Breath?

While occasional bad breath is perfectly normal, especially after your dog eats or drinks, a persistent case can be a sign of underlying health issues. Dental disease, gum disease, and even organ disease, such as kidney or liver disease, are the common causes of stinky dog breath. If your dog's breath has recently developed a persistent smell or is accompanied by other symptoms like excessive drooling, changes in appetite, or lethargy, ensure you get an accurate diagnosis from a vet. Your pet’s oral health plays a significant role in their overall well-being, so don’t ignore it!

What Is the Best Dog Treat for Bad Breath?

One of the most effective dog treats for bad breath is dental chews. Some chews contain natural ingredients like chlorophyll, parsley, or enzymes that fight bad breath and support oral health. Additionally, giving your dog treats that promote chewing can help keep their teeth clean and prevent emerging oral health issues. Check out our vet-approved dog treats and chews today.

What Is the Best Cure for Smelly Dog Breath Naturally?

The best natural remedy for stinky dog breath is regular oral hygiene and a well-balanced diet. Here are some of the best ways to reduce bad dog breath:

• Regular Brushing: Brush your dog's teeth regularly using a dog toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste to prevent the buildup of plaque.
• Natural Supplements: Supplements containing ingredients such as mint leaves, spirulina, parsley, chlorophyll, or probiotics can naturally maintain the oral well-being of your pet and remove bad odors. For instance, our vet-approved dental health supplements support oral hygiene while being tasty and easy to use.
• Hydration: Ensuring your dog drinks fresh water regularly can help wash away food debris and bacteria in the mouth, keeping their breath fresher.
• Dental Chews and Toys: Dental toys or chewable special treats can naturally eliminate plaque and bad breath.

What Foods Make Dogs' Breath Smell Better?

A well-balanced, high-quality diet can go a long way in helping your pup achieve good dental health. Some foods that can make your dog's breath smell better include:

• Fresh Veggies: Celery, apples, carrots, parsley, and mint leaves can deodorize and clean your dog's teeth.
• High-Quality Protein: Lean meats like chicken or turkey are better for your dog's breath than fatty cuts of meat or low-quality kibble.

In addition, providing your dog with fresh water to drink removes food particles, which may cause bad breath.

Can Dry Dog Food Cause Bad Breath in Dogs?

Yes, dry dog food can cause bad breath if the ingredients used are low-grade or if your dog isn't chewing correctly. When food particles become lodged between the teeth for a while, they offer a site for bacteria to develop, leading to plaque and bad breath. Though dry food itself isn't an immediate cause, its potential to remain lodged between the teeth when not brushed appropriately can cause bad breath.

Final Thoughts: A Fresh Mouth, A Healthier Pup

Dog bad breath is usually avoidable and curable with proper maintenance and care. You can ensure that your dog's mouth remains fresh and healthy by following an effective oral care routine and investing in good-quality dental products. Therefore, if you're fed up with your dog's pungent smooches, it's time to take action.

If your dog has seriously bad breath despite basic oral hygiene and dietary changes, consult a vet to rule out underlying health conditions such as kidney or liver disease. With the right care and attention, you can improve your dog’s oral health, leaving you with a healthier, happier pup.

Learn all the details of ProDenta, one of our favorite products for dog dental health, in our blog all about it!

References

• Niemiec, B., Gawor, J., Nemec, A., Clarke, D., McLeod, K., Tutt, C., ... & Jouppi, R. (2020). World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Dental Guidelines. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 61(7), E36-E161.
• Wallis, Corrin, and Lucy J. Holcombe. "A review of the frequency and impact of periodontal disease in dogs." Journal of Small Animal Practice 61, no. 9 (2020): 529-540.
• Wallis, C., Saito, E. K., Salt, C., Holcombe, L. J., & Desforges, N. G. (2021). Association of periodontal disease with breed size, breed, weight, and age in pure-bred client-owned dogs in the United States. The Veterinary Journal, 275, 105717.