5 Reasons Your Dog Has Bad Breath

Canine bad breath is a common problem. When your dog has bad breath it can make those morning licks a little less pleasant.

But bad breath in dogs can signal more than just a stinky smell; it can also be a sign of a health issue. Before you give your dog a dental treat, take a moment to look a little deeper to determine the cause of your dog’s bad breath and what you can do to prevent and treat it.

Causes of Dog Bad Breath

1. Periodontal Disease

The most common cause of dog bad breath is dental disease. Just like people, the build up of tartar and plaque can lead to bad breath caused by bacteria. Over time, poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease. Plaque and tartar build-up can push the gums away from the teeth, exposing areas where bacteria can flourish. This leads to very bad breath.

If you suspect your dog has periodontal disease make an appointment with your veterinarian. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth can help prevent dental disease.

2. Dogs Eat Disgusting Things

Some dogs like to eat items we think of as disgusting, such as rotten food or canine/feline feces. Obviously, this can make your dog’s breath smell terrible. The condition called coprophagia causes dogs to want to eat feces. If your dog is consistently engaging in this behavior, talk with your veterinarian to rule out other health problems like parasites, poor nutrition, malabsorption issues, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, thyroid disease or a reaction to drugs, such as steroids. There are strategies to help prevent this issue, so make an appointment to see your veterinarian to discuss the issue.

3. Diabetes

If your dog’s bad breath has a sweet smell to it, it can be a symptom of diabetes. Other symptoms of diabetes include frequent drinking and urination. If you notice these symptoms, make an appointment to see your veterinarian. Diabetes in dogs is a treatable disease.

4. Kidney Disease

If your dog’s breath smells like urine it could signal kidney disease. Canine kidney disease is serious and could signal a larger medical problem. If your dog’s breath smells like urine, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away.

5. Liver Disease

Liver disease in dogs can cause a foul odor. Other symptoms of liver disease include vomiting and a yellow tinge to the gums. Like kidney disease, liver disease can signal a very serious health condition. If your dog is exhibiting these signs, make an appointment with your veterinarian or a veterinary emergency hospital immediately.

How to Prevent and Treat Canine Bad Breath

Curing bad breath in dogs is about addressing the cause. If your dog’s bad breath is related to dental disease, make an appointment to visit your veterinarian to determine a plan to address the issue. Your dog may be candidate for dental cleaning under anesthesia. Make sure you brush your dog’s teeth regularly.

Provide your dog with plenty of chews to help prevent plaque and tartar build up as well as relieve boredom. Just make sure you select chew toys appropriate for your dog’s age and size.

There are other canine oral health products on the market, such as dental chews and water additives. Talk to your veterinarian about the products they recommend.

Make sure to keep your trash and other unsanitary items (such as roadkill) away from your dog. Keep your cat’s kitty litter box out of reach and clean up after your dog right away to prevent coprophagia.

Feed your dog a quality, balanced diet and make sure they get enough exercise. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help prevent systemic diseases like diabetes.

If serious health conditions like diabetes, kidney or liver disease are the cause of your dog’s bad breath, treating the underlying condition will likely resolve your dog’s bad breath as well.

Bad breath in dogs isn’t normal. It can be a sign your dog has a dental or other serious health issue. Please be sure to brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week and if the problem persists, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Have you successfully treated bad breath in your dog? Please share your experience with the rest of the Canine Campus community by leaving a comment below. We’d love to hear how you solved your dog’s bad breath problem.