All dogs will have bad breath from time to time, especially after eating strong smelling dog foods. However, if your dog’s bad breath lasts for any significant period of time, it could be a sign of underlying health problems, ranging from gum disease to respiratory problems. Speak to your vet if your dog is experiencing frequent bad breath so that the root cause can be investigated.

This guide will help you to understand some possible causes of your dog’s bad breath, and how you can help to get rid of it.

What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs?

Chronic bad breath means that odour-producing bacteria have been able to build up in the mouth. This may be a symptom of an underlying health problem.

• Dental disease is a common culprit, along with a buildup of tartar and tooth decay. Some dog breeds are particularly prone to gum problems.
• Bad breath can also occur if a piece of food, a stick or something else has become stuck between the teeth and is decaying.
• Breath that smells sweet or fruity could be a sign of diabetes, especially if your dog is also drinking more than usual and urinating frequently.
• Breath that smells like urine or ammonia (a bit like bleach) could be a sign of kidney disease.
• Foul-smelling breath can sometimes indicate liver problems, especially alongside a lack of appetite, vomiting and corneas that appear yellow-tinged.
• Infections, either in the lungs, sinuses or windpipe, can smell bad. Growths in the mouth can also become infected and smell.
• Problems in the gut such as infections, stomach upset or blockages might also cause a dog’s bad breath.

You should always speak to your vet if you are concerned about your dog’s bad breath.

Treatment for Bad Breath in Dogs

Treatment for chronic bad breath will depend on the underlying cause.

If medical problems are suspected, further tests will need to be carried out to determine the root cause of the issue. Your vet can then recommend a suitable treatment.

If poor oral health is to blame, your dog might require a professional cleaning to get rid of plaque. Your vet might also recommend a special diet or dog dental care products such as dental chews.

You should also avoid foods that can easily get stuck in between your dog’s teeth, such as bones.

Access to lots of fresh water can help your dog’s breath as it will help to wash away any food residue left in their mouth.

Regular teeth cleaning for dogs is also a good idea. It helps to prevent a build-up of plaque or tartar and reduces the levels of odour-producing bacteria in their mouth. Brushing your dog’s teeth can take a little time to master, but it’s well worth the effort. It’s much easier if you start teeth-brushing while your dog is still a puppy. Some dogs might even start to look forward to it if you go about it the right way.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth

Use a toothpaste designed specifically for dogs – never use human toothpaste. Toothpaste for people is not intended to be swallowed and it may contain ingredients that could be harmful to your pet.

Enzymatic dog toothpastes help to break down plaque, and reduce bad breath. Most are flavoured to taste nice for your pet too, which should help!

First, get your dog used to the taste of toothpaste by putting some on your finger and asking them to lick it off. Repeat this a few times until they are familiar with it.

Next, introduce them to the sensation of you touching the inside of their mouth. Gently slide your finger across their teeth, only going in as far as they are comfortable. Gradually increase this as they start to feel more comfortable.

Lastly, introduce the toothbrush. Let your dog lick some toothpaste from the bristles first.

Then start brushing the canine teeth, using an up-and-down motion, with the brush angled towards the gumline. Then progress to the back teeth, and lastly try the incisors, which are in the most sensitive area of the mouth. You may need to gently lift the muzzle to help you reach all your dog’s teeth.

Ideally, you should aim to brush your dog’s teeth every day. If you find it difficult there are dog teeth cleaning services available that you can book on a regular basis, or you can organise regular dental cleaning at the vet.

Wrapping Up

As always, it’s important to first visit your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s oral health. Bad breath in dogs can be a result of medical problems, in which case the root cause will need to be addressed. However, it’s also important to keep on top of your dog’s dental hygiene to prevent the buildup of tartar and plaque. Our range of dog dental care products will help you do just that. For more advice on dental care for both cats and dogs, check out our blog.

This blog was checked by Karin Volker, MRCVS