Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?

 

Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath? Causes & What You Can Do

We love our dogs—but sometimes their breath can make those up-close kisses a little less enjoyable!

Occasional "doggy breath" isn't unusual. But persistent, unusually strong or foul-smelling breath shouldn't simply be accepted as a normal part of having a dog. Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, can sometimes be an early warning sign that something else is going on.

Dental disease is one of the most common causes, but tooth decay, something your dog has eaten and certain medical conditions can also affect the way your dog's breath smells.

And then there's puppy breath. That's a different story!

Let's look at what may be causing your dog's bad breath, what you can do at home and when it's time to make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Why Does My Dog's Breath Smell?

Bad breath itself isn't a disease. It's a symptom.

To understand how to improve it, you first need to consider what's causing the odor.

1. Plaque and Tartar Buildup

One of the first places to look is your dog's mouth.

After a dog eats, bacteria combine with food particles and saliva to form a film on the teeth called plaque.

If plaque isn't removed, it can harden into tartar, also called dental calculus.

You may be able to see tartar as yellow or brown buildup along your dog's teeth, particularly near the gumline.

As bacteria and tartar accumulate, bad breath often follows.

This is one reason regular dental care is so important. It's much easier to manage plaque before it develops into significant dental disease.

2. Periodontal Disease

Persistent bad breath can be one of the signs of periodontal disease, an infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth.

As plaque and tartar accumulate around and below the gumline, bacteria can contribute to inflammation and infection.

Signs of dental disease can include:

• Persistent bad breath

• Yellow or brown tartar buildup

• Red or swollen gums

• Bleeding gums

• Loose teeth

• Difficulty chewing

• Dropping food while eating

• Pawing at the mouth

• Reluctance to eat hard foods

• Excessive drooling

• Sensitivity around the mouth

Dogs can be surprisingly good at hiding dental pain, so don't assume everything is fine simply because your dog is still eating.

3. Broken, Damaged or Infected Teeth

A damaged tooth can also cause significant odor.

Dogs use their mouths for much more than eating. They chew toys, treats, sticks and other objects, and teeth can sometimes crack or break.

A fractured tooth may expose the sensitive inner portion of the tooth and potentially allow bacteria to enter, leading to infection.

An infected tooth or tooth-root abscess can be painful and may produce particularly unpleasant breath.

Broken or infected teeth require veterinary attention. No amount of toothbrushing or dental treats can repair a damaged tooth.

4. Something Stuck in the Mouth

Dogs aren't always selective about what goes into their mouths!

Pieces of sticks, chews, food, hair or other foreign material can occasionally become lodged between teeth or around the gums.

As that material begins to break down—or irritates the surrounding tissue—it can create odor.

If your dog's breath suddenly becomes much worse, particularly if they're pawing at their mouth or having difficulty eating, it's worth having their mouth examined.

Can Bad Breath Come From the Gut?

Many pet parents assume that bad breath must be coming from the stomach.

It can sometimes be associated with gastrointestinal problems, but the mouth is generally the first place to investigate when a dog develops persistent bad breath.

Digestive problems such as reflux, vomiting or other gastrointestinal disturbances may affect breath in some dogs.

Diet can influence digestive health as well. A food that doesn't agree with an individual dog may contribute to symptoms such as:

• Excessive gas

• Loose stool

• Vomiting

• Burping

• Changes in appetite

If bad breath occurs along with recurring digestive symptoms, talk with your veterinarian.

Our J-B Pet Supplies staff can also help you evaluate your dog's current food and explore appropriate dietary options—but persistent gastrointestinal problems should be evaluated medically rather than treated simply by changing foods repeatedly.

What About Puppy Breath?

Ah, puppy breath.

Many puppy owners recognize that distinctive sweet or mild smell—and unlike foul adult dog breath, puppy breath is generally nothing to worry about.

Young puppies typically have relatively clean mouths and haven't had years for plaque and tartar to accumulate.

Their mouths are also changing rapidly as their baby teeth develop and eventually give way to adult teeth.

During teething, you may occasionally notice a temporary change in breath as baby teeth loosen and adult teeth erupt.

Puppy breath won't last forever. Once your puppy's adult teeth arrive, it's a great time to establish a regular dental-care routine that can help keep those new teeth healthy.

What Can I Do About My Dog's Bad Breath?

If significant dental disease or another medical problem is causing the odor, home dental products aren't a substitute for veterinary treatment.

But when your dog's mouth is healthy, regular preventive dental care can make a big difference.

Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Toothbrushing is one of the most effective things you can do at home to help control plaque.

Ideally, dogs' teeth should be brushed daily or as frequently as possible.

If your dog isn't accustomed to having their teeth brushed, start gradually.

Let them become comfortable with having you touch their muzzle and lips. Then introduce a small amount of dog toothpaste before gradually adding a toothbrush or finger brush.

The goal is to make brushing a positive routine rather than a wrestling match!

Never Use Human Toothpaste

This is important.

Use toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs.

Human toothpaste isn't designed to be swallowed, and some human dental products may contain ingredients that aren't appropriate or could be dangerous for pets.

Dog toothpaste is designed to be swallowed safely and is often available in flavors dogs find appealing.

Dog Dental Rinses and "Mouthwash"

There are also oral rinses, water additives and dental gels designed specifically for dogs.

Some products can help reduce odor, plaque or the bacteria associated with dental problems.

Think of these products as another tool in your dog's dental-care routine rather than a replacement for brushing.

And just like toothpaste, never use human mouthwash on your dog. Human products may contain alcohol, xylitol or other ingredients that are unsafe for pets.

Choose a product specifically formulated for dogs and follow the manufacturer's directions.

Dental Treats and Chews

Here's an option most dogs are happy to participate in!

Certain dental treats and chews are designed to help mechanically clean the surface of the teeth as the dog chews.

Depending on the product, they may help reduce plaque and tartar accumulation and freshen breath.

Look for a chew that is:

• Appropriate for your dog's size

• Designed specifically for dental care

• Not excessively hard

• Appropriate for your dog's chewing habits

Extremely hard chews can potentially fracture teeth, particularly in aggressive chewers.

When evaluating dental products, you may also see the VOHC Accepted seal. The Veterinary Oral Health Council evaluates products based on evidence that they help control plaque and/or tartar.

Dental treats still contain calories, so remember to account for them as part of your dog's overall diet.

Dental Diets

Certain foods are specifically formulated to support dental health.

Some use kibble size, shape and texture to provide a mechanical cleaning effect as the dog chews. Others incorporate ingredients intended to help reduce plaque or tartar formation.

A dental diet isn't necessary for every dog, but it can be another option to discuss with your veterinarian if dental health is a concern.

Dental Toys

Some chew toys can also provide mild mechanical cleaning while satisfying a dog's natural desire to chew.

Choose toys appropriate for your dog's size and chewing strength.

A useful rule of thumb: if an object is so hard that you can't make an impression in it with your fingernail, it may be hard enough to damage a tooth.

No toy is indestructible, so supervise your dog and replace damaged toys when necessary.

What About Breath-Freshening Products?

There are plenty of products marketed specifically for fresher dog breath.

They can be useful—but there's an important distinction.

Freshening breath isn't the same thing as treating the cause of bad breath.

If your dog's mouth is healthy and you're simply looking for fresher breath, dental chews, water additives, oral sprays or other pet-safe products may help.

But if the odor is coming from periodontal disease or an infected tooth, covering up the smell won't solve the problem.

Think of unusually bad breath as information your dog is giving you.

When Should My Dog See the Veterinarian?

Schedule a veterinary examination if your dog's bad breath is persistent, suddenly becomes much worse or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Watch particularly for:

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums

• Heavy tartar buildup

• Loose or broken teeth

• Difficulty chewing

• Dropping food

• Refusing food

• Pawing at the mouth

• Excessive drooling

• Swelling around the face or jaw

• Blood coming from the mouth

• Unexplained weight loss

• Vomiting or persistent digestive problems

• Significant changes in thirst or urination

Some systemic illnesses can also change the way a dog's breath smells, including diseases affecting the kidneys or metabolism. Unusual breath accompanied by changes in drinking, urination, appetite, energy or weight deserves veterinary attention.

Your Veterinarian May Recommend a Professional Dental Cleaning

Once tartar and periodontal disease have developed below the gumline, home brushing can't simply remove the problem.

Your veterinarian may recommend a professional dental examination and cleaning.

This allows the veterinary team to evaluate the teeth and gums more thoroughly, remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline and identify damaged or diseased teeth that may require treatment.

Home dental care is then especially valuable for helping maintain the mouth after professional treatment.

Start Dental Care Before There's a Problem

One of the best times to begin caring for your dog's teeth is before their breath becomes bad.

Introduce toothbrushing while your dog is young if possible. If you have an adult dog who has never had their teeth brushed, you can still start—just introduce the process gradually.

Combine regular brushing with appropriate dental chews, oral-care products and routine veterinary examinations.

A few minutes of preventive care can go a long way toward keeping your dog's mouth healthier.

J-B Pet Supplies Can Help With Your Dog's Dental Routine

Not sure which toothbrush, toothpaste, dental chew or oral-care product is appropriate for your dog?

Ask us!

The knowledgeable staff at J-B Pet Supplies can help you explore dental-care products based on your dog's size, age and chewing habits.

We carry a variety of products designed to make at-home dental care easier, including:

• Dog toothbrushes and finger brushes

• Dog-safe toothpaste

• Dental chews and treats

• Water additives and oral rinses

• Dental gels and sprays

• Dental toys

• Dental-support supplements

We'll also help you understand how different products are intended to be used so you can build a dental routine that works for both you and your dog.

Remember, however, that we can't diagnose or treat dental disease. If your dog has persistent bad breath, painful gums, damaged teeth or other concerning symptoms, your veterinarian should evaluate the problem.

The Bottom Line

A little doggy breath may be normal—but consistently foul breath isn't something you should simply learn to live with.

Plaque, tartar and periodontal disease are among the most common causes of bad breath in dogs. Broken or infected teeth, foreign material in the mouth, digestive problems and certain medical conditions can also contribute.

The good news is that there's plenty you can do to support your dog's oral health.

Regular toothbrushing, dog-safe oral rinses and water additives, appropriate dental treats and chews, and routine veterinary dental examinations can all be part of a good dental-care program.

And if you're not sure where to begin, stop by J-B Pet Supplies. Our staff can help you find dental-care products that make keeping those doggy kisses a little more enjoyable!

This article is intended for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Persistent bad breath, dental pain, damaged teeth or other concerning symptoms should be evaluated by your veterinarian.