Three Reasons Your Dog Has Bad Breath

Bad breath in dogs is very common, no matter their ages, sizes, and breeds. In fact, over half of all dogs have ongoing issues with bad breath. This can be caused by a number of things that are completely normal. In rarer occasions, your dog may require urgent Veterinary care. It’s important to determine the cause for your dog’s bad breath as early as possible, to ensure it isn’t a sign of a more serious health condition.

Oral Health Causes Bad Breath For Most Dogs

The most common reason for bad breath in dogs is poor oral hygiene. This is also commonly called halitosis. Substandard dental care in dogs can range from gingivitis, to dental decay, to full blown infections of the mouth, tooth and bone loss, and much more. 

Tooth decay is common in dogs, just as it is in humans, and can cause painful abscesses, and possibly lead to further health issues like infections entering the bloodstream. Gum disease, or periodontitis is also common in domesticated dogs, and is considered to be more serious than tooth decay. Oral infections can occur for many reasons, and should be evaluated by a Veterinarian right away.

According to the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 80-89% of dogs over the age of 3 have some form of periodontal disease.

The mouth is the gateway to our overall health and wellness, so it’s important to maintain proper care of your pet’s oral hygiene. Whether it’s human or animal, our mouths are brimming with bacteria, and while most are harmless, the mouth leads to our digestive and respiratory tracts, and if certain harmful bacteria were to make their way to these areas, it can seriously influence our quality of life. 

Clean Your Dogs Teeth To Improve Breath

The first step in improving bad dog breath is through consistent and thorough cleaning of teeth and gums. Bacteria, tartar, plaque, and food debris can build up over time, creating a persistent bad smell.

The best way to keep your pooch’s mouth clean is by brushing their teeth. Canine-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste help to remove matter from the teeth, but for some dogs it may take some time and training to get used to. The second best option for improving bad doggy breath is by introducing an enzymatic food or water additive. These supplements will help to remove plaque and tartar and provide extra dental protection from further build up.

Dental specific foods and treats are a popular choice for removing plaque and tartar buildup, however they may not clean the teeth and gums as well as advertised without other complementary measures (like brushing). Mint-flavoured dental treats are particularly popular, as they help to temporarily freshen breath. 

While each of these remedies offer their unique standalone benefits, the best results are often achieved when combining complementary dental remedies. Consider combining solutions, like brushing teeth daily and using a dental water additive, or dental treat, for example.

Digestion

Digestive gasses, also known as burping, can also be a cause for bad breath in dogs. The most common type of stinky burp in canines is often referred to as a “sulfur burp”, and often happens after a protein-rich meal. Dogs most susceptible to these types of burps include those fed an exclusively raw diet, and may also be caused by certain medications. 

Fishy-smelling burps or burps that smell like feces are commonly caused by periodontal disease. This is due to the bacteria. Tartar and plaque are made from 80-90% bacteria, so without proper dental care, this buildup will contribute to a smellier mouth.

Serious Illness

In less common cases, if your dog’s bad breath smells metallic-like, it may be due to a potentially fatal condition, kidney disease. When a dog’s kidneys begin to fail, they lose the ability to properly filter out toxins. This can lead to a buildup of waste materials in the body that can cause bad breath. If your dog is also experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, kidney disease could be to blame. If your dog’s breath has a metallic-like odour, speak with your veterinarian immediately as kidney disease is fatal if not treated early enough.

For the majority of dogs, solving bad breath is a relatively simple process, it just takes a little bit of knowledge, and a lot of consistency. Our dog’s mouths will only remain as clean as the efforts of their primary caregivers. Speak with your veterinarian or pet health professional for the best course of action for your dog.