Although it might be multiple reasons why your dog’s breath smells so bad, here, in this article, we will review the most common reasons without any medical issues:
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Does your pup’s breath make you say “pee-ew”? If so, you’re not alone. Pup’s owners worldwide suffer from the effects of their four-legged friend’s foul smell. Dog bad breath is so common that many pet owners believe that’s just how things are supposed to be.
That is NOT how it’s supposed to be. Bad breath is unnatural, but it could indicate a serious health concern that’s gone undetected.
Want to know why your dog’s breath smells and how to fix it? We break it down for you below.
Why does my dog’s breath smell?
There are several reasons why your furbaby’s breath smells funky. Here are some of the most common causes.
1. They’re sick
If Fido has terrible breath, one reason could be that he’s sick. Several diseases cause bad breath for your dog, including diabetes, kidney disease, or liver problems. Diabetes usually causes breath to smell slightly sweet or fruity, while kidney disease tends to cause breath to smell like ammonia. Expect a more rotten, foul smell if liver problems are to blame.
In order to keep your pet healthy review his vaccination password. In order to understand what vaccines are there review our article about them.
2. They have a tumor
Another cause of your furbaby’s halitosis might be an oral tumor. These growths occur when cells in your pup’s mouth multiply quickly. In some cases, the tissue may grow faster than the body can supply blood flow to the area. Without blood flow, these growths begin to die, and when they do, your dog’s bad breath will smell like something dead.
3. They have a dental problem
Broken teeth, periodontal disease, or excessive plaque buildup can all cause bad breath for your pup. Each makes way for the increased growth of bacteria, which usually produces a bad smell in the first place. If your pup’s breath worsens, give their mouth a once-over for any obvious dental problems.
Read more: Stages of Periodontal Disease
4. Something is stuck in their teeth
Sometimes your dog’s stinky smell results from an adventure gone wrong. Things pups like to investigate, like bones, sticks, and other non-food items, are usually innocuous, but sometimes these items can get stuck in your dog’s teeth. If there for very long, bacteria begins to grow, and Rover’s begins to stink.
5. They’re eating the wrong food
For some dogs, the cause of their bad breath is as simple as their diet. Not all dog food is created equal, and if their kibble is the wrong size or shape, they may not get any cleaning benefit from the crunchy stuff. Some foods use ingredients that contribute to plaque buildups and tooth decay, like sugars and additives.
We typically recommend Purina Pro Plan for most of our canine patients, but there is no one-size-fits-all doggy diet. If you have questions about which dog food is right for your pup, talk to your veterinarian.
How can I get rid of my dog’s bad breath?
For most dogs, there’s a simple solution to bad breath. What works for one pup won’t work for everyone, so talk to your veterinarian before pursuing one of these options.
1. Brush their teeth
Like humans, dogs’ lousy breath often stems from poor oral hygiene. Daily brushing goes a long way toward healthy teeth and gums, even for our four-legged friends. Choose a specially formulated toothpaste for dogs, as human toothpaste can upset a dog’s tummy.
2. Add a doggy mouthwash to their water bowl
While you can’t expect Buddy to gargle and spit each morning, you can still add a doggy mouthwash to his water bowl. Unlike Listerine or other human mouthwashes, these are safe for your pet to ingest. Look for one that removes tartar and not just covers the smell.
3. Give them dental chews
A vet-approved dental chew can do the trick if your dog needs a quick breath freshener. Think of these as the doggy equivalent of popping in a stick of gum after a cup of coffee — it may sweeten your breath in a pinch, but it still doesn’t replace good oral hygiene.
4. Take them for a checkup
The best way to fix your pooch’s putrid pants is to take them in for an annual checkup. Your veterinarian can examine them thoroughly to find the root cause of their bad breath and give you professional recommendations to improve their awful aroma. Another alternative is to call our company.
5. Hygeine
Do anesthesia-based or Anesthesia-free teeth cleaning.