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Bad Breath in Dogs
By Emily Gutarra MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Read on for our guide and learn some of the causes of bad breath in dogs.
Bad breath in dogs, though widely considered normal, can be an indicator of bad oral health as well as other health issues. While that may not always be the case, dog owners should be aware of what it could mean and how to approach it. Read on to learn the most common causes of bad breath in dogs, how to prevent and treat it, and when to worry.
What causes bad breath in dogs?
It’s important to note that single instances of bad-smelling breath aren’t necessarily a sign that a dog is suffering from serious health issues. If a dog consumes feces, garbage or any other thing they should not eat, for example, their breath will inevitably smell.
On the other hand, bad breath could in fact be indicative of a problem. Possible causes for consistently bad breath in a dog include the following:
- Bad oral hygiene: Plaque and tartar buildup lead to bad dog breath and health problems over long periods of time.
- Periodontal disease: This condition may develop as a result of long-term, poor dental hygiene.
- Gingivitis: Causing inflammation of the gums, this condition can also develop because of bacteria buildup along a dog’s gums.
Non-dental conditions that can cause bad breath in dogs include liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and more. Since causes can be as serious as a dog’s kidneys not working properly, owners should be vigilant of their dog’s breath and take them to the vet if they notice drastic changes.
Preventing bad breath in dogs
In most cases, good dental hygiene is the key to keeping a dog’s breath from smelling bad. Because bad hygiene can lead to both bad breath and oral health issues that cause bad breath, you should make sure your dog’s mouth is regularly cleaned.
Regular tooth brushing — whether at home or done professionally — will not only ensure that no food debris is left behind to cause bad breath and plaque buildup, but also help avoid oral infections and conditions such as gingivitis, periodontal disease and others.
Other measures dog owners can implement to improve their dogs’ dental health include switching to dog food that reduces plaque buildup, using water additives and feeding them dental treats.
How to treat a dog’s bad breath
Getting rid of bad breath will require dog owners to first find out the cause. If a dog’s bad breath is due to them eating something they shouldn’t have, brushing their teeth should do the trick. If it’s related to a disease or condition, dental or otherwise, your dog’s vet will be able to determine what it is and how to treat them for it.
Bad breath in dogs FAQs
Is bad breath in dogs a sign of illness?
How do you fix rotten dog breath?
Should I be worried if my dog has bad breath?
Summary of Money’s Bad Breath in Dogs
- Bad breath should not always be a cause for alarm; your dog might have just eaten poop.
- Your dog’s care routine should include professional dental cleanings and regular tooth brushing at home to avoid bad breath and dental diseases.
- There are additional steps owners can take to care for their dogs’ teeth, including giving them dental treats and improving their diets.
- If a dog’s breath smells bad all the time, they should be taken to the vet for a checkup.
Emily Gutarra is a Staff Writer at Money Group, where she writes and edits articles on personal finance topics as well as comprehensive company and product reviews. Emily holds a Bachelor’s in English-language Literature from the University of Puerto Rico and is currently completing her Master’s in Translation. After graduating in 2020, she embarked on a journey as an editor and translator. Her interest in personal finance was heavily influenced by her experience with learning how to handle her own. She awkwardly navigated the complexities of financial matters during her college years due to the lack of preparation she’d received before becoming independent. This experience has shaped both her purpose to provide readers like herself with the information they need and how she does it. She approaches each article and review keeping in mind what she found and still finds helpful when researching these topics. Prior to joining Money, Emily contributed significantly to content creation for courses at NUC University and all of its academic divisions as part of the institution’s editing team. In this editorial role, she collaborated with experts across a range of academic areas, requiring her to immerse herself in each field. These ranged from business and finance to mortuary sciences, culinary arts, emergency response and more. As an independent translator, Emily leverages her research expertise to provide accurate translations in diverse subject areas.