Bad breath in dogs

Overview

• Bad breath in dogs is commonly due to dental disease, but can also be caused by a number of other conditions.
• Bad breath isn’t normal and should always be checked by a vet, even in older dogs.
• Contact your vet for an appointment if your dog has bad breath.

Causes of bad breath

Halitosis (bad breath) in dogs can be caused by:

• Dental disease. This is the most common cause of halitosis in dogs. Tartar buildup, gingivitis, infections, and tooth root abscesses are all likely to make your dog’s breath very smelly.
• Kidney disease. When your dog’s kidneys aren’t working properly, toxins and waste products build up in their body. This causes a number of symptoms, including breath that smells like ammonia (similar to bleach).
• Diabetes. Diabetes causes chemicals called ‘ketones’ to build up in the body which leads to a variety of symptoms including sweet smelling breath (similar to pear drops or nail polish remover).
• Something stuck in the mouth. An object stuck in the mouth, such as a bone or stick, can become really smelly, especially if it causes a wound and/or infection to develop.
• Oral lumps. Lumps in the mouth often become infected and smell.
• Diet. The food your dog eats is likely to affect their breath. For example, fish based diets can make your dog’s breath smell fishy. If you change your dog’s diet, you may notice their breath smells different.

When to contact your vet about your dog’s bad breath

Always contact your vet if you notice a change in your dog’s breath, especially if they seem to be in pain, have stopped eating or seem unwell. Bad breath isn’t normal, even in older dogs. You know your dog best, always contact your vet if you’re concerned.

When you welcome a new dog into your life, consider getting dog insurance straight away before any signs of illness start. This will give you peace of mind that you have some financial support if they ever get sick.

Published: August 2024