Is Bad Breath in Dogs a Sign of Problems?

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By:
Dr. Elizabeth DeLomba, DVM 

If your dog's breath is something you'd rather avoid, you're not alone. An occasional unpleasant whiff, especially right after eating or first thing in the morning, could be completely normal.

However, if you're experiencing persistently stinky breath, or the smell could knock out a skunk halfway across the room, that could be more than a simple hygiene issue or inconvenience.

Bad breath in dogs could be a sign of other issues.

Check out our tips for how to support fresher breath and clean dog teeth without brushing. Then, read on to learn more about why your dog's breath might smell bad and how you can help keep them healthier, their mouth cleaner, and their breath fresher.

First, you need to figure out what kind of bad dog breath you're smelling. If you have any serious concerns or are still stumped, please reach out to your veterinarian.

Puppy Breath vs. "Dog Breath" vs. Bad Breath

If you're currently cuddling an adorable, bitey, snuggly little puppy and wondering why you love (or hate) their breath, you're getting a whiff of puppy breath. "Puppy breath" refers to the unique, temporary scent of a normal puppy's diet. From birth to about 6-8 weeks, puppies are thriving on their mother's milk, which can cause a distinctly sweet, almost vanilla smell.

Around 3-4 months, as the puppy starts to eat more solid food, the smell changes and may take on a meatier smell because of the digestive enzymes in their gut. Whether you adore the smell or can't stand it, puppy breath has a very specific, consistent smell that's completely normal.

For adults and puppies, some amount of "dog breath" is to be expected. Unless you're committed to brushing your dog's teeth twice per day, there is a perfectly normal amount of stink that comes from eating (have you smelled dog food?), chewing on toys or treats, and just being dogs.

But when that mild whiff of doggy breath starts to turn into a heavy, stomach-turning smell that you can smell from a distance—that's something to take seriously. Bad dog breath is going to be pretty obvious and will stand out from puppy breath that smells milky, or regular dog breath that comes and goes.

The Science of Smell: Why Does Dog Breath Stink?

You know that your dog's breath smells awful.

But do you know why?

While only your veterinarian can determine exactly what's going on inside (so please reach out to them if you have concerns), you can brush up on the science of what a bad smell is and where it might be coming from.

Your olfactory system (nose) works by identifying and recognizing microscopic particles in the air called odorants. Your nose can pick up these scents—smells that fall into categories like:

• Musky
• Floral
• Pungent
• Minty
• Ethereal
• Putrid

(Want to guess which of these categories bad dog breath usually falls into?)

The putrid experience of a bad-breath smell is most often caused by the presence of unwanted bacteria somewhere in the body. This may be a bacterial imbalance in the mouth, bacteria from food or toy particles trapped in the mouth that are rotting, or bacteria in the gut that are releasing foul-smelling gasses that travel up to the mouth.

Sometimes, physical factors can increase the likelihood of bad breath. This is caused by poor dental health driven by tooth structure, nose length, jaw shape, etc. Some breeds—including toy breeds like Chihuahuas and brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs—are genetically more likely to experience bad breath because of this.

Check out our tips for how to support fresher breath and clean dog teeth without brushing. Then, read on to learn more about why your dog's breath might smell bad and how you can help keep them healthier, their mouth cleaner, and their breath fresher.

How Periodontal Health and Bad Breath are Related

Veterinary data suggests that 80-90% of dogs over the age of 3 show signs of periodontal issues like poor dental health and gum discomfort. This may be seen (or smelled) by the owner, identified during routine vet visits, or found during annual veterinary dental cleanings.

Part of the reason for this high number is that problems are often not noticed, by even the most well-meaning pet parents, until the plaque & tartar buildup is visible to the naked eye. Another reason is that daily brushing is the best defense against buildup... but many dogs do not enjoy the experience.

Plaque & Tartar

Plaque is forming naturally all the time. It's an invisible, slimy, sticky film that is formed on the surface of teeth by bacteria. It's created by bacteria in the mouth combining with the sugars and starches found in dog foods, treats, and chews. If the plaque is removed frequently by brushing, chewing on appropriate dental treats, and other mechanical action, it doesn't get the opportunity to build up.

However, once plaque builds up enough, it hardens into calculus on the tooth called tartar—tartar is extremely difficult to remove without a professional cleaning, and it's impossible to remove from under the gumline by yourself. This is why maintaining your dog's dental health is so important, and it could be the reason your dog's breath is so bad!

Professional Dental Cleanings

Routine professional dental cleanings should be considered annually for adult dogs, or as recommended by your vet. Why? Anesthesia is required to be able to truly examine and clean under the gumline to remove the plaque and tartar that's causing the bad smell. Some breath odors may also be coming from painful tooth decay—which certainly can't be managed at home and will make brushing significantly more difficult!

What to look for if periodontal health is the issue:

• Visible plaque & tartar build up
• Red gum tissue
• Drooling
• Difficulty chewing hard or crunchy foods or treats
• Strong breath that smells like rotting meat
• Discolored or loose teeth

If you think your dog may be experiencing tooth pain, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for an exam.

How Gut Health Can Cause Your Dog's Bad Breath

Did you know that a lot of bad breath starts in the gut?

Your dog could have the cleanest, whitest teeth and the healthiest gums, and still have stinky breath. If you're looking at pearly whites but smelling rotten eggs or a strong sour odor, the problem may be coming from the gut.

A poor-quality diet, eating items or food they're not supposed to, microflora imbalance, acid reflux, and certain food insensitivities can cause the GI system to release stinky gasses in the gut that emerge as bad breath.

Adding a vet-formulated probiotic with digestive enzymes to your dog's diet could be beneficial for supporting fresher breath. A probiotic with a high CFU (colony-forming unit) count of 1 billion or greater can help to promote a healthy bacterial balance and support digestion. Digestive enzymes support the breakdown of food in the gut, which cuts down on bad-breath-causing bacteria, and promote healthy nutrient absorption in the GI tract.

What to look for if gut health is the issue:

• Lingering bad breath
• Excessive or very stinky gas
• Burping or frequent lip-smacking
• Loose stools
• Possibly dry skin or dull coat
• Changes in hydration or appetite
• Changes in urination amount or frequency
• Unexplained changes in energy or enthusiasm
• Unexplained changes in weight or body condition

How Kidney & Liver Function Could Be Affecting Breath

The liver and kidneys serve a very important function in your dog's body: the liver filters and the blood and helps the body to digest food and remove toxins, while the kidneys help to filter out unwanted substances from the bloodstream and support a healthy balance of electrolytes.

In rare but serious cases, changes to kidney and liver function may cause bad breath in dogs. This specific type of bad breath is caused by an excess of the toxic substances that their organs are usually able to metabolize and filter on their own. This is a serious health concern and should be addressed by your veterinarian immediately. No amount of water additives or minty treats will solve bad breath from kidney and liver issues.

What to look for if kidney or liver health is the issue:

If you notice these signs, please do not try to manage the issue at home. See your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect any problems with kidney or liver function.

How to Manage Bad Breath at Home

In some cases, bad dog breath can be addressed and managed at home in combination with routine veterinary care. If your pup's bad breath is caused by everyday oral bacteria, there are many beneficial ways to support their oral health and freshen breath!

• Brush their teeth as often as possible with a vet-recommended dog toothpaste
• Feed a healthy diet & provide multiple sources of clean, fresh water
• Use a clinically researched daily dental supplement like Dental Care powder
• Treat your dog with delicious Dental Care sticks a few times per week to help scrape away plaque
• Support their gut health to promote a healthy bacterial balance
• Keep non-approved items and foods out of reach
• If your dog eats poop, make sure you're consistently cleaning up to remove the temptation

★★★★★

"I tried brushing my dogs' teeth, but truthfully, they don't like it and neither do I. A friend suggested I try VetriScience®. At our last checkup, the vet said, 'whatever you're doing, keep doing it.' It's worth every penny."
- Laurie

When Bad Breath Just Won't Go Away

If you're doing everything right and your buddy's breath could still a clear a room, it likely isn't your fault!

Remember that bad breath can be caused by a number of factors and many of them are out of our control. Bad breath that's not affected by brushing, dental chews, or a healthy gut might be a sign of plaque that's gotten out of control or an underlying health issue that requires veterinary support.

If you're fighting an uphill battle against bad breath; you've noticed sudden changes to appetite, energy, or bathroom habits; or you have concerns about tooth health or pain, it's time to talk to your vet. They may recommend a thorough cleaning, or, if other signs are present, diagnostic testing like bloodwork or a urine test to see if the bad breath could be coming from a systemic issue.

In very specific cases, dog breath that smells distinctly fruity or floral may be a sign of diabetes. If you notice a fruity or floral odor coming from your pup's mouth, this is not a bad breath issue you should try to manage at home. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to get your dog checked out.

Maintaining Your Dog's Dental Health

If you've ruled out possible systemic issues for your dog's bad breath, then your job is clear!

• Feed a high-quality diet and healthy treats
• Brush teeth as often as possible, rewarding your dog every time
• Add a quality tooth cleaning powder to help prevent plaque buildup
• Give tasty dental chews a few times per week to help scrape away plaque
• Ask your vet to recommend a dental cleaning schedule based on your dog's age, breed, and current dental health