Is Bad Breath In Dogs A Sign Of Illness​

Is Bad Breath in Dogs a Sign of Illness? Bad breath doesn’t always indicate illness, says Ashly Smith, DVM, regional medical director for Small Door Veterinary. “Mild or temporary bad breath often results from dietary choices or licking smelly things,” Dr. Smith explains. “However, persistent bad breath usually signals an underlying issue, such as dental disease or a systemic health condition, so pet parents shouldn’t ignore it.”

What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs?

If your dog’s bad breath isn’t just the result of a questionable backyard snack, it could point to a more serious issue.

The most common causes of bad breath in dogs include:

Periodontal Disease

“Periodontal disease, caused by plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, most commonly leads to bad breath in dogs,” says Ray Spragley, DVM, founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care in Tuckahoe, New York. This buildup harbors bacteria that release foul-smelling sulfur compounds.

Without treatment, periodontal disease can cause infection, tooth decay, and abscesses, which worsen bad breath.

Foreign Objects Stuck in Teeth or Mouth

Dogs that chew on bones, toys, ropes, or sticks risk lodging foreign objects between their teeth or inside their mouths. If left untreated, these objects…along with cuts or scrapes in the mouth…can cause infections that lead to bad breath.

Ingesting Something Stinky or Toxic

“Dogs that scavenge or eat inappropriate items, like garbage or feces, may develop temporary bad breath,” Dr. Smith says.

Bad breath can also signal that your dog has ingested something toxic, such as certain plants, chemicals, or human foods like onions or garlic.

If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately. A consultation fee applies.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Digestive problems…whether caused by food allergies, a poor diet, or chronic inflammation…can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

This condition, known as “dysbiosis,” can trigger acid reflux, poor nutrient absorption, and the release of gases from undigested food, all of which contribute to bad breath.

Kidney Disease

If your dog’s breath smells like ammonia (urine), it often signals kidney disease.

“When the kidneys fail to function properly, toxins called urea accumulate in the blood, leading to distinctly bad breath,” Dr. Spragley explains.

Dogs with kidney disease typically show other symptoms, including vomiting, increased thirst, frequent urination, and lethargy.

Liver Disease

A malfunctioning liver struggles to filter toxins from the bloodstream, which can result in foul-smelling breath.

Other signs of liver disease include vomiting, diarrhea, and a yellowish tint in the gums and eyes.

Diabetes

“Diabetes can make a dog’s breath smell sweet,” Dr. Spragley says. “This happens because of extremely high glucose levels in the bloodstream.”

Other symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, weight loss, and frequent urination.

Oral Tumors

Both benign and malignant oral tumors can cause bad breath due to tissue decay and infection in the affected area, Dr. Smith explains. These growths might also make eating or chewing difficult for your dog.

Did you find this article useful? Would you like 100% free access to more articles like these, and free access to over 5,000 vetted pet care service professionals throughout the United States? Sign up here for a free Petworks account, and take 10% off your first booking, on us!

How Do Vets Treat Bad Breath in Dogs?

If your dog has persistent bad breath or any other unusual symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.

The vet will conduct a thorough examination, which may include:

• Checking the teeth and gums

• Assessing the mouth for injuries or infections

• Performing blood work or imaging to rule out systemic issues like kidney or liver disease

Treatment depends on the diagnosis:

• For dental disease, the vet may recommend a professional cleaning or tooth extraction.

• Infections or injuries may require antibiotics or other medications, such as pain relievers.

• Systemic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease will need specific treatments to manage the underlying issue.

Canine Oral Hygiene Strategies

You can use several oral hygiene strategies to eliminate your dog’s bad breath.

If early plaque buildup causes the odor, these methods might eliminate it entirely. However, Dr. Smith stresses that they won’t resolve bad breath caused by more serious conditions, such as periodontal disease or systemic illness.

That said, the following practices can help reduce the smell while you and your vet address the underlying issue:

• Brush your dog’s teeth daily. Use a dog-safe toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. This removes odor-causing plaque and reduces the risk of dental disease, Dr. Smith explains.
• Offer dental chews. Dental treats for bad breath in dogs stimulate saliva production and scrape away plaque and tartar as your dog chews, Dr. Smith says. Some dental chews, such as OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews, also have coatings that prevent bacterial attachment.
• Try water additives or food powders. Water additives, which you add to your dog’s water bowl, often contain enzymes or antimicrobial agents to reduce bacteria and freshen breath, Dr. Smith notes. You can add dental powders, like ProDen PlaqueOff Powder, to your dog’s wet or dry food.
• Use dental wipes or rinses. Keep dental wipes or rinses on hand for quick and easy oral care. They’re particularly good for those times when brushing isn’t an option or in between brushing sessions.
• Provide dental toys. Dental dog toys, like the KONG Dental Dog Toy, help scrape away plaque as your dog chews. Bonus? They will keep your pup entertained—win-win!
• Consider a dental diet. Dental dog foods…like Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care…specifically formulate to reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath. These diets often feature specially shaped kibble that helps clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. Speak with your vet before switching your dog’s food, though.
• Consult with a clinical canine nutritionist.

Canine Dental Products

When choosing dental products, Dr. Smith recommends choosing those accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). “This ensures the product has been independently tested and proven to be effective at reducing plaque and tartar,” she says.

In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.

In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.