Dog Bad Breath: What Could Be the Cause?

Dog bad breath isn't one of those things that just comes with the territory of owning a dog. Constant halitosis, or bad breath, in dogs can be a sign of minor or major health problems. By understanding the causes of bad breath, you can tame the odor and enjoy those puppy kisses a little bit more.

More Than Just Morning Breath

Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth, so all mammals can have bad breath from time to time. Humans wake up, brush their teeth, take a swig of mouthwash, and in most cases, mask the bad breath for the rest of the day. However, most dog owners don't brush their dog's teeth every morning, and when your pup's breath starts to knock you out, you might wonder what course of action you need to take.

Frequent or extreme dog bad breath may be a sign of health issues, so the first thing you should do when you smell very strong odors from your dog's mouth is to take him to the vet and let them examine his teeth. If they notice major tartar buildup, red and irritated gums or excessive drooling that could be a sign of a larger dental diseases, like gingivitis. Systemic disease, like diabetes, liver disease or kidney disease, could be the culprit, notes the American Kennel Club.

While at the vet's office, you may want to discuss the types of treats and food you are giving your dog. Although some toys and treats tout dental health benefits, not all breeds are the same. Some breeds may actually develop worse breath or excessive drooling from certain types of treats and chew toys. Rawhide bones are a perfect example of a treat that many dog owners use without realizing that they may be using the wrong size or giving their dog this treat too often, explains the ASPCA. Only your dog's vet truly knows what dental treats, chew toys, and food are best for your dog's mouth. There are plenty of dog foods out there for everyday oral care that are specially formulated to help clean your dog's teeth as he chews. Sometimes when the issue is caused by some sort of oral disease, your veterinarian might need to prescribe a therapeutic dog food. These types of foods may help improve his overall breath and his oral health.

After the Dental Diagnosis

Once your vet determines the cause of your furry friend's bad breath and suggests a treatment, it's important to follow package instructions and the ASPCA's suggestions. If your dog requires getting his teeth brushed, be sure to use that teeth-brushing time to bond, rather than approaching it with frustration or making your dog anxious. Never use human toothpaste to brush his teeth. There are plenty of dog-approved oral care kits to choose from.

Finally, if your dog doesn't have dental disease and just has a flare up of bad breath here and there, you may want to pay closer attention to what he's eating. Certain foods or treats you give him could be upsetting his digestive tract, which would explain the awful smells in his mouth. Also, don't forget that dogs are curious creatures with fewer taste buds than humans, so generally strong smelling items can lure them in for a taste, including dead animals, trash and even their own poop.

Not unlike humans, a nice deep clean can benefit your dog. In these cases, veterinarians can clean his teeth, but this will require putting your dog under local anesthetic. Talk to your veterinarian and get their thoughts to see if your pup's oral health would benefit from this type of deep cleaning.

Proper care and grooming of your dog inside and out is important. By creating and maintaining a healthy meal plan and dental routine, you will keep your pup feeling and smelling better, so you can enjoy more cuddles and hugs without feeling like you're going to pass out from his bad breath.

Contributor Bio

Chrissie Klinger

Chrissie Klinger is a pet parent that enjoys sharing her home with her furkids, two of her own children and her husband. Chrissie enjoys spending time with all her family members when she is not teaching, writing or blogging. She strives to write articles that help pet owners live a more active and meaningful life with their pets.