Why does my dog's breath stink so bad?

If you love your pup but find yourself repulsed by their breath, it's time to take action and get your relationship back on track! Our Memphis vets explain a few causes of bad breath in dogs and why it's important for your four-legged friend to see a vet for a diagnosis.

What causes bad breath in dogs?

"Why does my dog's breath smell so bad?", is a question our vets at Southwind Animal Hospital hear a lot. While it's perfectly normal for your pup to have some smell on their breath from eating, playing with toys and just living their normal canine lives, this odor can grow into a real stink that even the most devoted pet parents find challenging to deal with.

While smelly dog breath is a common problem, bad breath is no laughing matter. Your dog's smelly breath could be a sign of a serious underlying health issue, so although you may be tempted to just grin and bear it, it's important to take your dog to see the vet if they are experiencing chronic bad breath.

So, why do dogs have bad breath? Below are a few common health concerns that can lead our furry friends to develop stinky breath.

Dental Issues

Dental health problems are the most common cause of bad breath in dogs. Anything from tooth decay to gum disease and oral infections could be the reason why your dog's breath is so stinky. Regardless of the precise cause, dental health problems arise when bacteria and food debris are allowed to build up on your dog's teeth and gums, resulting in plaque and a persistent bad smell. 

If your four-legged friend's breath is just a little smelly, it is likely caused by emerging oral health issues. Dental health problems don't only cause bad breath, they can be painful for your pup. Left untreated, your dog's breath will likely become much worse and your pet's oral health and well-being will continue to decline. 

Kidney Disease

If your dog's bad breath smells like feces or urine, it may be a sign that they have recently eaten poop (which is another common problem that should be investigated by your vet) or a symptom of kidney issues. When your dog's kidneys aren't working properly they are unable to filter and process toxins and waste materials as they should. This can lead to a buildup of these waste products in your pup's body which is both harmful to your dog's overall health and a possible cause of bad breath.

Liver Disease

If your dog has recently developed seriously bad breath and their stinky breath is accompanied by concerning symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, liver disease could be the underlying cause of their symptoms. Contact your veterinarian right away to book an examination for your pup.

Can my vet help to cure my dog's bad breath? 

Treatment for your dog's bad breath will depend upon the underlying cause of the condition. That said, once your pooch has been successfully treated for the underlying health issue their bad breath should begin to clear up. 

If you notice a sudden change in your dog's breath, particularly if you have a senior dog, it's important to see your vet in order to get a diagnosis as early as possible. Treatments are generally most successful and easiest when conditions are caught in the early stages. 

Treatments for your dog's bad breath can range from prescription medications, specialized diets, therapies and even surgeries depending on the cause and severity of the underlying condition.

Is there anything I can do to treat my dog's bad breath?

Serious underlying health conditions such as kidney or liver disease will need immediate treatment from a veterinary professional. But one way you can help to treat or prevent bad breath in your dog is ensuring your pup gets the routine oral hygiene care they need every day in addition to annual professional dental cleanings.

Our vets recommend that while your dog is still a young puppy you should begin brushing their teeth. This may sound silly but spending the time when they are young to help them get used to the experience of tooth brushing can help to avoid more serious dental health issues when they are older.

If you aren't able to train your pup to tolerate having their teeth brushed there are a wide variety of dental chews and dog foods formulated to promote good oral health. Ask your vet about these and other oral health solutions for your dog.

When it comes to protecting your pup liver and kidneys against damage and disease there are a few easy steps you can take.

• Make sure to keep human medications out of your dog's reach. Many are toxic to pets and can lead to severe organ damage
• Ensure that any houseplants or foods within your pups reach are safe for dogs. Foods such as raisins and chocolate can be deadly for our canine companions, and countless houseplants can be problematic for your pup's health.
• Keep known toxins locked up such as antifreeze which can lead to severe and sudden organ failure in dogs. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.