Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?

by Jo Piazza (Subscribe to Jo Piazza's posts): Dec 7th 2009 @ 5:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Health

Your pooch comes to you for kisses and you get a whiff of something horrible. No doubt about it: Your dog has some nasty breath. What causes it and how can you prevent it? We sought out an expert, veterinarian Donna J. Spector, of the VCA Animal Hospitals, to answer our questions. Here is what she had to tell us about stinky dog breath and how to make your dog's smooches minty fresh again.

What causes bad breath in dogs?
Bad breath is just a minor symptom of the more serious periodontal disease occurring in your dog's mouth. Periodontal disease is one of the most common and serious dog health problems, affecting approximately 80% of dogs by age 3! It can result in tooth and gum infections, pain, loss of teeth, and even organ damage in dogs.

Could bad breath be a sign of illness in dogs?
In addition to dental/periodontal disease, bad breath can be a sign of other mouth problems (abscesses, growths, etc), digestive ailments, kidney failure, diabetes, or other more serious illnesses. Pets with these problems usually have signs other than just bad breath.

What are some ways to cure bad breath in dogs?
You must get to the "root" of the problem! Start with a thorough examination and dental cleaning with your veterinarian, and then start twice daily tooth brushing to prevent periodontal disease and bad breath. While you are getting up to par on teeth cleaning, give your dog juiced parsley leaves or fennel. These fresh herbs have antibacterial properties and can help mask the bad breath.

What are some ways to prevent a dog's bad breath?
In addition to twice daily tooth brushing and regular dental checkups (at least once yearly!), ask your veterinarian if your dog needs special dental treats or a more rigorous dental care plan to help keep the bad breath away and maintain your dog's health for years to come.

Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

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#1 Emmy 12-08-2009 @ 9:10AM

Both my dogs have bad breath, but one chews up plastic ALL the time and the other used to be a stray. Is that normal for them to have bad breath? Great article by the way!

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#2 mary benton 12-08-2009 @ 9:05AM

my doxie had this problem she had gum desease the vet had to pull six teeth and clean her teeth we brush her teeth and the vet keeps her checked

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#3 judy 12-11-2009 @ 10:02AM

My dog has a terrible odor. Some say he has bad breath but no bad breath I know can be smelled from several feet away. It seems to me to be body odor or maybe both bad breath and bad body odor. What would cause a dog to have such a bad body odor?

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#4 Groves 12-10-2009 @ 3:11PM

My doggie has terrible body odor! Within three hours of a bath, she stinks to high heaven. sophie is a Mountain Feist. Some one suggested giving her a garlic clove. Any real advise out there? She is an inside dog, only taken out on a leash.

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#5 Hughie Miller 12-10-2009 @ 3:42PM

I have a sheltie, after his baths he smells like a stinky wet dog. Then I started using Infusum 21 leave in hair conditioner. After it dry's and I brush him out he always smells good. I also apply it between baths to keep him freash smelling. On top of that, and since he sleep's with me I spray mens body spray on the top and right behind his head so that he can not lick there. People always notice how nice he smells. And I brush very often. He seems to truley enjoy this and it seems to make him feel better. It also as I belive keeps all fleas and ticks off him. I look him over from head to tail and as of yet have never discovered a flea nor tick. I say to him, you what to get beautiful? and he goes over to were I keep his combs and brushes trying to get them for me. Hughie Miller

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#6 sarah 12-10-2009 @ 6:09PM

Check with your vet to see if it is a skin allergy, or possibly a skin infection of some sort. A lot of skin problems can give off an odar (different types of odar as well!). Sometimes a simple course of steroids or antibiotics can fix--and surprsingly fast.

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#7 Grand Marnier 12-10-2009 @ 3:48PM

Can speak specifically to dogs, but I learned too late that bad breath was one of the symptoms of cancer in cats..

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#8 Natalie 12-10-2009 @ 6:10PM

Do NOT give your dog garlic for any reason as they are allergic! The number one reason your dog has bad breath/and or body oder can be found in that bowl of food you leave sitting there for them all day. I made the switch a year ago to the Bones and Raw Food (BaRF) diet. I spend the same if not less for what they eat. Their teeth are bright and white now and they have the best smelling coat..like a new puppy. The old dog even stopped having seizures. Organic dog food is still dog food corn or not and you are taking years and quality from your dog's life!

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#9 Sue0815 12-10-2009 @ 7:44PM

Wrong, dogs aren't allergic to garlic. Garlic can be given in very small amounts. In large amounts garlic can thin the blood too much like onions can. A lot of the holistic dog food brands contain a small a mount of garlic.

Vote upVote downReport #10 rjfscorpio711 12-11-2009 @ 8:11AM

Yeah right dental visits for your dog! It's bad enough I can barely afford dental visits/dental insurance for myself and my family. You guys are freakin' jokers!

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