Is your “good morning” kiss from your dog so stinky that their breath makes you want to cover your face with a pillow? Bad breath in dogs is not only undesirable — it’s not normal.
While eating deer poop or getting into some old food in the trash bin might come with some gross smells, your dog’s bad breath — vets call it halitosis — is most likely the result of dental disease (or more accurately, periodontal disease). In some cases, it can even be due to an underlying health condition like kidney disease or diabetes[1].
Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs
Dental Disease
Periodontal disease in dogs is inflammation, and sometimes infection, of the tissues surrounding the teeth, including the gums, the structures that hold the teeth in place, and even the jawbone. Periodontal disease is very common in pets — as many as 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease by the time they’re just two years old[2]. This disease is caused by untreated tartar (also called calculus) buildup leading to the formation of plaque on the teeth and is typically a result of poor dental care.
When a dog suffers from periodontal disease, even a mild form, it can and frequently do develop bad breath. The source of bad breath is bacteria that accumulate with tartar and become adhered to teeth in plaque, causing inflammation and tissue damage that worsen over time when not treated. This is why it is very important to take care of your dog’s mouth with dedicated teeth brushing at home and regular professional dental cleanings for your dog.
Other Explanations
Foreign objects like pieces of sticks or toys can become lodged in your dog’s mouth and lead to damage or infection causing bad breath.
Some types of metabolic disease (like diabetes mellitus) or organ disease (like kidney or liver disease) can also result in bad breath. In these diseases, bad breath results from a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream because organs are not doing their jobs properly or are overwhelmed by large amounts of certain body substances. For example, in uncontrolled diabetes, there can be a buildup of ketones that cause a sweet smell to the breath (although only some people can smell this thanks to a genetic trait, while others cannot).
Cancer or tumors in the mouth can also cause bad breath because they cause tissues to lose their blood supply and die. Your veterinarian will often recommend a thorough examination of the entire mouth and full bloodwork (sometimes called blood tests) if the cause of your dog’s bad breath is not easily found.
Signs of Dental Disease as the Cause of Bad Breath
If your dog has bad breath from dental disease, you may notice issues with their teeth or mouth, their overall comfort, or even their behavior. Things to be on the watch for include, but are not limited to:
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Discoloration of your dog’s teeth
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Visible tartar on the surface of the teeth (gray, brown, or yellow concrete-looking buildup)
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Inflamed/red gums (gingivitis)
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Excessive drooling
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Chewing only on one side of the mouth
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Blood on toys or chews
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Loss of appetite or avoiding food (especially dry food like kibble)
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Teeth grinding
SOURCE: ZOE PET CARE