Bad breath in dogs: Causes and treatment

Here are some of the most common causes of bad dog breath, also known as halitosis.

The most common cause of dog mouth odour is a buildup of plaque and bacteria. This can cause periodontal disease, where the ligaments holding the teeth start to loosen. This results in tooth loss. Over time, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and be carried to the heart, liver and kidneys, causing serious illness. 

Bad breath isn’t always caused by dental problems alone, so it’s important to consult your vet to identify and treat the underlying cause.

The food your dog eats will often affect their breath. If they’ve just eaten a dried fish stick, for example, their breath might smell for a while. 

If your dog gets something caught in their mouth, like a bone, stick, or part of a rope toy, this can also cause bad breath over time.

Sometimes, canine bad breath can be a sign of liver disease, especially when combined with other symptoms such as:

• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

One in 10 dogs develop kidney disease, and a common symptom is bad breath with a chemical odour. The toxins that build up in your dog’s bloodstream can be emitted through their lungs, then mouth. 

Another sign of kidney disease is increased thirst and urination, so if you also notice these symptoms it’s best to speak to your vet as soon as possible. If you have dog insurance with Petplan you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature. This connects you with vet professionals, 24/7. Just log in to your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area to access.

Dogs with itchy bottoms will often lick their anus, resulting in fluid from the anal glands getting in your dog’s mouth. This can smell bad and be a sign that their anal glands need expressing. This can be done quickly and painlessly by your vet.

If you notice your dog has bad breath all of a sudden, take note of any other symptoms. It’s also worth checking if the bad breath is constant, or happens at certain times, like after a meal. These details will help your vet figure out the underlying cause.

The best way to prevent bad breath in dogs is to stop it before it starts. Use the tips below to help keep bad breath at bay.

Daily brushing is the gold standard for keeping your dog’s teeth in great condition. But if that’s not possible, brushing less often is better than not brushing at all.

If your dog isn’t used to having their teeth brushed, follow these steps to get started:

• Place a small amount of dog-specific toothpaste on your finger for your dog to lick. This paste comes in a range of flavours, and most dogs enjoy the taste.
• Rub a small amount of the paste on the surface of your dog’s teeth. Then use a small piece of fabric to create friction which helps remove plaque.
• Once your dog is comfortable with this, start using an angled toothbrush specifically designed for a dog’s mouth.

Bad breath can be a sign of health issues. Regular vet check-ups help monitor your dog’s dental health, in addition to catching any health issues that might need treatment as soon as possible.

Your vet might recommend procedures like a dental clean and polish. Carried out under general anaesthetic, this removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, using an ultrasonic descaling tool. Your dog’s teeth will also be polished, to make it harder for bacteria to stick to them.

Your vet may also need to take X-rays to see if any teeth need to be removed. Following a dental procedure, it’s a good idea to start brushing your dog’s teeth regularly. This helps keep plaque and bacteria at bay.

If you’ve noticed your dog has particularly bad breath after eating a specific food, like fatty table scraps, stop giving them this and see if their breath improves. 

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