Dog breath. It’s the worst. We’ve all been there. One minute you’re cuddling your doggo, playing with them, tickling them in their favourite spot; then they lean-in enthusiastically for a kiss and ‘wham!’ you’re hit by it. The breath of death!
Joking aside, whilst a mild smell should be expected, persistent bad breath (or ‘halitosis’) may indicate underlying health issues, which could be no laughing matter for your four-legged friend.
In this blog we’ll explore the possible causes of bad breath and outline some simple and effective interventions you could make.
Possible Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs
It may seem really obvious, but poor oral hygiene is often the cause of your dog’s bad breath. Just like humans, dogs need regular oral care to prevent plaque and tartar build-up. If you don’t brush your dog’s teeth regularly, food particles will accumulate in their mouth, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. This increase in bacteria leads to plaque build-up, which can then harden into tartar, making it more difficult to remove.
The bacteria associated with plaque and tartar are a major contributor to bad breath in dogs. As plaque continues to accumulate in your dog’s mouth, the risk of dental disease also increases. Research indicates that dental disease is actually one of the most common health issues among UK pets, affecting approximately 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by the age of two.
Dental Disease
A build-up of plaque and tartar around your dog’s teeth and gums can lead to more serious conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis developing. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, causing redness and swelling around your dog’s teeth. This can be both painful and uncomfortable for your dog.
Periodontal disease affects both your dog’s teeth and the surrounding structures (i.e. the gums and bone). Periodontitis can result in gum infections, bone loss and, if left untreated over time, tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Each of these conditions brings with them an unpleasant odour and can contribute to chronic bad breath in dogs.
Diet
Your dog’s diet plays a crucial role in what their breath smells like. Again this may seem obvious, but it’s not as simple as your dog having ‘fishy breath’ because they enjoy the odd sprat or two as a treat. It is far more likely that any unpleasant odour is caused by bacterial build-up within their mouth or a poor-quality unbalanced diet affecting their gut.
Dogs that eat well-balanced, high-protein, high-quality diets (such as those with fresh, whole ingredients) are likely to experience fewer odor problems than those who eat an unbalanced diet, high in carbohydrates for example.
Foreign Objects
As we’re all aware, dogs are naturally curious creatures and often chew on objects that aren’t food, like sticks for example (yes Axel, we’re talking about you!). Dogs who partake in this activity are therefore more likely to get foreign objects stuck between their teeth or gums.
This creates a prime location for bacteria to thrive and increases the risk of gum irritation, inflammation and potential infections developing.
Gastrointestinal Issues:
Gastrointestinal (GI) issues, such as indigestion, acid reflux, or intestinal blockage can all cause bad breath in dogs. When digestive issues cause stomach acids and undigested food to remain in the stomach or oesophagus, the resulting unpleasant smell can travel up and out of the mouth.
Dogs with GI issues may also exhibit a range of other symptoms including diarrhoea or vomiting, which may require further investigation and veterinary consultation. More information can be found in our Ultimate Gut Guide blog.
Whilst less common than the above, some more serious diseases can also cause bad breath as one of their symptoms. These can include:
- Kidney Disease: One surprising cause of bad breath in dogs is kidney disease. When your dog’s kidneys aren’t functioning correctly, waste products will accumulate in the blood, leading to an ammonia-like smell developing.This smell is more intense and distinctive than typical bad breath and should prompt a visit to the vet, as kidney disease is a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
- Liver Disease: Like kidney disease, liver disease can also result in bad breath. Your dog’s liver helps filter toxins from their bloodstream, so when this is compromised, toxins can build up, leading to a strong odour developing.
Dogs with liver disease may also exhibit other symptoms including yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you suspect your dog’s bad breath is linked to liver issues, you should consult a vet immediately.
- Diabetes: Surprisingly, diabetes can actually cause a distinct fruity or sweet smell to a dog’s breath. This is usually due to something called ‘ketoacidosis’, which is a complication of diabetes where there is a buildup of ketones in the blood.
If you notice this sweet, acetone-like smell alongside any of the other common symptoms like increased thirst, more frequent urination or unexplained weight loss, you should again consult a vet immediately.
What Can I Do To Help?
While your dog’s occasional bad breath is completely normal, persistent bad breath isn’t and should be addressed. Here are five practical interventions you could consider:
1. Regular Brushing: Yes, we know this isn’t the one you wanted to see at the top of the list. It’s a pain. We know it’s a pain. But, there’s no better way to combat bad breath than by physically brushing your dog’s teeth.
Ideally, you should try to brush them several times a week using a dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste, as it may contain ingredients toxic to dogs!), and special dog toothbrushes are available with soft bristles that make brushing easier. By brushing regularly, you can help reduce plaque and prevent tartar buildup, leading to fresher breath and reduced risk of dental disease.
There will be times however when physical brushing isn’t a viable option, so there are several other things you can do to help banish bad breath.
2. Dental Chews and Treats: Dental chews can help clean your dog’s teeth while also providing them with a tasty treat. These chews mostly work by physically scraping away plaque and tartar, helping to prevent bacterial build-up.
Abrasive natural dog chews like fish skins, tracheas, etc. are often best as they really help to get into those hard to reach places, with the added benefit of being natural and free from any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Carrots are also a great natural toothbrush and are rich in fibre which will help your pet’s digestion too.
3. Regular Vet Check-Ups: Routine veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection of any possible underlying health conditions that may be causing bad breath. Your vet can check for dental disease, kidney or liver issues, and even diabetes.
Many vets also offer professional cleaning service, however this can be costly and is performed under anaesthesia, which some owners would rather avoid.
4. High-Quality Diet: Ensure your dog’s diet is nutritionally balanced and made from high-quality ingredients. A poor diet can not only affect your dog’s breath but also their overall health and wellbeing. Consider probiotic supplements which may help address an imbalance in your dog’s gut microbiome, which may be causing their bad breath. Read more about your dog’s gut microbiome here.
Some pet owners find that switching to a raw or fresh food diet can improve their dog’s dental health and breath, however we recommend that you always consult your vet before making any major dietary changes.
5. Water Additives & Herbal Supplements: Water additives can be an easy and effective way to freshen your dog’s breath. These products often contain enzymes or antibacterial agents that help control oral bacteria and can be added directly to your dog’s drinking water.
Certain herbs and natural ingredients may also help combat bad breath. Parsley for example has natural antibacterial properties and can be added sparingly to your dog’s food as a natural breath freshener. Seaweed is also another popular option that many pet owners swear by. Both of these ingredients are included within our signature Happy Bones recipe for this exact reason.
Conclusion
Bad breath in dogs is more than just a minor inconvenience; it can be a sign of underlying health issues that need to be addressed. With dental disease affecting 80% of UK dogs before the age of two, it’s important that we take oral hygiene seriously.
We hope this blog goes some way to helping you understand some of the common causes of bad breath, and provides some practical and sustainable solutions to improving your dog’s oral hygiene. Whether it’s regular brushing, dental treats or herbal supplements, we’re confident that you can banish bad breath for good and put doggy kisses back on the agenda.
For more helpful advice and guidance, check out our Blog Hub or contact us directly by emailing hello@axelselixir.com and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.