15 Common Causes Of Bad Breath In Dogs And Their Remedies

Most of the common causes of bad breath in dogs is poor oral hygiene. Just like in humans, the build-up of plaque and tarter can lead to the development of bacteria that cause bad breath.

If your dog is not a chewer and you do not regularly brush their teeth or have their teeth cleaned, then the likely cause of their bad breath is plague build-up. Over time, poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease. 

Too much plaque and tartar build-up can push the gums away from the teeth, exposing new areas for bacteria to develop. This not only inflames the dog's gums, but it can lead to cavities, tooth loss, and needless to say it causes very, very bad breath. Hence, infrequent brushing or lack of dental care contributes to foul breath.

If your dog regularly gets into the garbage, or has access to decomposing animal remains, then their bad breath could be the result of unsupervised snacking. Some dogs also eat household objects and toys which can lead to rotten-smelling breath and may vomit if they aren't able to digest.

Dogs also universally seem to love cap poop, and a household with cats can offer too much temptation for your dog to resist. Not only is this smelly, it is also unhygenic. Unsupervised snacking on anything from feces to household objects can lead to rotten smelly breath.

Any type of digestive issue can alter your dog's gut bacteria and cause bad breath, however, this issue is very common among dogs. It can also be difficult to make sure that homemade diets are naturally balanced. A lack of essential nutrients can lead to bacterial imbalances and eventually lead to bad breath.

Conditions such as gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) can lead to bad breath. These conditions often involve changes in stomach acidity, which can produce an odor that manifests as bad breath. Eating inappropriate or spoiled food can cause digestive upset, leading to foul-smelling breath as a result of gases produced during digestion.

When a dog is constipated, toxins and waste products may build up in the intestines contributing to bad breath. Disorders affecting the pancreas can lead to changes in digestion and metabolism, potentially causing bad breath.

Dogs fond of chewing on toys, ropes, and sticks are at greater risk of getting foreign material stuck in their mouths. Cloth materials tend to get stuck between the teeth, whereas sticks or other firm materials such as chew toys may get wedged in the roof of a dog's mouth.

Some foreign bodies, like splinters, can get stuck under the tongue or in the cheek and may be hard to see. In some circumstances, strings or linear foreign materials may get hooked under the tongue, and the bad breath could be accompanied by not eating and vomiting. 

When foreign objects such as food particles, bones, or small items, get stuck between the dog's teeth or gums that can create a foul breath. The presence of foreign objects can irritate the gums and soft tissues in the throat, leading to inflammation that can further promote bacterial growth and bad breath.

Saliva itself is not harmful, but when excessive, it can create a moist environment ideal for bacterial growth. Bacteria in the mouth feed on food particles, dead cells, and other debris, producing sulfur compounds that contribute to bad breath.

If a dog drools excessively and its saliva is not regularly cleared away through grooming or drinking water, it can be mixed with food particles and bacteria, leading to plague buildup in teeth and gums. This can result in gingivitis, periodontal disease, and subsequently bad breath. 

Excessive drooling can sometimes be a symptom of underlying oral health issues such as gum disease or oral infection. These conditions can cause inflammation and produce foul-smelling breath. Some dogs may drool excessively due to nausea, in these cases, saliva can mix with stomach acids or bile, which can contribute to foul odor.

Older dogs are more prone to dental issues such as periodontal disease, tarter buildup, and tooth decay. These conditions can lead to bacterial growth in the mouth, causing bad breath. Gingivitis and other gum disease become more prevalent with age. Inflamed gums can harbor bacteria, resulting in foul-smelling breath.

Older dogs may experience tooth loss or tooth root exposure, which can create pockets where food and bacteria accumulate, contributing to bad breath. Age-related health problems such as kidney disease, diabetes, and liver disease can cause changes in metabolism and bodily functions, leading to distinct odors in the breath.

Some older dogs may have reduced saliva production, which can contribute to bad breath as saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria in the mouth.

Diabetes can indeed cause bad breath in dogs, due to metabolic changes. It can weaken the immune system in dogs, making them more liable to oral infections such as periodontal disease. Infection in the mouth can produce odorous compounds, contributing to bad breath.

Dogs with diabetes often have other symptoms such as weight loss, changes in appetite, and increased thirst and urination. When blood glucose levels are elevated, excess sugar can spill into urine through the kidneys. This can lead to increased urine output and subsequent dehydration which causes dry mouth and contributes to bad breath.

When dogs lack certain vitamins or minerals, their immune system becomes compromised, increasing the likelihood of them developing other medical issues. Severe or prolonged dietary deficiencies can lead to malnutrition and weakening of the immune system which causes bad odors.

A diet lacking in dental health-promoting nutrients, such as those that support gum and tooth health, can contribute to periodontal disease and bacterial growth in the mouth, resulting in bad breath.

Certain nutrient deficiencies can lead to metabolic changes that affect the body's ability to break down and utilize food properly, potentially causing odorous by-products that cause bad breath.

When dogs ingest poisonous substances, whether solid or liquid, chemical or plant, it can cause sudden bad breath. Ingesting chemicals such as household cleaners, pesticides, or certain plants can lead to chemical burns in the mouth and throat which can cause a noticeable odor due to tissue damage.

Certain foods toxic to dogs, such as onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol, can lead to gastrointestinal upset and bad breath. These foods may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and bacterial fermentation in the gut, contributing to foul-smelling breath. Ingestion of bacteria or bacterial toxins from spoiled or contaminated foods can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea and bad breath.

Respiratory issues can indeed cause bad breathing in dogs due to various underlying conditions affecting the upper respiratory tract. Inflammation of the sinuses can lead to nasal discharge that may drip down the throat and contribute to bad breath. 

Inflammation of nasal passages can cause congestion, leading to bad breath. Tonsils can also result in a buildup of bacteria contributing to foul-smelling breath. Abnormal connections between the mouth and nasal passages can lead to chronic nasal discharge and bad breath. Infection of inflammation of the lungs can lead to systemic illness, which may cause bad breath.

Dogs suffering from kidney disease can have very foul-smelling breath, similar to the smell of urine and ammonia. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, toxins and waste materials accumulate in the body contributing to bad breath. 

As kidney function declines, kidneys are less able to filter out waste products, such as urea and ammonia, from the bloodstream. These waste products can build up in the body, leading to a condition known as uremia. Uremic toxins can be excreted through the respiratory system, resulting in a distinctive, ammonia-like odor on the breath.

Dogs with kidney disease may develop oral ulcers, and these ulcers can harbor bacteria and contribute to bad breath. Kidney disease can also lead to decreased water intake and increased water loss through urine which causes dry mouth and contributes to bad breath.

Bad breath in dogs can be associated with liver disease. When the liver fails to filter out toxins, such as ammonia, the result can be foul breath, sometimes compared to rotten eggs, garlic, or decaying animals.

In severe causes of liver disease, such as liver failure or cirrhosis, the liver is less able to detoxify ammonia, leading to its buildup in the bloodstream. Ammonia can be excreted through the respiratory system, causing a distinctive, ammonia-like odor in the breath.

Liver disease can lead to jaundice, a condition where bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream and tissues. It can also cause yellowing of the gums, tongue, and skin, which may affect breath odor. Liver disease can affect digestion and metabolism, leading to changes in nutritional absorption and the production of volatile sulfur compounds in the gastrointestinal which causes bad breath.

There are many medications, such as antibiotics or corticosteroids, and supplements, such as fish oil, that will cause bad breath. Some of the medications and supplements that might contribute to bad breath are Antibiotics and Fish oils.

When dogs lack certain vitamins and minerals, their immune system becomes compromised, increasing the likelihood of them developing other medical issues. Additionally, the bacteria flora of the mouth and the gut will be out of balance when they lack proper nutrients. This combination can lead to bad breath.

Some medications and supplements can affect metabolic processes, leading to changes in the production of volatile compounds that cause bad breath. Coatings and other ingredients used in medicatins and supplements may have odors that affect breathing temporarily. 

Anal Sac Issues can lead to bad breath in dogs, primarily due to the secretion of anal sacs, which can have a strong and unpleasant odor. Dogs with anal sac problems may lick or bite at their anal area excessively, spreading the odor to their fur and potentially their breath.

 When the anal sacs become impacted or blocked, they may not empty properly during bowel movements and this causes the secretion to build up and become overly concentrated, leading to a foul-smelling odor that can permeate the surrounding area, including the dogs' breath.

Anal sacs can become infected, leading to inflammation and the production of pus or foul-smelling discharge. If the infection is severe or chronic, it can lead to bad breath. In some cases, an impacted anal sac can develop into an abscess, which is a painful collection of pus. An anal sac abscess can rupture and release foul-smelling discharge, potentially affecting the dog's breath.

There is a rare inherited metabolic disorder where the body cannot break down certain acids properly, leading to the accumulation of organic acids. The breath of affected dogs may have a sour or musty odor due to the presence of these acids.

Also, fish odor syndrome, this disorder can occur in dogs, leading to the excretion of this compound in the breath, urine, and sweat, causing a fishy odor. This can result in a buildup of ammonia and other compounds, which may lead to a strong odor in the breath which can indeed cause specific odors and bad breath due to abnormal metabolic processes and buildup of certain compounds.

Bad Breath in Dogs can lead to a fatal condition, if not treated on time. Tips on how to fix your dog's breath come in handy when you are hit by an unforgettable gust of funky breath. Firstly, it's essential to understand what can be the cause.

• Oral Hygiene: Brushing your dog's teeth at least twice a week using a toothpaste and toothbrush specially designed for dogs. Providing your dogs with chews and toys can remove tarter and plaque.
• Diet for Kidney and Liver disease: Dogs with kidney disease should consume low protein as protein can put extra strain on the kidneys. A diet with low phosphorus can manage the issue. Certain supplements, such as Omega-3 fatty acids and B Vitamins, can help improve overall health.
• Regular Vet Checkups: These are essential to maintain your Dogs Hygiene. During these checkups vet will examine your dog's Teeth, Gums, and mouth for any signs of infection or disease.
• Provide Crunchy Treats: Healthy and Crunchy treats with no seeds are great snacks for Dogs. They can also help to break tarter and bacteria on teeth that cause bad breath. It also helps to keep your dogs in good shape.