Bad Breath in Dogs

Where it comes from and when to take a closer look.

At a glance

What is it?: Unpleasant breath, usually caused by bacteria in plaque in the mouth.
Typical signs: Persistent odour, yellowish-brown deposits, reddened gums, chewing on one side.
Commonly affected: Especially small breeds with closely spaced teeth.
Causes: Plaque, tartar, gum inflammation, less often general conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.

Reading time 3 minutes Mouth & teeth

When should you see a vet?

Persistent bad breath is a reason to have the mouth checked. See your vet soon if:

the smell is suddenly very strong, sweetish or smells of urine or ammonia,
your dog is eating poorly, drooling heavily or shows pain when chewing,
teeth are loose, the gums are bleeding or there is visible swelling in the mouth.

Bad breath in dogs is usually a sign of plaque, tartar or inflamed gums. Less often a systemic disease is behind it, such as diabetes or kidney disease. If the smell persists, have your dog’s mouth checked by a vet.

How does bad breath develop?

A soft film of bacteria, called plaque, constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria produce sulfur compounds that smell unpleasant. If the film is not removed, it hardens into tartar and irritates the gums. That is why disease of the teeth and gums is considered the most common cause of bad breath.

Which smells should you take seriously?

Foul: usually plaque, tartar or gum inflammation
Sweetish, similar to nail polish remover: can indicate diabetes
Of ammonia or urine: can indicate kidney disease
Of feces: often because the dog has eaten feces

What happens at the vet?

The vet first looks at the teeth and gums. Tartar cannot be brushed away and is usually removed under anesthesia, because only then can the teeth and gums be cleaned and examined thoroughly. If there is no explanation in the mouth, blood and urine tests may follow.

What you can do in everyday life

Brush your dog’s teeth ideally every day, but at least several times a week, with toothpaste for dogs.
Human toothpaste is off-limits, as are mints and chewing gum, because they can contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Suitable chews can complement dental care, but they don’t replace brushing.
Look into your dog’s mouth once a week to notice plaque and redness early.

Frequently asked questions about Bad breath

Is bad breath normal in dogs?

A slight odour shortly after eating is usually harmless. If it persists or gets stronger, have the mouth checked by your vet.

Can bad breath point to other diseases?

Yes, besides dental problems, gastrointestinal or organ diseases can also be behind it. That is why persistent bad breath should be investigated.

How often should I look in my dog’s mouth?

A short, regular look at the teeth and gums helps you notice plaque and redness early.

Does brushing a dog’s teeth help?

Yes. Daily tooth brushing is considered the most effective measure against plaque, or at least several times a week.

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Veterinary expertise at the heart of our team

Dr. med. vet. Sibylle Ott has been part of our team at DOG FIT by PreThis^® from the very beginning. As an experienced vet, she supports our work professionally and contributes her knowledge of dog health. Her experience and her deep understanding of dogs’ needs are an important guide for us. She is a valuable treasure for our team and for the well-being of many dogs.

This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a vet. Our products are complementary feed for dogs. They do not replace a veterinary examination or treatment. If your dog has any health problems, please contact your vet.