Bad breath in dogs: A sign of dental problems?
If your dog’s breath doesn’t smell particularly fresh, you might be tempted to ignore it. Don’t all dogs have “dog breath”? Although it’s common, bad breath is not normal in dogs. It can actually be a sign of a dental problem that needs attention. In this article, we explain what causes bad breath in dogs, how it can be treated and when there is reason to be concerned.
This article was produced in collaboration with Virbac.
- Understanding the causes of bad breath in dogs
- Dental diseases in dogs
- Measures to reduce bad breath in dogs
- When should you take your dog to the veterinarian?
- Professional dental cleaning for dogs
- The importance of dental care in dogs
Understanding the causes of bad breath in dogs
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can have many causes. The most common is a build up of bacteria in the mouth, often due to inadequate tooth brushing. If left untreated, bacterial plaque can lead to dental disease, which in turn worsens bad breath (see below).
Food is another common cause. If your dog has eaten something inappropriate — such as garbage, carcasses, or faeces — it’s not surprising that the breath smells unpleasant. Even regular food with a strong odour can leave a lingering smell in the mouth.
Other possible causes of bad breath include:
- Inflammation of the soft tissues of the mouth (stomatitis)
- Infections in the teeth or gums
- Respiratory infections, such as sinusitis
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach infections, vomiting or reflux
- Systemic diseases, such as kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes
Dental diseases in dogs
Just like in humans, a dog’s teeth need to be cleaned regularly to prevent build up of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on the teeth and under the gum line. If it isn’t removed, it hardens over time and forms tartar.
Plaque contains large amounts of bacteria that produce foul-smelling substances as they break down food particles. When plaque accumulates under the gums, it causes inflammation, swelling, and bleeding — a condition called gingivitis, which is an early stage of periodontal disease. As the disease progresses into periodontitis, the gums begin to recede and form pockets where food debris and bacteria become trapped. As these break down, bad odours develop.
Although less common, plaque can also lead to cavities in dogs. The acids produced by bacteria erode tooth enamel and create holes. Just like gum pockets, cavities can collect debris and contribute to bad breath.
Both periodontitis and cavities can cause pain and discomfort and make it harder for a dog to eat normally. Over time, they can lead to tooth loss and more serious health problems. If detected early, disease progression can be slowed and damage treated. For this reason, active monitoring of your dog’s oral health and regular veterinary visits are very important.
Measures to reduce bad breath in dogs
Once a veterinarian has checked your dog’s oral health to rule out causes requiring medical treatment, the following measures may help:
Diet and eating habits
If you know your dog has eaten something inappropriate, the solution may be as simple as securing trash bins, litter boxes, or other places where it might find “forbidden snacks.” In some cases, changing the dog’s food may also help.
Daily oral care
Improved oral hygiene can significantly reduce bad breath. Brush your dog’s teeth daily using toothpaste specifically designed for dogs, such as Virbac C.E.T. toothpaste for dogs and cats (70 g). Combine it with an appropriate toothbrush, such as the C.E.T.® dual-ended toothbrush with a slimmer handle and soft bristles, for thorough but gentle cleaning.
Dental Chews for Dogs
Dental chews that support oral health, such as VEGGIEDENT® FR3SH®, are a good complement to daily oral care, especially if brushing is difficult. Their textured surface helps remove bacteria and plaque while stimulating saliva production, which contributes to a cleaner and fresher mouth.
Water Additives
Products added to drinking water, such as C.E.T. AQUADENT® FR3SH®, can help freshen breath, reduce bacterial levels and limit plaque formation.
When should you take your dog to the veterinarian for bad breath?
If you notice changes in your dog’s oral health, you should schedule a visit to the veterinarian. Early detection of gingivitis or cavities means simpler, more effective, and less stressful treatment for both you and your dog.
In addition to bad breath, watch for the following signs:
- Yellow, brown or gray discoloration on the teeth
- Loose or missing teeth
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Your dog rubbing its mouth or pawing at its face
- Difficulty eating or decreased appetite
- Increased salivation
Professional dental cleaning for dogs
Depending on the extent of the problem, treatment may include:
- Thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
- Cleaning and disinfection of gum pockets
- Extraction of very loose or severely damaged teeth
During professional dental cleaning, the veterinarian uses specialized instruments such as ultrasonic scalers and polishing tools to clean both above and below the gum line. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
Don’t worry, anaesthesia is safe for most dogs. Before the procedure, the veterinarian always performs a careful health assessment to ensure that anaesthesia can be carried out safely.
The importance of dental care in dogs
It is always easier to prevent bad breath and dental disease than to treat them. Because dental disease can also be linked to conditions such as heart disease, preventative dental care can help your dog maintain a better quality of life for longer.
Brush your dog’s teeth daily and schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your veterinarian. This helps keep plaque, bad breath, and dental disease under control. The veterinarian can also detect and treat potential problems at an early stage and provide advice tailored specifically to your dog.
