Why Does My Dog’s Breath Stink?

by Kate Barrington

Published: April 17th, 2020

Holy cow – what’s that smell coming out of your dog’s mouth?! If you’re wondering why your dog’s breath stinks, take a look at what we have to say.

As much as you love it when your dog gives you kisses, dog breath can sometimes ruin the experience. Dogs are not particularly well-known for having good breath, but you shouldn’t accept bad breath as the norm. There are varying degrees of the stinkiness, and sometimes, it’s not just eau the doggo we’re talking about here: it can be an underlying medical issue that’s causing the overpowering odor.

Of course, it’s not just medical issues that could worsen the smell of your dog’s breath. Their lifestyle counts, too- your dog’s diet plays a key role in determining the freshness of his breath, and how often you brush his teeth can affect it as well. So, if you want to make sure your puppy’s smooches are minty fresh (or as close as possible to it), you have to know what’s causing the foul odor in the first place- and then treat the issue at hand.

The Top 6 Reasons Dogs Have Bad Breath

If your dog chows down on a pile of trash or feasts on his own poop, you shouldn’t be surprised if his breath is less-than-fresh afterward. I mean, it’s plain logic! However, if bad breath is a frequent problem for your dog, there could be something going on under the surface. Here are the top 6 reasons dogs have bad breath:

Dental Disease – Periodontal disease is incredibly common in dogs, affecting more than 50% of dogs by the time they reach their third birthday. Small breeds are even more susceptible to oral health problems and far more likely to develop dental diseases, although no pooch is immune. Dental disease comes in several forms ranging from infection to gum disease to tooth decay. If your dog’s gums are red and inflamed, or if you can see tartar buildup on his teeth, it’s likely dental disease that’s causing his bad breath.
Kidney Disease – Your dog’s kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins out of his blood but if his kidneys aren’t working well, it could lead to an accumulation of ammonia in his breath. In other words- if your pet’s breath smells like pee, take him to a vet immediately.

Toxic Ingestion – Dogs have a tendency to eat things they shouldn’t eat and sometimes those things are toxic. Some of the most dangerous toxins for dogs include things like antifreeze and rodenticide – if your dog’s breath smells like either one, contact your veterinarian right away.
Diabetes – It may come as a surprise to you to learn that dogs can develop diabetes just as humans can. Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar which can give your dog’s breath a sweet, fruity smell. It may not be entirely unpleasant, but poorly managed diabetes can lead to bacterial overgrowth in the mouth which could affect his breath.
Oral Tumors – Tumors in your dog’s mouth can affect his breath by affecting blood circulation, leading to dead areas where bacteria are able to take over. These tumors can range in size and shape, so if you notice any discoloration or masses in your dog’s mouth, talk to your vet.
Poor Diet – The quality of your dog’s diet affects everything from his health to his breath. Dry food is best for keeping your dog’s teeth clean because it helps scrape plaque and tartar off the surface of the teeth as he chews. You should also include plenty of water in your dog’s diet because hydration is important for good oral hygiene.

How to Eliminate Stinky Dog Breath

If your dog has bad breath and your vet ruled out an underlying medical issue as a cause, there are a few things you can try to remedy it. The first thing to focus on is maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing will stave off dental diseases by preventing plaque and bacteria buildup, and in turn, make your pet’s bad breath go away. Regularly brush your pet’s teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for canines (they are flavored so they make the process pet-friendlier, but they’re often scented for instant breath-freshening action). Ideally, you’d brush your pet’s teeth on a daily basis, but doing it at least 3 times a week will suffice. You can introduce dental chew toys and treats for removing plaque, but they can’t replace regular brushing- just enhance its effects. There are many options to choose from: from edible chews to flavored textured toys that will scrape away tartar. Unfortunately, for some dogs, professional teeth cleaning might be required to remove all that tartar build up- consult your vet to see if your pet is a candidate for this.

Another thing to notice is your pet’s diet. Steer clear from cheap foods full of fillers that could be causing your pet’s bad breath and a myriad of other health issues. If the flora in your pet’s gut is unbalanced, it could be detrimental for their digestive and overall health, and the overgrowth of bad bacteria in your dog’s GI tract could be responsible for the stinkiness of his breath. To remedy this, switch your pet to a high-quality diet and put him on probiotics. Just be sure not to use human supplements- dog probiotics are specially designed for canines and their unique needs and will boost the growth of beneficial microorganisms that your pet needs to stay healthy.

Finally, if you want to make your pet’s breath fresh on a daily basis, try water additives. In addition to proper oral hygiene and a good diet, they can help deodorize your pet’s breath and further support his dental health. Just pour some in your pet’s drinking water and they’ll have a minty fresh breath that will make pooch smooches a real treat.

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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When it comes to eating, most dogs will eat just about anything – in fact, if it’s something that’s forbidden for them to eat or something that they really shouldn’t be munching on, their appetite only seems to increase. And unfortunately, that also includes poop. While it is definitely disgusting to see, it actually has a lot of science behind it. The behavior is called  coprophagia, and it is influenced by a lot of major factors. Getting to know them can help you better understand this odd behavior, and help you act accordingly. So let’s learn all about dogs and poop-eating.Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?Believe it or not, eating poop is a fairly common behavior in dogs. In fact, recent studies reveal that it is  in a dog’s DNA to eat poop. It isn’t, however, a behavior that should be ignored completely. Because it can give you insights into the health and mentality of your four-legged friend. If you spot your pet munching on the forbidden fudge, it could signal a major nutritional deficiency. So, basically, if a dog is lacking certain nutrients in their diet, they may seek to fulfill those needs by eating feces. Of course, it can also signal underlying medical issues. It is known that some medical conditions can lead to coprophagia, such as malabsorption disorders or  parasites. Coprophagia can also sometimes stem from behavioral issues, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom. Dogs may resort to eating poop as a way to cope with these feelings or out of sheer boredom. It can also come from simple attention-seeking. Yup, your dog can eat feces as a way to gain attention, especially if they've received a strong reaction from their owners in the past. And, if you notice that your doggo is nibbling on poop in the park or on the street, they could be attracted to the scent. The scent of feces attracts some dogs, especially if it's from another animal. Of course, neglect can also be a viable cause. Dogs that are confined in tight spaces or cages can exhibit unnatural behaviors, such as excessive eating of poop. It can also stem from anxiety, fear, isolation, or from problems related to diet. Either way, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues and to address any behavioral concerns. Of course, ensuring your dog has a balanced diet, plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training can help deter this behavior. It can also be wise to supplement your dog’s diet with  quality multivitamins, which can balance their nutritional needs and prevent poop-eating. 

Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?

Sometimes, dogs can behave straight out quirky. The range of their weird behaviors varies from chasing their tail and scooting on their but, to “pawing” or “digging” food, which sort of looks like they’re burying their kibble but they’re not really doing anything. Have you ever seen your pooch trying to fake bury his food by pawing at it? Don’t worry, the behavior might look odd at the very least, but it’s not a reason for concern. Here’s what dogs that dig, bury, or paw their food are trying to tell you with this behavior.Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?Dogs may exhibit pawing or digging behavior around their food bowl for various reasons, and the interpretation can depend on the individual dog. By closely observing your dog's specific actions and considering these factors, you may gain a better understanding of why they engage in pawing behavior. Keep in mind that individual differences among dogs can lead to variations in behavior, and what holds true for one dog may not necessarily apply to another. Still, there are some common explanations that hold true for most situations when “pawing” is in question.Too Much Food Served:In the wild, dogs might use their paws to cover or bury their food to protect it from other animals or to save it for later. This behavior could be a residual instinct from their ancestors – if they eat a bit and then paw at their bowl before leaving the meal, it means that they are trying to stash the surplus away for later. Try downsizing their portions to see if the behavior goes away. Scent Marking: Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and pawing at the food bowl might be a way for them to mark the area with their scent. This could be a territorial behavior and might be seen in households where there are several dogs present. Excitement or Anticipation: Dogs might get excited about mealtime, and pawing at the bowl could be a way of expressing anticipation or eagerness for their food. This is especially true if they are eagerly pawing the ground even before the food has been served. These dogs can often be voracious eaters as well, so to prevent them from snarfing up their food in seconds, try utilizing a  slow feeder for dogs to promote a more appropriate pace of eating and prevent bloat and other digestive issues due to lack of chewing and fast eating.

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Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

Have you noticed your pooch snacking on grass? Here’s why your lawn suddenly seems as appetizing as kibble. Every dog owner will sometimes chance upon their dog munching busily on a tuft of unappetizing, green grass. Even if you provide them with a tasty, healthy, and regular diet – and treats as well – they will still resort to eating grass! Even if they vomit because of that unsavory meal. Why on earth would they do that? Well, before you jump to conclusions, you need to know that there are some logical explanations involved. Dogs eating grass is a usual occurrence, and there are a number of reasons involved. First things first – if you notice your dog eating grass, it could indicate that their diet lacks some important nutrients. The most common missing ingredient is fiber. If they lack enough of it in their diet, dogs will follow their natural instinct and go find it in the grass. Grass contains dietary fiber, also known as roughage, which is not often found in dog food – even though it is advertised as rich in fiber. Roughage is a fibrous indigestible material found in vegetable foods, and immensely aids in the passage of food, and is a vital part of their diet. It helps stimulate the intestinal tract and digestion, maintaining a healthy gut. This could be the simplest and foremost reason why dogs eat grass – to add that precious roughage they cannot find in their food. Another reason for this odd behavior is possible health issues. Dogs will often depend on their natural instincts and follow them blindly. When they are feeling unwell or sick, they might resort to eating grass in order to induce vomiting and feel better. If their stomach is upset for any reason, they might munch on grass and vomit afterward. It is a normal natural instinct that can actually help often enough. Then again, you should not be surprised to know that some doggos simply enjoy munching on grass. Who are we to judge, eh? Some dogs might simply enjoy the texture or the taste of grass. Still, make sure they don’t go eating dirty grass or the one that has been treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. It is important to understand that regular, healthy grass is not harmful to your dog. However, you should start questioning your dog’s grass-eating habits only when they become too frequent. In such cases, it could be likely that there is a bigger, more serious underlying issue at hand. This could be a major missing piece in their diet, a psychological problem, or a particular health issue. Either way, that is the time to seek the help of a vet. Perhaps a major dietary change is needed, or a change in their habits. Sometimes, dogs that are bored and ignored will turn to eating grass to help pass time. Make sure that this does not happen by giving your doggo all the attention it needs and making sure their diet is as good as can be!

Why Does My Dog Roll in Grass?

There’s something about rolling in the grass that’s so irresistible to dogs. But why do dogs roll in the grass and should you do anything about it? Dogs are goofy – there are no bones about it. But many of your dog’s seemingly strange behaviors actually serve a purpose. For example, when your dog smells another dog’s butt he is taking in some important information about that dog’s sex, age, and health status. Even your dog’s habit of rolling in the grass has a reason behind it! Related: Why Do Dogs Sniff Butts? What Purpose Does Rolling Serve? Sometimes when your dog is rolling in the grass he looks like he is having a great time while other times he may look like he’s trying to rub something off of himself. The truth is that rolling on the ground serves several potential purposes for your dog. One reason (and perhaps the most obvious reason) is that he could be trying to get some sort of itchy debris off of his skin. That patch of lush green grass may look soft, but grass is actually mildly abrasive so it acts almost like the bristles of a brush, helping to loosen debris from your dog’s coat. For dog’s that have a double coat, rolling in the grass can also help to work dead hairs out of the coat. This is particularly common with breeds that “blow” their coats once or twice a year – when they roll in the grass it helps them to remove clumps of dead fur from their undercoats. Related: 5 Books To Help Improve Communication With Your Dog Another reason your dog might be rolling in the grass is because he’s found a patch of scent that he likes. Have you ever wondered why dogs seem to be drawn to smelly things and, furthermore, why they love to roll themselves in it? This behavior can be traced back to the wild heritage of dogs. Wolves, coyotes, and other wild dogs have been known to use certain smells to cover their own natural scent. For example, a wild wolf might roll in a patch of grass where a deer or a rabbit eliminated. By rolling in that scent, the wolf is effectively disguising his own scent, making him less detectable to his prey. The longer the wolf can prevent his prey from picking up on his scent, the closer he can get and the better chance he has of making a kill. When your dog rolls in a patch of something unpleasant, he probably isn’t thinking about improving his ability to sneak up on squirrels – it may just be a matter of instinct. It is also entirely possible that there is no practical reason for his behavior – he just feels like rolling around! If your dog is rolling frantically, it could be because he’s actually trying to get something off of him. A slow side-to-side roll, however, is an indication of happiness – your dog is just rolling because it feels good. If you notice that your dog is rubbing his face, neck or back a little more forcefully it might be that he is doing a little bit of self-grooming or that he is investigating a particular scent. Rolling in the grass can serve a purpose for your dog – even if that purpose is just to make him feel good. Unless your dog is actually rolling in something unpleasant or dangerous, there is no reason to stop him from performing this behavior. Roll away!

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We love our dogs and many of us won’t say no to puppy smooches – but to be fair, not all furballs have the freshest breath out there. If your dog has  bad-smelling breath, the culprit might be plaque buildup and the bacteria overgrowth that comes with it. We all know that bacteria are responsible for all things smelly, and when it comes to oral hygiene, the reason why bacteria are there in the first place is bits of leftover food that slowly but surely turn into tartar on your pet’s teeth. The best way to prevent plaque on a dog's teeth is to brush them, but what about existing buildup? How can you remove plaque from your dog’s teeth at home – or is it something that has to be done professionally? Here’s what you need to know about plaque and tartar and how best to remove them.How Can I Remove Plaque from My Dog's Teeth?Maintaining good dental health in dogs is crucial for their overall well-being. Addressing plaque in your dog's teeth is not just about maintaining a bright smile; it's a key aspect that contributes to their overall health, happiness, and longevity. Regular dental care is an investment in your dog's well-being that pays off in various ways - it’s sure way to prevent dental diseases such as  gingivitis and  periodontitis, eliminate bad breath odor, avoid tooth decay and loss, and maintain your dog’s good appetite. After all, dogs depend on their teeth to eat properly. Just imagine the effect of bad or missing teeth. Unchewed food, indigestion, vomiting – the list is long. So it goes a long way to act on this ahead of time and prevent tartar buildup and remove any existing one. Here are just a few tips to consider when dealing with persistent dog teeth plaque:Prevent Buildup With Regular BrushingDogs need to brush their teeth just like us! They’ll need your help to do it, of course. Remember that it is never too late to start. Start slowly and gently with short brushing sessions, gradually increasing the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. Of course, you should use  a toothbrush that is designed specifically for dogs or a similar fingerbrush. The toothpaste also needs to be for dogs only (never use human toothpaste as it may contain ingredients harmful to dogs).

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How Often Do Dogs Need to Go Out to Pee?

When nature calls, dogs answer. And when dogs answer, so do you – by taking them outside to do their business. In other words, if you have a potty-trained dog, they will rely on you to know when their bladder is full or at least to take them out frequently enough so it doesn’t get full in the first place. This leaves most owners with the question – how often do dogs need to go out to pee? You don’t want them to have an accident inside the home but you probably don’t want to take them out for a walk every hour or so (even if you did have the time for it) so it’s important to find the right balance. Here’s what you need to know so you can make it work for you and your dog.How Often Do Dogs Pee?The frequency at which dogs need to go out to pee can vary depending on several factors, including their age, breed, size, activity level, and overall health. In general, you can use the following guidelines as a starting point, but it's important to pay attention to your individual dog's needs and adjust accordingly. Sometimes, it’s enough to just observe the signs your dog gives you, like nudging you or standing by the door. But at other times, it requires a bit of “intervention”. When it comes to the connection between a dog’s age and their peeing habits, the younger the pooch, the more they need to go out. Puppies have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms, so they typically need to go out more frequently. A general rule of thumb is to take a puppy out every 1 to 2 hours, especially after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up from a nap. Make sure to let them know why you are going out so they’ll gradually relate walkies with peeing time.Adult dogs, on the other hand, can usually hold their bladders for longer periods. Most adult dogs need to go out every 4 to 6 hours. Some larger breeds may have more bladder capacity and can hold it longer, while smaller breeds may need to go out more frequently, so have that in mind too. Of course, as dogs age, their ability to hold their bladders may decrease. Senior dogs may need to go out more frequently, potentially every 3 to 4 hours. What is more, some senior dogs may suffer from incontinence, meaning that they can’t really control when or where they pee. In this case, you could  use disposable dog diapers until their condition improves or in periods when you’re not there to take them out more frequently and prevent accidents.

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Training your pet is a very important task as it will shape them into a friendly, obedient dog that’s a pleasure to be around. While it does require a lot of patience and effort, training your dog on time makes your life as an owner much easier and prevents a myriad of behavior issues and other problems down the road. Of course, it goes without saying that you should start training early, while your doggo is still a puppy. That is the time when they gladly soak up all the information and eagerly learn. But when exactly is the best time to start puppy training? You can’t do it while they are still teeny-tiny, nor should you wait too long. What is the ideal middle ground? Let’s find out.When is the Best Time to Start Puppy Training?Puppies are like sponges, soaking up information from their environment and their owner, so early training can set a solid foundation for good behavior and establish obedience throughout their lives. Ideally, you can start basic training such as housebreaking, socialization, and simple commands like "sit" and "stay" when your puppy is around 8 weeks old. This is the general “golden rule” that many owners stick by. When they reach that 2-month mark, it’s considered the ideal time for them to quickly grasp the commands you teach them. If you think that this could be “too early” to start training, you are wrong. There are numerous benefits to early training, and all of them are critical for your dog’s well-being and normal behavior. Here are just a few of them:SocializationEarly socialization is so important for puppies. It allows them to learn how to properly interact with other dogs and humans and prevents aggression and behavioral problems later in life. During this period you should expose your pet to new environments, sounds, and sights.BondingTraining sessions are a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. Spending time together, teaching them new things, and rewarding good behavior builds trust and a positive relationship.Preventing Behavioral IssuesIf you spot behavior issues while your dog is still a puppy, it is easier to prevent them from becoming nasty habits. As you teach your pet proper behavior and as you set up boundaries, you will prevent many nasty issues from forming, such as excess chewing, barking, or disobedience. If you already notice chewing issues that stem from teething, make sure to redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy and use  puppy no-chew deterrent sprays to help you shift their focus.

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What Is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back thousands of years, and both humans and animals can benefit from it. When applied to pets, it’s referred to as Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).Veterinarians trained in TCM are able to go beyond the use of pharmaceuticals to also incorporate natural remedies like herbs and acupuncture. If you’re interested in learning more about what TCM is and how it can benefit pets, continue reading.Traditional Chinese Medicine for PetsBased on Daoist philosophy, Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach and views an animal’s body as a part of the universe. Energy, referred to as Qi, flows through individuals and through the universe, so TCM practitioners look at more than just physical symptoms. They will consider what imbalances are occurring in the body, and how those imbalances can be fixed to restore the body to a state of harmony.Each pet is viewed as a unique individual who can be affected by various factors beyond the physical body. A veterinarian will ask about their daily life and their home environment. They’ll also consider the pet’s personality and behavior, including the things they enjoy, to figure out what may be causing their ailment and choose the right remedy.In addition, this healing system focuses on five elements of earth, water, fire, wood, and metal, as well as five seasons of autumn, winter, spring, summer, and late summer, to diagnose and treat patients. Each season is linked to an element, and an animal moves through the seasons throughout their life (e.g., spring phase when they’re young and winter phase when they’re old). Also, the organs throughout the body are associated with these seasons and elements, and they affect each other, so all of this is taken into consideration when diagnosing and treating patients.For someone just learning about TCM, it can all be quite complicated. But a practitioner with a lot of knowledge and experience in this area will be able to understand how the body works as a whole and how it is influenced by the external world as well.What Types of Treatments Are Included in TCM?Veterinarians who practice TCM use several types of treatments to address a variety of pet health concerns. Those include:Herbs: A variety of herbs are used in TCVM, and your veterinarian will determine which ones are best for your pet. Your furry friend might need a single herb or a combination of herbs to feel better. Herbs can be potent, and it’s wise to discuss potential side effects with your vet. Also, if your pet is taking other supplements or medications, your vet will determine if adding certain herbs to the mix is safe.Food Therapy: Providing your pet with the right nutrition can be helpful in maintaining and improving their health, and you can receive personalized guidance in this area from a vet who practices TCVM. Certain ingredients, diets, and/or supplements might be recommended based on your companion’s specific needs. Options like Herbsmith Smiling Dog Treats and Herbsmith Sassy Cat Treats can be used to provide warming, cooling, or neutral foods to rebalance your pet’s constitution.

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