Dog symptom
Bad breath in dogs
Persistent bad breath is most often a sign of dental disease. Dental disease is common, painful, and can affect a pet's overall health if left untreated.
Common causes of bad breath in dogs
- Plaque, tartar, and gum disease (the most common cause)
- A broken or infected tooth
- Oral growths or ulcers
- Occasionally a sign of internal disease (fruity/sweet breath can occur with diabetes; ammonia or urine-like breath can occur with kidney disease)
Who's most at risk
- Small breeds and brachycephalics (dental crowding)
- Senior pets
- Pets whose teeth are never brushed
- Cats (resorptive lesions and gum disease)
What you can do at home
- Brush your pet's teeth with pet-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste)
- Offer vet-approved dental chews or diets
- Lift the lip and look for red gums, tartar, or broken teeth
When to see a vet
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty eating
- Very red or bleeding gums, or loose/broken teeth
- A sudden change in breath odor with other signs (drinking more, weight loss)
When it's more serious
- That breath change with other signs can indicate diabetes or kidney disease — see a vet.
- Mouth pain or trouble eating needs a vet visit — likely painful dental disease.
- Advanced gum disease or broken teeth should be treated soon.
What your vet may do
- Oral exam for tartar, gum disease, and broken teeth
- Recommend a dental cleaning under anesthesia
- Dental X-rays to assess below the gumline
- Check for kidney or metabolic disease if breath is unusual
Questions to ask your vet
- How advanced is the dental disease?
- Is a professional cleaning needed?
- Are any teeth painful or in need of removal?
- What home care keeps the teeth healthy?
Frequently asked questions
What causes bad breath in dogs?
Persistent bad breath is most often a sign of dental disease. Dental disease is common, painful, and can affect a pet's overall health if left untreated. Common causes include: Plaque, tartar, and gum disease (the most common cause); A broken or infected tooth; Oral growths or ulcers; Occasionally a sign of internal disease (fruity/sweet breath can occur with diabetes; ammonia or urine-like breath can occur with kidney disease).
Is bad breath in dogs an emergency?
Usually OK to monitor at home. See a vet right away if: Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty eating; Very red or bleeding gums, or loose/broken teeth; A sudden change in breath odor with other signs (drinking more, weight loss).
What can I do at home for a dog with bad breath?
Brush your pet's teeth with pet-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste) Offer vet-approved dental chews or diets Lift the lip and look for red gums, tartar, or broken teeth
Sources
Related reading from Webvet
Reviewed by the Webvet Veterinarian Team
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an exam by your veterinarian. If your pet is in distress, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.