Have you ever had to turn your face away when your dog tries to lick you? All dog owners have experienced the sloppy kisses of the dogs that love us. Whether you find it adorable, funny, or overwhelming, stinky breath can make this form of affection unbearable. So why is your favorite furry friend’s breath so smelly? Here are three reasons why your dog’s breath is gross.
Top Three Reasons for Bad Dog Breath
1: Eating Something Gross
We love our dogs, but let’s face it—we’ve all seen them chew on something nasty more than once. Whether it’s a dead squirrel or the neighbor’s trash, they always seem to need a taste. If your dog’s breath stinks, take a moment to think about what it smells like.
- A poopy smell might mean they’ve been getting into the cat’s litter box, or they were sampling another dog’s poop during a walk.
- Chemical smells could mean your dog got into some dangerous cleaners. Check your home for open cabinets, or a ripped trashcan where they could have eaten something dangerous. If you find something, contact your veterinarian right away with the name of what you suspect they ingested. They may suggest at-home remedies, or to bring your dog in for an emergency evaluation.
- Meaty smells could be from their food. Wet food odors can sometimes linger on their breath long after they’ve eaten.
2: Dental Decay
Did you know that most dogs have cavities or gum disease by the age of four? Allowing plaque and tartar to build up on your dog’s teeth will not only cause stinky breath, it can also lead to incredibly painful dental problems. Brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis can help mitigate their risk of dental disease and keep their breath fresh.
3: Underlying Diseases
Systemic issues like dehydration, kidney and liver disease, and even diabetes can cause strange-smelling breath. Because systemic issues affect your dog’s whole body, be on the lookout for other signs of illness, and schedule an exam with your vet if you notice symptoms like increased thirst, lack of energy, or vomiting.
When to Visit the Veterinarian
Stinky dog breath could mean you need to take a trip to the vet. Schedule an appointment if:
- You suspect oral decay. Teeth cleanings from a veterinary dentist, coupled with at-home care will help keep dental disease at bay.
- You are concerned your pet consumed something dangerous. Household cleaners, antifreeze, and even some common houseplants can be dangerous if consumed by your dog.
- You’ve noticed symptoms that point to a systemic problem. Your veterinarian will check for health issues and create a care plan to help your dog live the best and longest life they can.
Veterinary Care That Doesn’t Stink
From routine dental care to managing chronic diseases, the team here at East Valley Animal Hospital in Gilbert offers a full range of veterinary services. Not only do we have the very best doctors on staff, our dedicated support team helps create a welcoming and caring environment for you and your pets. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/25/25). Photo by Stephen Andrews on Unsplash