Some things come with dog ownership that are just inherent guarantees. For example, there will most likely be fur and dog hair in places where you didn’t think it was possible. Another example is that you’ll probably never eat alone again since your good boy or girl will be politely sitting at your feet, waiting and hoping for a piece of whatever you’re eating. Lastly, you’re probably going to get slobbered on during playtime or after you have a snack. In the latter scenario, you might notice a gross, stinky dog breath coming out of your furbaby’s mouth.
Whether your dog is a small lap dog or a big, energetic baby, stinky dog breath can make spending time with them a little less pleasant. But what are the contributing factors to a dog with bad breath, and what can you do about it? There are all kinds of things that you can do to get rid of smelly dog breath; some are easy, and some are a little more difficult and expensive. Let’s look at some causes and explore how to get rid of stinky dog breath to keep your four-legged velociraptor’s mouth smelling fresh!
Causes of Stinky Dog Breath
Before learning how to get rid of stinky dog breath, knowing what might be causing the issue is important. Here are some common culprits of your dog’s smelly breath.
Poor or Improper Diet: Your dog's breath smell could also result from their diet. Fur babies who eat a lot of wet food or even some table scraps are more likely to have stinky dog breath because these foods are typically softer and, as a result, easier to get stuck between their teeth and gums. Food remnants stuck between teeth is fairly common since your puppy doesn’t floss twice a day like humans, which leads us to our next reason why your dog's breath smells.
Poor Dental Hygiene: Just like a regular human, a dog with bad breath needs to take care of its teeth to prevent bad breath. When dogs eat, the bits of food particles can get trapped in their teeth and gums, just like humans. The trapped food becomes a gross breeding ground for bacteria build-up, which will definitely contribute to smelly dog breath. Of course, the problems of poor dental hygiene don’t stop there. Over time, trapped food could become plaque, which then hardens into tartar. Tartar will eventually cause gum disease and tooth decay. Like a compounding snowball of smelliness, these dental issues could all be symptoms of your dog's breath smell.
Other Medical Issues: In extreme cases, stinky dog breath can indicate an underlying medical issue. For example, like humans, dogs with kidney disease may have breath that smells like ammonia, while dogs with diabetes may have sweet-smelling breath. Infections in the mouth or respiratory system can also cause bad breath in dogs. Of course, a dog with bad breath should not be the sole reason for a vet visit. A vet visit could be warranted if the bad breath is chronic or if other symptoms are present.
Home Remedies for Stinky Dog Breath
There are plenty of home remedies for stinky dog breath that you can try. Always remember to be consistent when creating new routines!
Brush Your Fur Child’s Teeth: One of the most effective ways to prevent stinky dog breath is to brush your dog's teeth regularly. This might seem like a no-brainer home treatment for dogs' bad breath, but most pet parents are too inconsistent to see lasting results. Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth daily, but even a few times a week can make a big difference. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste, which you can find at most pet stores. You can also give your dog dental chews or toys to help keep their teeth clean.
Change The Good Boy’s (or Girl’s) Diet: If your dog's breath smells are caused by their diet, changing what they eat can help. Try looking for dog food that is specifically formulated to promote dental health. Avoid giving your dog table scraps or excessive treats, and try feeding your little dinosaur dry kibble instead of wet food. Additionally, you can provide your pretty pooch a high-quality dog chew like a bully stick or a natural dog bone treat after their meal to help them clean their teeth and gums. These quality chews act like a toothpick to help clean off any food residue stuck between your big pup’s teeth.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Water: This is an easy home treatment for dogs' bad breath because sometimes, our dogs' breath smells, and for the same reason, our breath smells - lack of hydration. Dehydration in dogs and humans alike can cause bad breath; dogs can get “cotton mouth,” too! Providing your dog with fresh, clean water can help prevent bad breath. Additionally, drinking fresh and clean water can help flush out food particles and bacteria from your dog's mouth. Giving your dog ready access to fresh water won’t just help their bad breath, but it’s also a good practice for their overall health.
Use Breath Freshening Products: There are a variety of products available that are designed to freshen your dog's breath. These include dental sprays, high-quality dog chews, and even breath mints. Be sure to choose products specifically formulated for dogs and follow the instructions carefully. Using quality chews can double as a treat and a cleaning chew product!
Other Remedies to Consider
Sometimes, not all problems can be solved at home. When all else fails and the problem continues, it might be time to try these other tips to improve your dog’s smelly breath.
Visit the Vet: Keep an eye on your dog's overall health and behavior to see if they're showing any other signs of illness or discomfort. If your dog's bad breath persists despite your best efforts, it's a good idea to take them to the vet. Your vet can examine your dog's mouth and teeth for signs of dental disease or other medical issues. They may recommend a professional dental cleaning or other treatments to address the problem. There may be an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed. Having your veterinarian check your dog's mouth and teeth for signs of dental disease or other medical issues is a great maintenance item for any visit. Your vet can recommend a treatment plan to address any underlying health issues contributing to your dog's bad breath.
Don't Ignore Other Dental Issues: A dog with bad breath is typically a common problem that can be easily remedied. However, if you notice that your dog has signs of dental issues (such as bleeding gums or loose teeth), it is very important to address them. Don’t ignore dental problems! If left unattended, they can lead to more serious health problems.
Be Patient: Improving your four-legged child’s breath may take time and effort, especially if a health issue causes it or has been persistent or chronic. Be patient and consistent in improving your dog's dental hygiene and overall health. With time and effort, you can help your big fur baby have fresher, healthier breath!
Bully Bunches’ Dental Health Month
Stinky dog breath can be unpleasant for both you and your furry friend. Fortunately, there are a variety of steps and options that you can take to address the problem. Focusing on your dog's dental hygiene, diet, and overall health can help keep their breath fresh and their mouth healthy.
At Bully Bunches, we are dedicated to providing the best treats for the best furry boys and girls! Our premium quality bully sticks and other dog chews are designed to help keep your dog’s mouth clean and provide them with a delicious treat at the same time! For more helpful tips and information, like our guide on how to get rid of stinky dog breath, check out our blog and social media!
