Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell So Bad?! (And What You Can Do About It)

Let’s be honest: we adore our dogs. They’re loyal, funny, loving, and they somehow make our worst days better by just simply ‘being’. But there’s one thing that can make even the most affectionate pup snuggle session go sour — bad breath.

You lean in for a cuddle and you’re hit with a stench so powerful it could knock over a cow. What is going on in there? Is your dog secretly eating poo when you’re not looking? Did they eat a rotting fish? Or worse — is something medically wrong?

First Things First: Is Bad Dog Breath Normal?

Yes, a little bit of “dog breath” is normal. After all, dogs don’t brush their teeth twice a day or rinse with mouthwash (though wouldn’t that be great?). But truly foul, knock-your-socks-off breath? That’s not normal, and it’s usually a sign that something’s up.

So, let me break down the common reasons dogs get bad breath, starting with the biggest culprit of them all…

1. Dental Disease: The #1 Cause of Bad Dog Breath

If your dog’s breath is consistently bad, chances are they’ve got dental issues. Just like humans, dogs can develop plaque, tartar, and gum disease, especially if their teeth aren’t regularly cleaned.

Plaque (a soft, sticky film of bacteria) builds up on their teeth and if not brushed away, plaque hardens into tartar. This tartar irritates the gums, leading to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums in laymans terms). Over time, this can progress into periodontal disease — painful infections beneath the gum line that destroy bone and tissue.

And guess what all that bacteria and decay smells like? Yep. Stinky poo breath.

• Signs your dog might have dental disease:
• Smelly breath (duh)
  
• Red, swollen gums
  
• Yellow or brown crusty stuff on their teeth
  
• Drooling more than usual
  
• Pawing at the mouth
• Avoiding hard food or toys

It’s not just about the stink — dental disease can cause serious pain for your dog and even lead to infections that spread to the heart, liver, or kidneys. Yikes.

2. They’re Eating Something Disgusting

Let’s talk about your dog’s questionable culinary choices.

Some dogs are, well… not picky eaters. They’ll eat garbage, spoiled food, or even their own (or another animal’s) poo — a behaviour called coprophagia - I actually had a video on this LINKED HERE.

Yes, it’s gross. No, it’s not super uncommon.

Why do they do it? Who knows — boredom, curiosity, nutritional deficiencies, or just because they’re dogs and their standards are clearly different from ours.

But if your dog has recently helped themselves to a “poo snack,” that’s a guaranteed way to ruin their breath.

If this is the case, you’ll probably know — either because you caught them in the act, or because the breath has taken a very specific, unforgettable turn.

Dolly used to eat cat poo when she was a puppy and honestly it made me heave - especially when it got stuck in her beard.

3. Foreign Objects or Oral Injuries

Dogs are chewers. That’s part of their charm! But sometimes they chew the wrong things — sticks, bones, hard toys — and it can lead to mouth injuries, broken teeth, or even pieces of objects getting stuck between their teeth or gums.

When something gets lodged in their mouth, it can cause:

• Infection
  
• Swelling
  
• Bleeding
  
• You guessed it — horrible breath
  

If your dog’s breath has taken a sharp turn and they’re acting uncomfortable around their mouth, take a peek inside and if you can’t see anything but they’re obviously unhappy about their mouth, it’s worth a quick vet visit to rule this out.

4. Health Problems Beyond the Mouth

Sometimes bad breath isn’t coming from the mouth at all — it’s a symptom of something deeper going on in your dog’s body.

Here are a few common culprits:

Kidney Disease

If your dog’s breath smells like ammonia or urine, it could be a sign that their kidneys aren’t properly filtering waste. Other symptoms might include increased thirst, more frequent urination, and lethargy.

Diabetes

If the breath smells sweet or fruity, that could be a sign of diabetes, especially if your dog is also drinking a lot more water or losing weight.

Liver Disease

Really bad breath, especially when paired with yellowish eyes or gums, vomiting, or loss of appetite, could point to liver problems.

In all these cases, breath odor is just one of many symptoms. If your pup’s stinky breath is new, sudden, or accompanied by other changes, don’t wait — get them checked by your vet.

5. Poor Diet or Low-Quality Dog Food

Believe it or not, what your dog eats can have a big effect on their breath — just like with people!

Low-quality dog foods (often packed with fillers, artificial ingredients, and questionable meat sources) can contribute to digestive issues and smelly breath. If your dog’s food smells weird to you, imagine what it’s doing to their mouth.

A well-balanced, high-quality diet supports not just breath, but overall health — including oral health, digestion, and immune function.

Okay, So How Do I Fix My Dog’s Bad Breath?

Now that we know the causes, let’s talk solutions. The good news? There’s a lot you can do to make your dog’s breath less gross — and their mouth healthier, too.

1. Brush Their Teeth (Yes, Really)

I know, brushing your dog’s teeth can feel like trying to wrestle a crocodile — especially at first. But it makes a HUGE difference.

Use a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste — it can be toxic to dogs), and try to brush at least a few times a week. Daily is best, but we get it — life is busy.

Start slow, give lots of praise (and maybe a treat after), and work up to longer brushing sessions.

In all honesty, I don’t brush my dogs teeth, they have a monthly visit to our Emmi-Pet clinician in the shop who does it for me - If you’re not local to us it’s worth checking if someone near to you offers the service as it is just amazing (many groomers now offer Emmi-Pet as an add on service).

2. Use Natural Dental Chews or Treats

There are lots of dental chews on the market designed to help reduce plaque and tartar. Some even have ingredients that claim to freshen breath! To be honest I don’t rate them highly. Instead use natural dental chews - something like a good hard fish jerky, or yak bar, or lamb horn. Basically something tough that will help to mechanically remove plaque and tartar off your dog’s teeth. Don’t waste your money on ‘dental sticks’!

Activated charcoal is also great for keeping the teeth clean, use something like charcoal biscuits to help clean teeth and keep the breath fresh.

3. Feed a High-Quality Diet

Better ingredients = better digestion and often better breath. Choose a dog food with real meat, wholesome ingredients, and no unnecessary fillers or by-products. Bonus: your dog will probably feel and act healthier, too.

4. Schedule A Vet Checkup (and Cleaning)

If your dog’s teeth clearly have issues, your vet can clean below the gum line (where toothbrushes can’t reach), check for infections, and even remove bad or broken teeth.

Regular checkups can also catch early signs of kidney disease, diabetes, or other systemic issues that might be affecting your dog’s breath — and their overall health.

Final Thoughts: Love the Dog, Not the Breath

We’ll put up with a lot for our dogs — muddy paws, chewed-up shoes, nose prints on the windows… But bad breath doesn’t have to be one of those things.

The key is to treat stinky dog breath as more than just an inconvenience. It’s often a sign of a deeper problem, especially if it’s persistent or getting worse. And in many cases, it’s totally fixable with a little attention and care.

So next time your pup gives you a kiss and you recoil in horror, don’t just push them away. Take a closer look at what might be going on in their mouth (and beyond). A little prevention can go a long way — for both their breath and their health.

Bonus: Quick Dog Breath Freshening Tips

• Parsley: A small amount of fresh parsley (chopped and sprinkled on food) can help freshen breath naturally.
  
• Carrots & Apples: Crunchy fruits and veggies help scrape teeth and promote oral health.
  
• Coconut oil: Some owners swear by adding a little coconut oil to their dog’s food. Bonus: it can help with skin and coat, too.

We hope this helped you understand what’s going on behind your dog’s nasty breath — and more importantly, how to fix it. With a little effort and consistency, you’ll be able to breathe easy again (literally), and your dog will have a healthier, happier mouth to match their wiggly tail.

Now go give your pup a hug — just maybe from a safe distance until that breath situation is under control. 😉

For any further help and advice please contact us on 01484 246420 and why not join our social media channels and online community on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.

With Wags and Woofs,

Laura, Dolly & Reggie