My dog has really bad breath. Should I be concerned?
Answered by our veterinary team
Bad breath (halitosis) in dogs is the most common symptom of dental disease - and dental disease is the most common overall health problem in adult dogs. Over 80% of dogs have some degree of periodontal disease by age 3.
The dental disease progression
Plaque (bacteria in a biofilm) accumulates on tooth surfaces after every meal. Without regular brushing, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) within 24–48 hours. Tartar irritates the gumline, causing gingivitis (inflamed gums), then periodontitis (infection of the structures supporting the teeth), tooth root abscesses, and eventually tooth loss. The bacteria in infected gums can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Other causes of bad breath** - less common but worth knowing: - **Kidney disease
A urine-like or ammonia smell indicates elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) as the kidneys fail to filter waste - **Diabetes mellitus**: A sweet, fruity, or acetone-like smell suggests ketosis - requires urgent veterinary assessment - **Oral tumours**: Rapidly growing tissue can become necrotic and cause a distinctive foul odour - **Dietary causes**: Some foods, treats, or faecal consumption (coprophagia) can temporarily cause bad breath
What to do
1. Schedule a dental health check with your vet 2. Begin daily teeth brushing at home with an enzymatic pet toothpaste (never human toothpaste) 3. Consider dental chews (VOHC-approved), dental water additives, or dental diets as adjuncts 4. Annual professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia removes sub-gingival tartar that brushing cannot reach
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