Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath? Causes and What to Do
Bad breath in dogs is common, but persistent or unusually strong odor should not automatically be dismissed as normal dog breath. The most common cause is dental disease, especially plaque and tartar buildup that leads to inflammation and infection around the gums and teeth. Other possible causes include a damaged or infected tooth, something stuck in the mouth, oral inflammation, or an oral mass. Less commonly, certain diseases elsewhere in the body can also affect breath odor. ( Vca ) If your dog's breath suddenly becomes much worse, persists despite appropriate dental care, or occurs with bleeding gums, facial swelling, excessive drooling, difficulty eating, weight loss, or other signs of illness, schedule a veterinary examination. Is Bad Breath Normal in Dogs? A dog's breath does not need to smell minty fresh, but consistently foul breath should not simply be considered normal. Dogs naturally have bacteria in their mouths. After eating, a sticky bacterial film called plaque...