Overview of Halitosis (Bad Breath) in Dogs

Halitosis, or bad breath, is an unpleasant odor coming from your dog’s mouth. It’s more than just “doggie breath” in that it is offensive.

There are several products on the market to help you deal with doggie breath including dog toothbrush and paste, dog treats that can help minimize tartar or freshen dog breath as welll as doggie breath drops. It is first important to understand and treat any underlying diseases that may be causing the foul odor.

Usually halitosis has oral causes, although sometimes it can be caused by other disease processes. Possible causes of bad breath in dogs include:

Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)

Periodontitis (inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the tooth)

Abscessed tooth or teeth

Bone or hair stuck in mouth

Oral ulceration

Foreign bodies in the mouth (such as plant material or grass awns)

Oral neoplasia (tumors of the mouth)

Lung diseases, such as lung cancer

Severe kidney disease

What to Watch For

Oral discharge

Oral pain

Bloody oral discharge

Drooling

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

Difficulty eating

Depression

Diagnosis of Halitosis in Dogs

Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the bad breath and help guide subsequent treatment recommendations. In dogs, some tests may include:

A complete medical history and physical examination

A complete oral exam, which may require a brief anesthetic

Periodontal probing (a blunt probe that is used to check the gum/tooth interface) to identify gum and periodontal diseases

Full-mouth radiographs (X-rays) with a dental machine

Treatment of Halitosis in Dogs

Optimal therapy of any serious or persistent medical condition depends on establishing the correct diagnosis. There are numerous potential causes of halitosis and before any treatment can be recommended, it is important to identify the underlying cause. Initial therapy should be aimed at the underlying cause. This treatment may include:

Removal of foreign object if present

Treatment of any oral tumors as needed

Periodontal therapy and root planing (cleaning/scraping the teeth under the gums)

Home Care

Home care recommendations will depend on the underlying cause of the problem. Some steps that you can take to help eliminate your dog’s bad breath include:

Brushing your dog’s teeth daily. Tooth brushes/finger brushes and special toothpastes are available from your veterinarian.

Spraying 0.12 percent chlorhexidine (prescribed by your veterinarian) into your dog’s mouth once a day for seven to fourteen days.

Following dietary considerations recommended by your veterinarian. Special diets that may be beneficial include Hill’s Prescription Diet T/D® or Eukanuba Restricted-Calorie Rewards®.

Evaluation by your veterinarian if the bad breath persists.