Every pet owner knows the familiar scent of their dog's breath. But sometimes, this smell can get really, really strong and not nice at all. When a dog has very stinky breath, it's more than just annoying; it might be a sign that bigger health issues are going on that need to be looked at. 

Just like with humans, the health of a dog's mouth can give us many clues about their overall health and how well they are doing. This blog post will explain why dogs get bad breath and when you should be concerned. We'll also provide helpful solutions, like important dental care products for pets that you can find at Pet Express.

Common Causes of Bad Dog Breath

• Plaque and Tartar Buildup

When dogs’ canine teeth aren’t regularly brushed, food and germs turn into sticky plaque. This plaque then becomes hard tartar, making their gums red and swollen (gingivitis). If not treated, it can lead to worse gum problems.

• Diet

Eating certain types of food, like those that are not of very good quality, leftover scraps from the table, or treats that have a strong, bad smell, can all lead to your dog’s breath smelling unpleasant.

• Oral infections or dental abscesses

When the mouth gets an infection, it can lead to a really bad smell. This infection can also cause a lot of pain, making it uncomfortable to eat or talk. It's important to take care of your pet’s mouth to avoid these problems.

• Gastrointestinal issues

A dog's digestive issues can sometimes lead to ongoing bad breath. This means that if your dog's digestive system isn't working as it should, it might cause their breath to smell unpleasant all the time.

• Systemic diseases

Bad breath can be a sign of health problems. For example, a fishy smell might mean kidney issues, a fruity smell could point to diabetes, and a musty or rotten egg smell might suggest liver problems.

When to Worry: Signs It’s More Than Just Bad Breath

While bad breath in dogs in itself doesn't always signal an urgent problem, there are certain signs you should look out for. If your pet starts drooling a lot, has trouble eating, or if their gums are bleeding, swollen, or shrinking, it's a cause for concern. 

Is bad breath in dogs a sign of illness? Other signs suggest something is wrong with your pet. These include if they start losing weight without a clear reason or if they seem unusually tired and don't have their usual energy. You might also notice changes in how they usually act or behave. 

Another thing to watch out for is a really bad smell coming from their mouth that doesn't go away, even after you try to brush their teeth. If you see any of these problems, it's very important to get in touch with your animal doctor right away.

How to Get Rid of a Dog's Bad Breath

To keep your dog's breath fresh and their mouth healthy, here are some easy tips and important items you can get from Pet Express: 

1. Brush your dog's teeth often. You can use special toothpaste made for dogs and a toothbrush designed for dogs' teeth, which can be found at Pet Express. Gently clean their teeth with these. Read more on our guide to brushing dogs' teeth here.

2. Give them dental chews and bones. There are many yummy and textured teeth chews for dogs available that help scrape off the sticky film called plaque from their teeth.

3. You can also use fresh breath sprays. These sprays are safe and approved by vets, and they quickly make your dog's breath smell better.

4. It's also a good idea to take your dog for yearly vet checkups and dental cleanings. You can book these professional cleanings and vet checkups at Pet Express. This helps to find any tooth problems early on.

5. Feed your dog a healthy diet. Good-quality dog food helps their teeth stay healthy by stopping too much plaque from forming. Choose from Pet Express’ wide range of wet and dry dog food for every life stage and size.

Read more: Why Is My Puppy Chewing Everything? A Teething Survival Guide for Pet Parents

Dogs with bad breath often have dental problems or other health issues. But don't worry, with consistent care, good food, and visits to the vet, you can help your dog have fresh breath and a healthy smile.

Explore our wide selection of dental care essentials and vet services at Pet Express stores nationwide. Because every pup deserves fresh kisses!