The dog began to smell from the mouth. The reasons why a dog stinks from the mouth of rotten meat, and also what to do with an unpleasant smell

An unpleasant smell from the mouth of a carnivore is considered the norm. Therefore, some owners ignore it. Pets, with a few exceptions, are unfamiliar with toothpaste and brushing, which doesn't add "flavor" to their breath. But if, from the point of view of a professional, we consider why the dog smells from the mouth, it turns out that this symptom is not so harmless in fact.

In many ways, the cause of halitosis, as “bad breath” is called in medicine, is the reluctance of owners to maintain oral hygiene of their pet.

In the advertisement or annotation of any dry dog ​​food, the same phrase is found that the pieces of food effectively clean off plaque and prevent the formation of tartar. Naturally, such information is perceived by most owners as an exemption from a burdensome duty.

However, solid food particles cannot sufficiently clean the teeth of plaque, especially in the interdental space and at the border with the gums. Hard deposits gradually displace the gum, exposing the roots, which leads to loosening and subsequent loss of teeth.

But this factor is not the only one that forms a kind of "ambre" from the pet's mouth. Veterinarians conditionally divide hairy patients with halitosis into 3 age groups, each of which has its own causes of this syndrome.

Puppies under 1 year old

In healthy puppies, there are not many causes of bad mouth odor. Most often, its causes are as follows:

• change of milk teeth to permanent ones;
• injuries of the oral mucosa and gums while eating or playing;
• features of the structure of the dentition in puppies.

During the change of teeth, some violations of the process may occur - milk teeth do not fall out in time, deteriorate, which leads to halitosis.

With an anomaly of bite in a dog, incomplete closure of the teeth of the upper and lower jaws occurs. At the same time, pieces of food get stuck in the interdental space, rot, causing an unpleasant odor.

Representatives of dwarf breeds and brachycephals have a hereditary predisposition to malocclusion and deviations in the formation of the dentition. Therefore, halitosis among representatives of these breeds is much more common.

Curious, active puppies are happy to “scratch” their teeth on branches, furniture legs, ropes and other objects that can damage the gum mucosa or get stuck between the teeth. Erosive damage in the pet's mouth (abrasions, wounds) are the entrance gate for pathogenic microflora that causes dental diseases.

middle aged dogs

The list of possible causes of halitosis in this age group is much wider. In addition to the already described tartar, bad breath in middle-aged dogs can be caused by such factors:

• violation of the integrity of the dental crown - chipped teeth, cracked enamel, caries;
• injuries and diseases of the soft tissues of the oral cavity;
• benign and malignant neoplasms in the mouth and pharynx;
• tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils.

Tumorous and reactive (non-tumor) gum disease is common in some dog breeds. Tumor-like growths on the gums - epulis are diagnosed. Gingival tissues are prone to hyperplasia (hypertrophy or enlargement).

Quite often, specialists, examining a dog for bad breath, find peripheral odontogenic fibroma or acanthomatous adamantine. Malignant neoplasms - melanoma, fibrosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma are accompanied by tissue breakdown and putrid odor from the pet's mouth.

American researchers found that males suffer from tumor lesions of the oropharynx 2.5 times more often than females. St. Bernards, Dobermans, Golden Retrievers, and Scotch Terriers are most commonly affected by oral and pharyngeal cancer. Moreover, it is found more often in “urban residents” than in animals living in rural areas. Pathology affects dogs 7-10 years old, but it also occurs in the middle age group.

When conditions are violated, dogs often catch colds, get sick with viral pathologies, which leads to the appearance of chronic tonsillitis. Purulent plugs in the tonsils, plaque on the palate, caused by a chronic inflammatory process, are a beneficial environment for the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. They cause the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the mouth of the animal.

Bad breath signals such ENT diseases as frontal sinusitis, pharyngitis. The stench from the mouth is felt in diseases of the lungs. Only a veterinarian will be able to more accurately determine the cause of the appearance of a fetid odor from the pet's mouth after a detailed diagnostic examination.

Animals of old age

In this group, in addition to the above diseases of the oral cavity, there are often pathologies of internal organs. Age-related changes lead to an imbalance of hormones and a decrease in the activity of recovery processes in tissues. Old dogs get sick:

• chronic renal failure, in which one of the symptoms of the disease is an "ammonia" smell from the mouth;
• diabetes mellitus, accompanied by the smell of acetone from the pet's oral cavity;
• hepatic pathologies. For example, cirrhosis of the liver is accompanied by an unpleasant "mouse" odor;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - gastritis, colitis, enteritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers. Breathing in these diseases has the smell of hydrogen sulfide;
• gallbladder diseases. At the same time, a “bitter” smell comes from the pet’s mouth;
• in dogs with intestinal obstruction or dysbacteriosis, a pronounced smell of rot or “rotten meat” is heard from the mouth.

These pathologies accompany not only advanced age. They can also be found in young dogs. Therefore, do not treat halitosis as an annoying discomfort in close contact with a pet. If an unpleasant smell appears, then it is better to play it safe and take the dog to the veterinarian so as not to miss the moment favorable for treatment.

Diagnostic methods for halitosis

Before visiting the veterinary clinic, the owner of the dog needs to prepare:

• First of all, remember when was the last time you had your teeth cleaned and tartar removed;
• list all cases of colds and viral diseases;
• observe the behavior and condition of the dog for 2-3 days;
• analyze the pet's diet, as some foods, when fed naturally, can cause smell from the mouth.

After that, the doctor conducts physical examinations - examination, palpation, listening. Often these studies are enough to make a diagnosis of halitosis. If a systemic pathology is suspected as the cause of bad breath in a dog, a specialist may prescribe additional diagnostic methods. These include:

• laboratory tests of blood, urine, feces;
• Ultrasound of organs;
• radiography.

After confirming the diagnosis and establishing the cause of the syndrome, appropriate treatment is prescribed, recommendations are given for caring for the oral cavity, or the animal is sent to the dentist.

One effective way to eliminate bad breath from the mouth of a perfectly healthy dog ​​is to regularly remove soft plaque with a special brush and paste. It is better to teach a dog to brush his teeth from an early age, literally from the first days of the appearance of a puppy in the house. In this case, a pet from puppyhood will be accustomed to brushing his teeth, and this will not be a problem for him.

Aggressive and nervous animals will have to remove tartar in the clinic. Modern veterinary dentistry has new methods of sanitation of the pet's oral cavity. Tartar is removed not only mechanically. For the hygienic procedure, an ultrasonic device is used.

Damaged teeth are pulled out or filled, chips are covered with a special substance that reduces sensitivity. If within 2-3 days after the sanitation of the oral cavity, the unpleasant odor has not disappeared, then another reason should be sought.

Sometimes it is enough to adjust the dog's diet so that the trouble disappears. Special attention to the "table" of the pet must be paid to the owners who give the dog natural food. Sometimes an abundance of animal protein causes an odor, especially if the dog is inactive and the process of digestion is slow.

If this method does not give the expected result, an in-depth examination of the dog should be carried out and the identification of organic changes that lead to bad breath should be carried out.

In the evening after work, going into the apartment, I want to quickly pick up a ringing little lump on thin legs, hug it to me and kiss it on my wet nose. The response of a four-legged friend will not keep you waiting - he will lick your face. But what is it? Does that terrier have bad breath? Already, you don’t really want to have the toychik run along your cheek with his rough tongue.

This situation is quite common. The smell from the mouth of that terrier is specific and unpleasant. Many owners believe that this is how it should be, since the dog's physiology does not include oral hygiene. But are they right?

Why does that terrier have bad breath?

Toy Terriers do not go to the shops for toothpaste and a brush, they do not run in the morning, getting out of bed, to the bathroom to wash and brush their teeth. You also hardly met dogs brushing their teeth at night. Animals also do not use chewing gum.

Bad breath from a pet. Does this mean that that terrier needs to brush his teeth, or does he continue to turn his nose up every time the dog tries to kiss the owner?

The problem of bad breath in a toy terrier, and this is a problem, is by no means an aesthetic one. It does not smell like violets from the oral cavity with quite serious diseases.

Bad smell from the mouth of a young toy terrier.

Toy puppies and teenagers are rarely bothered by a bad odor from their mouths. At first, puppies, like all children, smell like milk and sweets. The smell of putrefaction from the mouth (halitosis) occurs in the following cases:

• when changing teeth. The first alarming bells may appear when changing milk teeth to permanent ones. The teeth of that terrier change hard, sometimes you have to resort to the services of canine dentists to remove a firmly seated milk tooth and let the root grow. So, a loose milk tooth, but at the same time stubbornly not falling out, violates the integrity of the gums. In the gap between the gum and the tooth, or in the wound that has appeared due to loosening, food or infection enters. Everything ends with an inflammatory process with the formation of putrefactive microflora. Here is an unpleasant amber for you.
• with mechanical damage to the gums. Young toy terriers are active and inquisitive. Trying to know the world around them, and sometimes just playing, they grab everything in their mouths. But, during the game, they can accidentally gnaw through a stick or a plastic ball. And then small wooden or plastic particles dig into the gum or get stuck between the teeth. If splinters are not detected in a timely manner, then the inflammatory process of the gums cannot be avoided.

Bad smell from the mouth of an adult toy terrier.

For an adult toy terrier, there are more reasons why it smells unpleasant from the mouth. In general, it should be said that in half of the cases, halitosis has two main sources of the problem - the oral cavity and internal organs.

The pathological sensitivity of the immune system to a particular stimulus can manifest itself in different ways. Including bad smell. If the toy does not have other symptoms indicating an allergy (itching, rash, eczema), then take a clinical analysis. If it is not confirmed, then look for the reason in another.

But in parallel with the suspicion of serious diseases, pay attention to such external factors that could provoke the smell:

• protein food. When meat is digested by an animal, a nitrogenous substance is released. If the dog's diet is replete with meat products, then the breath of that terrier will become mixed with rottenness and "rottenness".
• chlorinated water. If your pet drinks tap water, and not spring, bottled or boiled liquid, then he may develop dysbacteriosis, which will cause specific amber.
• imbalance in the diet. Temporary amber from the mouth of a small terrier often appears when changing brands of food or when switching to another food.

How to get rid of bad breath in toy terriers.

The smell from the mouth, which is a consequence of diseases in a dog, will only go away when you cure the pet. Do not hesitate to go to the veterinarian if you find such a symptom as a "bad" smell. The sooner the doctor makes a diagnosis, the sooner you start treatment, defeat the disease and get rid of the smell from the mouth of that terrier.

Consider how to get rid of bad breath in that terrier if the dog has no health problems. The gums are not inflamed, the teeth are in place and do not stagger, the gastrointestinal tract works like clockwork, etc.

• when plaque appears on the teeth in the form of tartar, diversify the dog's diet with hard vegetables (apples and carrots) or pamper your pet with soft vein bones. Both of them will wonderfully cope with deposits on the teeth, clearing them of soft growths. The bad smell will disappear.
• you can remove plaque thanks to ... tomato juice. Yes Yes. When feeding that terrier, add a couple of tablespoons of tomato juice to the food, and after a couple of weeks, remove plaque from the teeth with a gauze pad.
• Brush your toy teeth with your usual oral hygiene items like toothpaste and a brush. If this procedure is carried out from the day the Toy puppy appears in your house, then the dog will quickly get used to oral hygiene. Then you will not have problems with the stale breath of the animal.
• contact a qualified veterinarian who will remove the stone from the dog using an ultrasonic stone remover. Along with the stone, the smell will also disappear.

Prevention of the oral cavity brings noticeable results. Just do not forget that the toy terrier is an animal. And dogs have a specific dog smell.

In the modern world, the working "function" of dogs is fading into the background. If a dog sits on a chain for years and performs exclusively the function of a territory guard, then not only his psyche suffers, but also his health, and many symptoms of problems simply go unnoticed. One such symptom is bad breath in dogs.

Any loving owner of an animal is constantly in contact with him during the day, and in this situation it is not difficult to notice that the pet smells unpleasantly from the mouth. Why this happens, what it may indicate and how to treat, we will analyze in this article.

Causes of bad breath in adult dogs

First of all, the cause of bad breath can be not only some kind of violation in the oral cavity, but also a problem in other body systems.

Diseases of the oral cavity

Sometimes "pockets" are formed in the oral cavity where pieces of food fall. These may be folds on the gums or mucous membranes.

Metabolic problems

Disease name	Description	Symptoms	Treatment
Kidney failure (uremia)	A serious disease in which metabolic waste is not excreted from the body, but enters the bloodstream.	Strong smell of ammonia (urine). Urinary retention or absence. weight loss. Refusal to eat. Depressed state.	You must contact the veterinarian immediately!
Diabetes	A disease in which the level of glucose in the blood rises, and sugar is not absorbed, which leads to carbohydrate starvation.	Sour smell from the mouth (smell of rotting fruit) at the beginning of the disease. Subsequently, a clear aroma of acetone. Frequent urination. Exhaustion.	Requires special nutrition and supportive care for life. For necessary appointments, contact your veterinarian.

When the paraanal glands are blocked, the dog's mouth can smell like fish. Since bacteria form in the clogged glands, which the dog licks off due to itching.

Respiratory diseases (damage to the respiratory system)

Dermatological pathologies (skin diseases).

Also, often the smell from the dog’s mouth does not signal an illness, but only that the dog has eaten something smelly. For example, or.

Also, many dogs have a very poor craving to eat carrion that they find on the street, in which case a sharp smell of rotten meat comes from the dog's mouth.

Another "headache" for many owners is when their pet has coprophagia, the name given to the craving to eat feces. It smells like a pet at the same time appropriately. Since such a habit entails negative consequences in the form of indigestion, helminth infection, etc., this must be fought.

Causes of bad breath in puppies

For puppies, the situation is somewhat different. They have much less reasons for the appearance of bad breath.
The most common cause of bad breath in young dogs is teething. Or rather, those cases when this process does not go according to plan.

In small breed puppies, the molar tooth may grow behind or in front of the milk tooth. Consequently, the milk tooth does not fall out as it should, but begins to rot. Hence the smell. You can cope with this problem only with the help of a veterinarian, he will remove the tooth that has not fallen out, treat the cavity with high quality and, if necessary, prescribe antibiotics.

Another reason lies in the particular location of the teeth. Unlike adult dogs, whose teeth are quite close together, puppies usually have gaps between their teeth. Food particles fall into these gaps, get stuck and the process of decay begins, which causes bad breath.

Well, in the appendage, all dogs, and puppies in particular, love to gnaw on everything. Whether it be toys, master's slippers or sticks. Just the latter can cause quite strong damage to the baby's gums. Even through just a scratch, an infection can get in, a putrefactive microflora and a corresponding smell will develop. In this case, it is also better to consult a veterinarian, as surgical debridement and a course of antibiotics may be required.

To prevent the above problems, you need to periodically brush your pet's teeth. It's not difficult and not expensive at all. This procedure will help prevent rotting of stuck pieces of food. And also, during cleaning, you inspect the pet's oral cavity and notice any pathological changes in time.

How to take good care of your mouth

In order for your pet's teeth to be in order, it is necessary to monitor oral hygiene. There are several ways to clean your teeth.

Natural

For a natural cleaning of the dog's teeth, it is necessary to adjust the diet. A dog is a carnivore, and for healthy teeth, it needs to gnaw.

• From natural products, it will be useful to give well-digested cartilage, pig ears, beef bones (namely, the head of the hip joint, in simple words - maslaki). Also, the dog can be given to gnaw carrots or an apple.
• If you feed dry food, then it in itself prevents the development of tartar and the likelihood of food getting stuck in the teeth disappears.
• In the modern market, pet store shelves are bursting with special treats "bones", which are designed specifically for brushing teeth and are completely safe at the same time. Plus, pets love it.

Using brush and paste

brush and paste must be specially designed for dogs, never use human devices!

This cleaning should be done 2-3 times a week. It is necessary to accustom a pet from puppyhood and gradually, the dog should not be afraid of such a procedure.

Benefits of this cleaning:

• Cleans teeth from stuck food.
• Prevention of tartar formation.
• You examine the pet's oral cavity and notice pathological changes in time.

The only downside is that it is time consuming. But it's really a must if you want your pet to be healthy.

At the veterinary clinic

In advanced cases, when cleaning the house will no longer help, tartar has appeared, you need to contact the clinic. Teeth cleaning is carried out with ultrasound.

The procedure is painless for the pet and is performed under light anesthesia. If your dog is calm and easily tolerates such manipulations, you can do without anesthesia at all.

Important! The veterinarian must clean from the stone not only the front of the teeth, but also the back and gingival surface.

Video

Briefly about the main

1. Bad breath from a dog's mouth can be due to various reasons. This phenomenon can be both a signal of illness, and simply that the dog has eaten something strongly smelling.
2. It is necessary to carefully monitor the oral hygiene of the pet. And it is entirely your responsibility if you want your pet to be healthy.
3. Brushing your dog's teeth is not a whim, but a health necessity. The main thing is to do it right.

Have we answered your question sufficiently? If not, write your question in the comments below and our specialist veterinarian will answer it.

A dog in the house is not only a joy for the family, but also a great responsibility. And if the animal shows signs of some violations, you can not leave it unattended. One of the unpleasant phenomena is the appearance of bad breath (halitosis).

The smell from the mouth is a symptom that indicates certain processes that occur in the body. It can be associated not only with problems in the animal's oral cavity, but also signal diseases of the internal organs. To get rid of the smell, you must definitely consult a doctor, examine the dog and find out its root cause.

Causes of Bad Smell

The problem can appear both in a small puppy and in an adult dog. The causes of halitosis are different.

Puppies

Diagnosing the causes of mouth odor in puppies is easier than in mature pets, since there are not so many of them:

• Change of milk teeth to permanent ones. Milk teeth, as a rule, sit very firmly in the mouth, and do not always fall out on their own. A new tooth can grow when the previous one has not yet fallen out. At the same time, a process of decay occurs in the milk tooth, which causes a bad smell.
• Damage and injury to the gums while playing or eating. Pathogenic bacteria get into the wounds, causing dental diseases and the appearance of a bad smell, as one of the symptoms.
• Accumulation of food debris in the interdental spaces. If the teeth are not brushed regularly, then the food begins to rot and causes unpleasant amber.

In adult dogs

There are many more causes of halitosis in adult animals than in puppies. The most common:

• tartar;
• violation of the integrity of the tooth;
• inflammatory processes in the mouth (stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontitis);
• quinsy;
• tumor formations in the mouth and pharynx (epulis, fibroma, melanoma);
• kidney disease;
• problems with the digestive organs (gastritis, hepatitis, pancreatitis);
• cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis;
• helminthic invasions;

On the page, read about the first signs, symptoms, and treatments for conjunctivitis in dogs.

With gastritis, enterocolitis, enteritis, pancreatitis, groups of drugs can be prescribed:

• stimulants of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract;
• cytoprotectors;
• antiseptics;
• astringents (for diarrhea);
• antispasmodics;
• enzymes;
• vitamins.

For intestinal obstruction, the dog is given oil-based laxatives, prescribe warm enemas with disinfectants. Often you have to resort to surgery to restore intestinal patency.

Dog oral care rules

First of all, you need to purchase a special brush and toothpaste at the pet store. Depending on the breed and condition of the oral cavity, it is recommended to brush your dog's teeth 1-2 times a week. You need to brush your teeth at an angle of 45 degrees, making circular movements with a brush in the direction from the gums. If during the procedure the gum began to bleed, treat it with 1% hydrogen peroxide. To enhance the effect and prevent unpleasant odors, some owners use special rinses that destroy pathogenic bacteria.

If tartar or plaque has formed, and it is still soft enough, you can remove it yourself with a special scraper, but it is better to contact the clinic. The specialist will do it more efficiently and professionally.

To control the oral cavity of the dog, it is recommended to conduct a preventive examination twice a year. If there are damaged teeth, they must be treated or removed as a breeding ground for bacteria.

Prevention

The appearance of a smell from the mouth of a dog is not considered the norm. Therefore, you need to take all measures to avoid such a problem.

• Regularly examine the dog in order to timely diagnose diseases that cause halitosis.
• Feed your pet a quality and balanced diet.
• Teach your dog to brush their teeth from an early age. Do it regularly.
• Buy hard toys that will allow you to clean your teeth from plaque naturally.

Dog breath can be caused by a variety of reasons. In any case, this is an anomaly, it is worth looking for ways to get rid of it. It is better to conduct a comprehensive examination and find out what causes the occurrence of halitosis. Only in this case, the measures taken to eliminate it will be effective.

Why does a dog's mouth smell bad and should I be worried? Learn more useful information about the causes and treatment of halitosis in a pet from the following video:

Dogs with a flattened muzzle and drooping lips (Chihuahua, Pekingese, Pomeranian) are distinguished by a short, shallow jaw. Because of this, food debris collects in the inner folds of the cheeks. As a result, the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, and an unpleasant odor appears. If the problem is not eliminated in time, rotten food will begin to destroy the pet's teeth and gums.

Often the dog smells of rotten meat from the mouth due to an incorrectly formulated diet.

When feeding only protein foods, the stomach does not have time to digest meat. It can smell of rot or fish from the mouth after feeding:

• legumes;
• raw cabbage;
• seafood;
• yeast baking;
• onion, garlic.

Dogs of hunting breeds (Beagle, Dachshund, Labrador, Jack Russell Terrier, Miniature Pinscher) have a bad habit of rummaging in the trash. This is how their instinct to search for prey is expressed. In garbage cans, they can find and eat rotten food.

Causes of dog breath stink:

1. Teeth. Smelling the smell from the mouth of a pet, you can immediately suspect problems with the teeth or oral mucosa. This pathology is typical for young dogs. To verify this reason, it is necessary to conduct an independent examination. The dog is seated and his mouth is opened. A healthy mucosa is characterized by a pale pink color without the presence of irritation, rashes, ulcers and wounds. Next, the teeth are examined for the presence of carious damage. If plaque is found in the mouth, then it must be carefully removed. In this case, it is worth reviewing the diet.
2. Diseases of the kidneys or urinary system. Older dogs (over ten years old) are at risk. There is intense thirst and frequent urination. It rarely happens that frequent urges in a dog are not characterized by urination. The smell from the mouth indicates that the disease has begun to progress. In this case, the dog's mouth will smell like ammonia / acetone / urine. This symptom fully confirms kidney dysfunction. The general condition is characterized by lethargy.
3. Disorders in the digestive system. An unpleasant smell can provoke a problem from the stomach. Often this symptom is characterized by gastritis. If a putrid smell is felt from the mouth of an animal, then this indicates an obstruction of the intestines or a pathology of the liver.
4. Respiratory problems. If the infection is present in the upper respiratory tract, then an unpleasant odor from the mouth is not excluded. In this case, the main symptoms will be cough, fever, possibly a runny nose. Please note that not only an inflammatory disease of the respiratory system has similar symptoms, but also distemper, which is fatal.
5. Other pathologies. Often the smell from the mouth can appear on the soil diabetes. Then the animal begins to lose weight dramatically and feels constant thirst. Over time, itching appears.

Reasons for the appearance

To determine the true causes of an unpleasant odor from the dog's mouth, the owner needs to pay attention to how exactly halitosis manifests itself. Depending on what exactly stinks from the pet's mouth, we can assume the following deviations in the state of his health:

1. Dental problems, damage to the oral mucosa. This is one of the most common and most likely causes of bad dog mouth 'smell'. If the dog's breath smells like rotten or rotten meat, the cause may be insufficient pet oral hygiene, tartar, periodontitis, and other diseases of the teeth and gums. If the mucous membrane of the gums, palate or tongue is damaged, ulcers occur, which are a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria and also provoke odor changes. In puppies, stench occurs when changing milk teeth to molars.
2. Disorders in the digestive tract. If the dog smells like rotten fish, it may be a symptom of diseases of the stomach, intestines and liver. Sometimes the cause of the stench is less dangerous and lies in the wrong diet. Serious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are usually accompanied not only by an unpleasant odor, but also by other signs - nausea, vomiting, refusal to eat, deterioration in the general condition. In diseases of the liver, the stench from the mouth is combined with yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes.
3. Diseases of the urinary system. The ammonia smell from the mouth of a mature dog is in most cases associated with pathologies of the kidneys and bladder, in particular with chronic renal failure.
4. Diabetes. This disease can be suspected if the dog smells like sour fruit from the mouth, and the animal often drinks a lot, loses weight quickly and urinates a lot.

These are not all possible sources of bad breath from a dog. So, the stench can cause some infectious diseases and neoplasms in the respiratory organs, which carry a serious danger to the health and life of the pet. Therefore, you should not try to figure out on your own why the dog has bad breath.

Why does a dog's mouth smell like rotten meat? The older the dog becomes, the more likely it is that the appearance of bad breath is a sign of a serious illness developing in the body.

Here are the most common reasons:

Tooth stone. If this problem is ignored, then the growths that form near the gums will contribute to the destruction of enamel, and in the future will lead to tooth loss.

Gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis. Develop against the background of tartar. Signs: red swollen gums, foul-smelling ulcers, and necrotic areas.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Oncology, neoplasms in the oral cavity (epulis). Most often occur in dog breeds with a shortened (upturned) muzzle (boxers, bulldogs, etc.).

Diseases of the kidneys, genitourinary system (in older dogs over the age of 10 years). At the same time, the dog's mouth (especially from saliva) smells strongly of urine.

Hormonal failure, dysfunction of the thyroid and pancreas, diabetes mellitus. You can suspect the presence of these diseases by the specific smell of acetone from the mouth.

Liver disease (cirrhosis), which is characterized by a putrid or cadaverous odor from the mouth. A similar symptom indicates that the liver tissues die and rot.

Infections in the upper respiratory tract. The main symptoms are cough, runny nose, fever.

Allergic reactions. This disease has extensive symptoms and is accompanied by skin lesions, itching.

Injuries to the gums, oral mucosa, which can contribute to infections and inflammation.

There are cases when a bad smell does not come from the mouth at all. The cause may be a blockage of the paraanal glands.



An unpleasant odor can appear at any age of a pet, from puppies to adults. Moreover, you should know: if a dog has bad breath, such an ailment is called halitosis. The pet is not able to explain his well-being, so the owner needs to carefully observe the animal and note how strong the smell is and whether it intensifies over time.

The reasons why a dog smells of rot from the mouth may be due to insufficient care for the oral cavity, disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and external factors.

Problems related to the oral cavity

In fact, a tartar is an ordinary dental plaque that has hardened. To find it, you just need to take the dog's lip to the side. Such an examination does not require any qualification, however, before examining your pet's teeth, you should be sure of his calm disposition. Otherwise, the animal may be frightened and cause serious injury to its owner.

The victim of tartar, in the first place, are the gums of the dog, which become inflamed and begin to bleed. Sometimes tooth enamel is involved in the pathological process, as a result of the destruction of which the root is affected. In this case, we can talk about the occurrence of caries, which threatens to lose teeth.

Problems with internal organs

What specific health problems can lead to dog mouth stink?

1. Change of teeth. Sometimes new teeth grow in, but milk teeth are in no hurry to fall out. In such cases, wounds may occur on the gum. Food debris gets into them, as a result of which inflammation can occur. Because of him, the dog stinks from the mouth, including rot.
2. Pieces of food or various foreign objects (chips from sticks, pieces of toys) can get into the gaps between the teeth and stay there. This causes inflammatory processes, due to which the dog smells from the mouth.

The reasons why an adult dog smells bad from the mouth are somewhat different. It could be:

All of the above are health and hygiene concerns. But external factors can also contribute to the unpleasant “flavor” from the mouth. If they are removed, the problem will disappear. Here are the main ones:

• the predominance of protein foods. If a pet stinks of rot from its mouth, reconsider its diet. A putrid odor can provoke a nitrogenous substance that is released during the digestion of meat products. A little less meat, more vegetables - and check if the dog's breath stinks.
• unbalanced diet or switching to another food. What to do? Return the pet to the previous diet.
• chlorinated water. In this case, switching to bottled liquid will help.
• in breeds with short snouts, some of the food can get into the space behind the cheeks, rot there and cause an unpleasant odor. What to do? Check the animal's mouth after eating.

In many ways, the cause of halitosis, as “bad breath” is called in medicine, is the reluctance of owners to maintain oral hygiene of their pet.

In the advertisement or annotation of any dry dog ​​food, the same phrase is found that the pieces of food effectively clean off plaque and prevent the formation of tartar. Naturally, such information is perceived by most owners as an exemption from a burdensome duty.

However, solid food particles cannot sufficiently clean the teeth of plaque, especially in the interdental space and at the border with the gums. Hard deposits gradually displace the gum, exposing the roots, which leads to loosening and subsequent loss of teeth.

But this factor is not the only one that forms a kind of "ambre" from the pet's mouth. Veterinarians conditionally divide hairy patients with halitosis into 3 age groups, each of which has its own causes of this syndrome.

Puppies under 1 year old

In healthy puppies, there are not many causes of bad mouth odor. Most often, its causes are as follows:

• change of milk teeth to permanent ones;
• injuries of the oral mucosa and gums while eating or playing;
• features of the structure of the dentition in puppies.

During the change of teeth, some violations of the process may occur - milk teeth do not fall out in time, deteriorate, which leads to halitosis.

With an anomaly of bite in a dog, incomplete closure of the teeth of the upper and lower jaws occurs. At the same time, pieces of food get stuck in the interdental space, rot, causing an unpleasant odor.

Representatives of dwarf breeds and brachycephals have a hereditary predisposition to malocclusion and deviations in the formation of the dentition. Therefore, halitosis among representatives of these breeds is much more common.

Curious, active puppies are happy to “scratch” their teeth on branches, furniture legs, ropes and other objects that can damage the gum mucosa or get stuck between the teeth. Erosive damage in the pet's mouth (abrasions, wounds) are the entrance gate for pathogenic microflora that causes dental diseases.

middle aged dogs

Diagnostic methods for halitosis

Before visiting the veterinary clinic, the owner of the dog needs to prepare:

• First of all, remember when was the last time you had your teeth cleaned and tartar removed;
• list all cases of colds and viral diseases;
• observe the behavior and condition of the dog for 2-3 days;
• analyze the pet's diet, as some foods, when fed naturally, can cause smell from the mouth.

After that, the doctor conducts physical examinations - examination, palpation, listening. Often these studies are enough to make a diagnosis of halitosis. If a systemic pathology is suspected as the cause of bad breath in a dog, a specialist may prescribe additional diagnostic methods. These include:

• laboratory tests of blood, urine, feces;
• Ultrasound of organs;
• radiography.

After confirming the diagnosis and establishing the cause of the syndrome, appropriate treatment is prescribed, recommendations are given for caring for the oral cavity, or the animal is sent to the dentist.

How to get rid

Oral hygiene

It is quite easy to eliminate bad breath if the problem is insufficient oral hygiene: you just need to brush the animal's teeth with a special paste. A good way to remove plaque is also to use dental treats. It is important to understand that it will be possible to remove a bad smell with the help of hygiene procedures only if it is caused precisely by the accumulation of plaque on the teeth and gums. With the formation of stone deposits, periodontitis and other dental diseases, the dog should only be assisted by a specialist.

Change of teeth

The bad smell from the mouth that accompanies the change of teeth in a puppy usually does not require any treatment and will eventually go away on its own. However, this does not mean that the pet does not need a visit to the veterinarian. The owners of a young dog need to make sure that the stench is caused precisely by the natural processes of the development of the animal, and not by pathological abnormalities in the body.

In addition, it is necessary to control how the change of teeth takes place. In order to somewhat freshen up a puppy's foul-smelling breath, experts usually advise wiping the mucous membrane of the animal's mouth from time to time with a soda solution, which can be made from 1 cup of warm boiled water and 1 tbsp. a spoonful of soda.

Other cases

If, after the hygiene procedures performed, the dog's mouth still smells of something unpleasant, this means that the pet needs to undergo a serious examination in a clinic. It may include ultrasound, blood tests, urine tests, and other procedures necessary to determine the exact cause.

Bad breath in a pet is by no means the norm. If the pet's breath has become stale, the owner should definitely contact a specialist and find out why this is happening. It is important to remember: the sooner the cause of the bad smell from the dog's mouth is discovered, the higher the chances of maintaining the health of a four-legged friend.

Only after considering the factors that can cause halitosis in a dog, and establishing the cause that caused it, is the appropriate treatment prescribed for the pet.

In the presence of plaque, it is desirable to determine the correct feeding and introduce solid foods (carrots, apples, small bones) into the diet. This allows you to clean the oral cavity from soft formations, growths, plaque and food debris. A well-established method is to add tomato juice or softened tomato to food.

To restore the disturbed microflora, a course of medications, such as Bifidumbacterin or Bifitrilak, is recommended. In the presence of worms, treatment with anthelmintics is indicated.

The simplest preventive measures will help to avoid a putrid smell:

Brushing teeth (at least once a week) with antibacterial paste.

Introduction to the diet of solid foods.

Regular examination of the teeth and mouth, cleaning of plaque at home or in the clinic.

The use of special treats with rawhide and enzymes that help soften plaque on the teeth.

The use of rubber toys for chewing.

And, of course, it is necessary to remove sweet, starchy, fatty foods from the diet, which often cause "ambre" from the animal's mouth.

Prevention of bad breath in dogs

A putrid smell from the mouth is a symptom of the late stage of diseases of the teeth or internal organs. To detect diseases in the early stages, bring your pet to the veterinarian for an examination every year.

Take care of your pet. Teach him not to eat without your permission. After all, not only rotten food can lie on the ground, but also pieces of iron, poisoned food.

In order not to wonder what to do if the dog has bad breath, it is better to prevent this problem. To do this, the owner must from time to time pay attention to the oral hygiene of the pet. And some breeds require regular maintenance, such as the short-snouted species, where food debris can be deposited in the folds of the cheeks.

• the animal should be regularly examined in a veterinary clinic. This will allow timely detection of diseases and prevent their development.
• in the diet of the animal should be solid foods - this will allow the dog to get rid of plaque on its own.
• Pamper your pet with various delicacies from the veterinary pharmacy that are good for teeth.
• the owner needs to brush the animal's teeth. Today, there are various pastes and gels that simply need to be applied to the teeth. With regular cleaning, the smell will not appear.

If a dog has a strong stink from the oral cavity, including rot, this is a reason to pay attention to its health. The smell can serve as a signal of illness, in some cases, with rather complicated treatment and irreversible consequences. Therefore, remember: if the dog has bad breath, take it to a specialist who will help determine the cause and prescribe the correct treatment.

Of course, the problem is not always serious. Some dog breeds are prone to "aroma" due to their physiology. So, it often stinks from the mouth, for example, in boxers. You need to know this and regularly take care of them with hygiene.

Home treatment should be carried out only if it does not harm the pet. When self-medicating, be sure to check whether your methods help, whether the smell is reduced. If not, a visit to a specialist is inevitable. Take care of the health and well-being of your four-legged friend, because, apart from the owner, no one can do this.

To prevent the appearance of a terrible smell, you should regularly apply preventive measures.

1. The dog must be examined by a veterinarian without fail. Pay special attention to the oral cavity.
2. If there is an unpleasant odor, then a special diet should be followed. To reduce plaque, include solid foods in your diet.
3. Special products from a veterinary pharmacy. This delicacy is prepared from rawhide and a special enzyme is added that protects teeth and dissolves plaque.
4. Regular brushing of teeth. It is advisable for the owner not to forget about this necessary procedure for the animal.
5. Therapeutic procedures of the teeth, which include the removal of tartar.