Dog Bad Breath: Causes, Prevention Tips & Best Products
If your dog's breath could clear a room faster than their zoomies, you're not alone. Bad dog breath (aka halitosis) is a stinky situation many Kiwi pet parents deal with – but it’s not something you (or your dog) have to live with. In this guide, we’ll sniff out the most common reasons your dog's breath smells bad, how to prevent it, and which products can help tame the doggy dragon breath.
Why Does My Dog's Breath Smell Bad?
We Get Pet – and we know that while some doggy breath is normal, persistent foul odours can be a sign of bigger issues. Here are some of the most common causes of bad breath in dogs:
- Dental Disease: Tartar buildup, plaque, and gum disease are top offenders. Bacteria thrive in unbrushed mouths, leading to smelly breath.
- Diet: What your dog eats plays a big role. Diets high in soft or wet foods and occasional scavenging (think: possum poo!) can worsen odour.
- Oral Infections: Abscesses or infected gums caused by broken teeth or stuck food can create a real stink.
- Underlying Health Issues: Conditions like kidney disease or diabetes can cause unusual smelling breath. Sweet or ammonia-like odours are worth a vet check.
How To Prevent Doggie Breath From Going Bad
Just like us humans, dogs benefit from regular dental care. Here’s how to keep your pup’s pearly whites healthy and their breath smelling sweet-ish:
- Brush Those Gnashers: Use a dog-safe toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste) to brush a few times a week – or daily if your dog allows it!
- Offer Dental Chews: Treats designed to scrub teeth while they chew can help reduce tartar. Look for proven dental treats safe for your dog’s size and breed.
- Choose Oral Care Diets: Some premium dog foods are specially formulated to support dental health. Check out science-backed options like Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin.
- Use Oral Care Additives: Water additives and dental gels can help freshen breath between brushes. Easy to use and great for fussy pups!
- Regular Vet Checks: Routine check-ups can catch dental disease early and keep your dog safe and smiling.
Products That Help With Bad Dog Breath
Stopping stinky breath in its tracks often means using a combo of tools, from chews to toothbrushes. These expert-loved products are top choices among Petdirect’s pup parents:
- Prozym dental sticks and water additives – gentle but effective oral care support.
- Greenies dog dental chews – clinically proven and dog-approved.
- Oxyfresh water additive – odourless, tasteless and tackles bacteria at the source.
- Dog toothbrushes and toothpaste kits – for a fresh mouth and fresher kisses.
We’ve paw-picked the best dental care essentials on our site. Visit our range of dog dental care products to explore more.
When Should I Be Worried About My Dog’s Bad Breath?
If brushing and dental chews don’t help, or your dog’s breath has a chemical, fruity or sour odour, it’s time to chat with your vet. Bad breath can be a clue to something more serious, including:
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Kidney dysfunction (breath may smell like ammonia)
- Diabetes (unusually sweet-smelling breath)
- Gastrointestinal issues causing chronic bad odour
Just like you'd book your own dentist for more than just pearly whites, regular vet visits help keep doggy health in check from nose to tail.
Keep Your Pup’s Breath Fresh With Help From Petdirect
No one wants to dodge dog kisses over smelly breath – and you don’t have to. With daily care, the right products, and helpful advice from our expert team, fresh dog breath is more than possible.
At Petdirect, we get pet – we get that your dog’s health, happiness and hygiene matter. That’s why we stock a range of trusted dog dental care products and nutrition from pet science health nutrition brands you can rely on.
Need a little help choosing the right items? Our Pet Perks members get access to expert tips, rewards, and exclusive deals. Join Pet Perks today and start turning dog breath woes into tail-wagging wins.