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Halitosis (Bad Breath) in Dogs
By: Dr. Debra Primovic
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. These 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
Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the bad breath and help guide subsequent treatment recommendations. 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
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 planning (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.
Finally, evaluation by your veterinarian if the bad breath persists.
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