Natural Remedies For Dog Bad Breath From Stomach & Digestive Problems
Common Causes of Bad Breath In Dogs
Bad breath in dogs, or halitosis, is often more than a stinky odor, it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. While stomach and digestive problems, along with dental disease, are the primary reasons for bad breath in dogs, it can also be caused by health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. Pet owners may notice unusual odors, like an ammonia odor, which can be linked to health issues outside of the mouth. Understanding the root cause of your dog's bad breath is necessary for effective treatment. It is important to see your vet to get help in determining the cause of your dog's stinky breath.
How Is Dog Bad Breath Linked To Dental Issues & Tooth Extractions?
Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of bad breath in dogs. Dog bad breath is often caused by the accumulation of odor-producing bacteria and tartar in your pet's mouth. Bad bacteria can build up inside your dog's mouth, inflaming the gums and causing cavities, loss of teeth and infection. Regular dental cleanings are essential, and non-anesthetic dental cleanings are available in many areas.
Some dogs though are genetically predisposed to tartar buildup and dental issues. Small breeds, in particular, often suffer from crowded teeth due to their smaller jaws, creating tight spaces where food particles and bacteria can easily accumulate. This can lead to plaque buildup, gum disease, and the eventual need for tooth extractions.
Why Small Dogs Are More Prone to Dental Issues
Smaller dogs like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Toy Poodles often face a higher risk of dental disease and extractions because their teeth are crowded into smaller mouths, increasing the likelihood of plaque buildup. These dogs also tend to have faster metabolisms and more sensitive digestive systems, which can contribute to acid reflux and further damage to their oral health.
How Digestive Problems and Acid Reflux Affect Dog Breath
Poor digestion can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut, which affects not only overall health but also oral health. When a dog’s digestive system isn't functioning properly, it can result in acid reflux or an "acid stomach." This condition can cause stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus and mouth, eroding tooth enamel and worsening dental decay. Acid reflux is particularly common in small dogs, whose anatomical structure makes them more susceptible to this condition. Over time, this can lead to bad breath, increased risk of dental extractions, and other health problems.
The Connection Between Acid Reflux, Tooth Extractions & Tracheal Issues In Small Dogs
Acid reflux does not just damage teeth, it can also aggravate other health issues in small dogs, such as tracheal collapse or tracheal weakness. Constant exposure to stomach acids can irritate the throat and weaken the trachea, increasing the likelihood of collapse. This creates a vicious cycle where poor digestion, bad breath, and weakened tracheal health exacerbate each other. Proper management involves regular dental care, a hypoallergenic, low carbohydrate diet, and supplements to support both digestive and respiratory health. Supplements can help improve your dog's microbiome (the micro-organisms in your dog's intestinal tract) enabling a healthy balance between the good and bad bacteria. When the microbiome is out of balance, dysbiosis can cause digestive upset and affect your dog's dental and tracheal health.
Other Health Conditions Linked To Bad Breath In Dogs
Bad dog breath can also be a symptom of more serious health conditions:
Metabolic Conditions
Diabetes, kidney disease and liver problems are serious metabolic disorders that can cause distinct types of bad breath in dogs.
Fruity Dog Breath - Diabetes occurs when there is not enough insulin to fuel the metabolic process. Increased sugar levels in the saliva, combined with a suppressed immune system, allows bacteria in the mouth to thrive. This can create a sweet-smelling or fruity bad breath.
Ammonia Dog Breath - "Ammonia breath" is a classic sign of kidney disease. When the kidneys begin to fail, they can no longer effectively filter out the toxins and waste products in the blood. The toxins build up and can emanate through your dog's mouth.
Laboratory tests, such as a blood panel and urine analysis, can determine if your dog's bad breath is due to a metabolic disorder. A physical exam by a veterinarian can determine if your dog has dental or gum problems such as an abscess. Poor dental health can lead to serious, potentially fatal health conditions such as heart disease and kidney disease.
Click here to learn more about pet dental health.
Allergies
When a dog is allergic to a certain food, it can trigger inflammation throughout the digestive tract, causing symptoms of acid stomach, diarrhea and vomiting. It's important to feed your pet a hypoallergenic diet and avoid common food allergens. Poultry is a common allergen and even if you are feeding your pet a raw frozen diet, your pet can continue to react to it. Dry food can be hard for many pets to digest as it contains a great deal of over-processed carbohydrates - even the grain-free varieties.
Anal Glands
Anal glands (or anal sacs) are located on both sides of your dog's anus. They contain specialized sweat glands that secrete a scent marker for your dog. Dogs express their anal glands when they poop and when they are scared. Anal gland problems can give your dog an itchy butt and cause him to scoot on the floor. So when you ask: why does my dog's breath smell like fish? The fishy odor comes from your dog licking his butt. He may lick the anal glands for relief and the anal gland fluid can get on his tongue.
What Can I Give My Dog For Bad Breath?
Dental chews and doggie mints can only do so much for bad breath in dogs. They may temporarily mask the odor, but they do not address what is causing the pungent smell.
A dog's bad breath can often be a sign of underlying health issues, so it's very important to address the root causes rather than just masking the odor. Fresh, clean breath depends on a healthy bacterial balance in your dog's mouth. Bad breath is an indicator of an imbalance in the microscopic community that lives in your dog's mouth, intestinal tract, and respiratory system.
Feeding high-quality, natural foods free from fillers and artificial ingredients can improve oral and digestive health. Adding natural supplements, like probiotics to help balance the gut microbiome, along with enzymes and herbal remedies to help address stomach problems that may be contributing to bad breath. By improving your dog's digestion and gut health, you will likely see a reduction in dog bad breath.
Top Supplements To Help With Dog Bad Breath
K9 Digestive Enzymes - If your dog’s breath stinks, poor digestion could be the cause. When food is poorly digested, it creates gas and pain, and K9 Digestive Enzymes improve the digestion and absorption of fats and protein especially. K9 Digestive Enzymes is very helpful for improving the pH balance of the mouth and reducing tartar related to poor digestion.
Power Probiotic - Backed by scientific research, this powerful, multi-strain probiotic supplement promotes the growth of good, friendly bacteria to support a healthy mouth and digestive system.
Gastro ULC Acid Reducer - When pets have acid reflux, it can cause stomach acids to back up into the esophagus and mouth. This can lead to erosion of the teeth and other periodontal problems. Pets with acid reflux tend to have bad breath as well. Gastro ULC works best when used with both Power Probiotic and K9 Digestive Enzymes or LypoZyme.
LypoZyme Digestive Enzymes - This is a gentle, tasteless, easy-to-use enzyme supplement that helps pets digest protein and fats. While ideally the K9 Digestive Enzymes is the best choice for eliminating bad breath in dogs, some small dogs may be sensitive so starting out with LypoZyme is a great approach. For small and sensitive dogs.
Recommended Diet For Dogs With Bad Breath
Diet can play an important role in supporting the health of your pet's mouth. Even "healthy” or “organic" premium brands can be problematic if they contain ingredients that cause inflammation, convert to sugars and create allergic responses. Using natural supplements to improve digestion along with feeding a low carbohydrate diet can reduce halitosis.
Ask Ariel is dedicated to helping you get rid of your dog's bad breath naturally. Please be sure to include your dog’s diet on the order form at checkout. Our nutritionist will include diet tips on the packing slip that comes with your product directions.
Originally published Jan 11, 2023
Updated March 28, 2024
Written by: Susan Davis, Pet Health Nutritionist, CCN
All pet treatment protocols and pet treatment supplements have been reviewed and approved by a veterinarian
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