A veterinary expert has urged dog owners to pay closer attention to their pet's mouth—and not just with their eyes. Speaking on the official Pooch and Mutt TikTok channel, Alex the vet cautioned that your dog's smelly breath may be a sign of disease. While a dog's unpleasant breath might sometimes be due to a fishy meal or snack, there are situations that require veterinary attention.
Why Does My Dog's Breath Smell?
Team vet Dr. Alex Crow stated that a dog's breath "shouldn't" stink. He explained: "Most of the time bad breath in dogs is a sign of dental disease. Plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth, harden into tartar and start to irritate the gums. Over time, that can lead to infection, pain, loose teeth, and eventually, tooth loss if not managed."
Sharing some "good news," he said brushing your dog's teeth at home can help prevent this. In fact, "it's the most effective thing you can do." Given that we brush our own teeth twice daily to avoid dental issues and tooth loss, it makes sense. "Even a few times a week can make a big difference," according to Alex.
When to See a Vet
The expert warned that if "the smell is really strong, suddenly worse than usual or you notice red or bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty eating or your dog going off hard food, then that's your sign to see the vet because they may already need treatment." Stressing that "bad breath isn't just a mouth problem," Alex said that "in some cases it can be linked to digestive issues or even heart and kidney disease." He concluded: "If your dog's breath could clear a room, don't ignore it. Prevention is always better than a cure."
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Issues in Dogs
It's not just Pooch and Mutt urging owners to be wary. Experts at PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) emphasize that "many dogs don't show any symptoms of dental disease, so regular checks at home and with your vet are essential." If symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Halitosis (bad breath) – can also be caused by other issues
- Pain or difficulty eating, e.g., chewing on one side of the mouth
- Weight loss and decreased appetite
- Plaque and tartar – yellowish brown covering on the teeth
- Red, inflamed, bleeding gums
- Wobbly, missing or broken teeth
- Excessive drooling – sometimes with blood in it
- Preferring soft food to biscuits
- A swelling on the face (can indicate a tooth root abscess)
- Pawing at or rubbing the mouth or face
- Head shaking
- Dropping food from the mouth
