Is a Dog’s Bad Breath From Their Stomach? What to Know!

Has your dog’s breath been so bad lately that it could almost knock you over? Bad breath isn’t something you have to live with as a pet owner, and it’s not a prerequisite of dog ownership.

Usually, when we have bad breath, it’s because we haven't brushed our teeth in a while. Does the same rule apply to dogs? Is your pup’s bad breath simply due to poor oral hygiene, or are there other factors at work?

Truthfully, many things can cause bad breath in dogs. One common culprit is an imbalanced gut or oral microbiome. Keep reading to learn more.

How Does Stomach Health Affect a Dog’s Breath?

It may seem strange that your dog’s stomach health can affect their breath, but it’s true. Let’s look a little closer at what stomach-related issues could be making your pup’s breath stinky.

Imbalanced Microbiome

Not only are balanced gut and oral microbiomes important for your pup’s general health, but imbalances in either can be the reason that your dog’s breath is less than ideal.

Megaesophagus

Megaesophagus is a disorder that causes the esophagus to dilate and lose its ability to perform its job of moving food into the stomach. With decreased esophageal motility, your dog’s ingested food and liquids can accumulate and become regurgitated.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, this condition is more common in certain dog breeds than others. Breeds that seem to be predisposed to megaesophagus include:

Aside from bad breath, other symptoms to be on the lookout for include:

How Can One Treat Stomach-Related Bad Breath?

If you know that your dog’s breath is so bad because of stomach issues, your goal should be to keep its intestinal tract healthy. Let’s take a closer look at how you can achieve this goal. As always, we recommend speaking to your vet before trying any remedies or switching up your pup’s diet.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that can be fed to dogs (and people!) and convey benefit to the digestive tract. When your dog has a high number of probiotics in its diet, it can help to restore the normal intestinal flora balance.

Diet Changes

Switching up your dog’s diet may help to eliminate or, at the very least, reduce bad breath. We recommend having this conversation with your vet, but in the meantime, you might consider looking at what products have been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). The foods that get the stamp of approval from the VOHC have been specially formulated to remove plaque or tartar from your dog’s teeth which can not only freshen their breath but reduce the likelihood of developing gum disease.

Healthy foods like carrots or apple slices can help keep your dog’s breath fresh.

Yogurt is another healthy human food you can use to remedy bad breath. Add some plain yogurt to your up’s meals. Be sure the yogurt you’re offering is free of sugar substitutes, especially Xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs.

Level Up Your Dental Care

Brushing your dog’s teeth correctly and with the right products can go a long way in treating bad breath. The VOHC has given their stamp of approval to a toothbrush and toothpaste from HealthyMouth as well as any ADA-compliant toothbrush with soft bristles and a flat head.

The VOHC also recommends TropiClean, a water additive for dogs. This product provides a unique blend of ingredients that work together to clean your dog’s teeth and mouth. The manufacturer claims it can promote fresher breath within 14 days. Since this additive is tasteless, even the most sensitive dogs won’t know you’ve added something healthy to their water and will be less likely to turn their nose up at it.

What Else Can Affect a Dog’s Breath?

Unfortunately, bad breath doesn’t just indicate poor oral hygiene or a stomach issue. Other conditions can change the way your dog’s breath smells.

Dental Problems

Perhaps the most obvious cause of bad breath is dental problems. The most common cause of stinky breath is from plaque, the buildup of bacteria on your dog’s teeth. If this plaque isn’t removed, it can lead to gingivitis.

Eating Habits

If your dog constantly eats garbage or feces, you can only imagine how bad its breath will be. Not only is eating these non-food items gross, but it can also put your pup at risk of potential intestinal blockages.

Medical Issues

Kidney disease may make your dog’s breath smell like quite unpleasing, especially if oral ulcers are present. Diabetes can cause sweet and fruity breath. Dogs like to be clean, so if they’re dealing with diarrhea, they may be licking their bottoms to remove any remnants. And just as with humans, a dog that’s vomiting can also have awful and sour breath.

Final Thoughts

There are many reasons your dog’s breath could be smelling awful lately. While their stomach health could affect their breath, it certainly isn’t the only cause. If you’re concerned about your pup’s bad breath, make an appointment with your vet to chat about the potential cause and what treatment would be best for your dog’s needs.

See also: Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Undigested Food? 8 Potential Issues

Featured Image Credit: 5019938, Pixabay