What are the causes of bad breath for dogs?
Bad breath in dogs, also known as halitosis, can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some common causes of bad breath in dogs:
Dental problems
Plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth can lead to gum disease, which can cause bad breath. Dental issues can also cause infection and abscesses in the mouth, leading to bad breath.
Poor diet
A diet high in carbohydrates and processed foods can contribute to bad breath in dogs. These types of foods can lead to the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth and cause inflammation in the gums.
Dehydration
Just like in humans, dehydration can cause bad breath in dogs. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of clean water at all times.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes, can cause bad breath in dogs. If your dog's breath has suddenly changed or if they are experiencing other symptoms, it's important to consult with your veterinarian.
Respiratory infections
Infections in the respiratory tract, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, can also cause bad breath in dogs.
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How do I treat and prevent bad breath?
Here are the top 5 ways to beat and prevent bad breath for your dog.
1. Professional teeth cleaning
If your dog's dental health isn't in a great state, a veterinarian can help remove plaque and gunk from your dog’s teeth, helping providing a platform for ongoing preventive dental care.
2. Daily tooth brushing
By using specialised paste and brushes made for dogs, you can keep your dog's teeth looking great! You brush your own teeth, why not brush your dogs?
3. Dental Chews
Dental Chews are specially designed to remove plaque and tartar, strengthen the jaw bone, and stimulate the production of saliva, which is important for good oral health. Browse our range of dental chews here.
4. Daily Mouth rinse
A daily mouth rinse with a dental cleaner made for dogs can help prevent plaque accumulation and reduce gingivitis. Who said mouthwash is just for humans?
5. Water additives
Adding water additives to your pets diet are an easy way to help control plaque at home.
It's important to address the cause of bad breath in your dog in order to effectively treat it. Regular dental care, a healthy diet, and plenty of water can help prevent bad breath in dogs. If your dog's breath has suddenly changed or if you notice other symptoms, it's important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause and proper treatment.
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To learn more about dog dental health, check out our in-depth dental hygiene article:
Browse our vet-recommended dental products
Aquadent FR3SH Dental Water Additive for Cats and Dogs


Transform your pet’s oral hygiene with Aquadent FR3SH™ Dental Water Additive for Cats and Dogs - a highly effective and palatable water additive designed to control plaque and reduce bad breath in dogs and cats. This advanced formula utilizes FR3SH™ technology, harnessing the power of natural ingredients to target and neutralize bad breath from both oral and digestive sources.
Key Benefits:
- Targeted Formula: Combats bad breath at its root by addressing both oral and digestive causes, promoting fresh breath and improved oral health.
- Convenient Use: Effortlessly integrate into your pet’s daily routine. Simply add to their drinking water using the included dosing cap.
- Veterinary Expertise: Crafted by veterinary dental specialists to ensure safety and effectiveness for both cats and dogs.
- High Palatability: Designed for easy acceptance by pets, with no noticeable reduction in water consumption.
Enhance your pet’s dental care with Aquadent FR3SH™ and enjoy fresher breath and a healthier mouth with minimal effort.
Available in: 250ml and 500ml Packs
Petosan Complete Dental Kit for Dogs


Petosan Complete Dental Kits
For Small Dogs (<6kg): Contains a small double headed toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth (finger brush). Ideal for dogs who are new to toothbrushing.
For Large Dogs (>16kg): A plastic outer protective case contains a large toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth.
Petosan OralCleaner Finger Cloth
A reusable, antibacterial microfibre finger brush which removes plaque and bacteria from your dog's mouth. It is easier to use and provides better cleaning than finger toothbrushes. The Finger Cloth is an ideal way to start toothbrushing your dog.
Petosan Toothpaste
This tasty poultry-flavoured toothpaste has been specifically formulated for pets to help remove plaque and prevent the build-up of tartar. No rinsing required.
- Small Dogs (3 - 6kg)
- Medium Dogs (7 - 15kg)
- Large Dogs (16kg+)
VeggieDent FR3SH Medium Dog


VeggieDent® FR3SH dental chews feature an innovative Z-shape design that makes them easy for your dog to grab and chew. This unique shape, combined with the right size and texture, effectively reduces plaque and tartar formation, promoting dental health as endorsed by the Veterinary Health Care Council (VOHC®).
Key Benefits:
- Highly Palatable: Tasty flavor that dogs love.
- Freshens Breath: Helps eliminate bad breath while cleaning teeth.
- Natural Ingredients: Made from plant-based ingredients with no animal proteins or artificial additives.
- Maximised Chewing Experience: Z-shape enhances grip and encourages longer chewing time.
Choose VeggieDent® FR3SH for a healthier smile and fresher breath for your canine companion!
Contains:
- Pomegranate: an antioxidant to promote gum health
- Erythritol to cool and freshen the mouth
- Inulin: a prebiotic that addresses the digestive cause of bad breath
Pack Sizes
Available in 15, 30 and 60 Packs.
Conclusion
Keeping your dog's breath fresh and their oral health in check doesn't have to be a chore. By incorporating these five methods—professional teeth cleaning, daily brushing, dental chews, mouth rinses, and water additives—into your routine, you can tackle bad breath and promote your dog’s overall well-being.