Health Topics  >  Dental and Oral  >  Bad Breath

Does your dog have bad breath?

Halitosis (or as we like to call it, Howl-itosis), or bad breath, is a condition in dogs characterized by a strong and offensive odor from the oral cavity. 

Sometimes there is a simple explanation for it (such as a dog who has recently eaten a fishy meal or has been licking at their back end), but if the bad breath lingers or if you notice a new smell, you’ll want to take a closer look. It is not uncommon for dogs to have occasional bouts of bad breath which don’t result in a serious outcome. 

If the bad breath lingers or has a sudden onset, you’ll need to take a closer look. Check your dog’s mouth for any foreign objects, inflamed gums or growths.

Smelly dog breath is not usually a cause for concern, but chronic cases of bad dog breath could be a sign of a more serious issue.