--- title: "Why does my dog have bad breath?" id: "6631" type: "post" slug: "why-does-my-dog-have-bad-breath" published_at: "2026-08-28T07:37:17+00:00" modified_at: "2026-08-28T08:33:42+00:00" url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/why-does-my-dog-have-bad-breath/" markdown_url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/why-does-my-dog-have-bad-breath.md" excerpt: "If you’ve ever leaned in to stroke your pup and been met with a less-than-pleasant whiff, you’re not alone. Bad breath (also called ‘halitosis’) is a common reason dog owners ask their vet about their dog’s oral health. While many..." taxonomy_category: - "Care & training" --- [Pet Talk](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/) [Care & training](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/category/care-and-training/) Why does my dog have bad breath? Care & training # Why does my dog have bad breath? Written by our RSPCA Pet Insurance Team 28 Aug, 2026 - 7 min read If you’ve ever leaned in to stroke your pup and been met with a less-than-pleasant whiff, you’re not alone. Bad breath (also called ‘halitosis’) is a common reason dog owners ask their vet about their dog’s oral health. While many people assume ‘doggy breath’ is just part of having a dog, it shouldn’t be. A healthy dog’s mouth should have little to no odour. Persistent bad breath usually has an underlying cause, most often in the mouth itself, but sometimes elsewhere in the body. In this blog, we’ll explore why your dog may have bad breath, the most common causes, when it could be a sign of dental disease, and simple things you can do to keep your dog’s mouth clean and healthy. **Table of contents** - [The short answer](#the-short-answer) - [Common causes of bad breath in dogs](#common-causes-of-bad-breath-in-dogs) - [When bad breath may indicate dental disease](#when-bad-breath-may-indicate-dental-disease) - [How to prevent bad breath and dental disease in dogs](#how-to-prevent-bad-breath-and-dental-disease-in-dogs) - [How pet insurance can help with the cost of treating dental disease](#how-pet-insurance-can-help-with-the-cost-of-treating-dental-disease) ## The short answer So, why does your dog have bad breath? In most cases, it’s caused by dental disease. Plaque and tartar build-up create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, and it’s these bacteria that cause the unpleasant smell. Around 80% of dogs over three years of age show some degree of dental disease, making it the most common reason for smelly breath. Bad breath isn’t always linked to dental disease, though. It can also be associated with your dog’s diet, food allergies, or underlying health conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes. That’s why persistent bad breath should be assessed by a vet to help identify the underlying cause. ## Common causes of bad breath in dogs There are a few reasons your dog’s breath might smell stronger than usual, including: - **Dental disease**: the most common cause of bad breath, usually due to plaque and tartar building up on the teeth. - **Diet**: what your dog eats, as well as some food allergies, can contribute to unpleasant-smelling breath. - **Underlying illness**: health conditions such as kidney disease and diabetes can also cause bad breath, even in dogs without dental disease. Because bad breath can have a range of causes, it’s worth having your dog checked by a vet who will identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment. ## When bad breath may indicate dental disease A healthy dog’s teeth should be white, their gums pink and shiny, and their breath should have little to no odour. If your dog’s breath smells unpleasant, it may be a sign of dental disease. Dental disease begins when bacteria and food particles collect on the teeth as plaque. Without regular removal, plaque hardens into tartar. Over time, the gums can become red and inflamed, leading to gingivitis. If left untreated, bacteria can spread below the gum line, damaging the tissues around the teeth and potentially resulting in tooth loss. The bacteria involved in dental disease can also enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease. Some dogs are also more likely to develop dental disease than others. Small breeds tend to accumulate plaque on their back molars as they age, while brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs such as Pugs and French Bulldogs) are at higher risk due to their facial conformation, which can result in crowded teeth that are harder to keep clean. ## How to prevent bad breath and dental disease in dogs There are several steps you can take to help reduce the risk of dental disease and bad breath in dogs: ### Brush your dog’s teeth every day Daily brushing is the most effective way to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Use a soft toothbrush or a finger brush, and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs (never use human toothpaste), and introduce brushing gradually from a young age to help your dog become comfortable with the process. ### Consider dental diets, chews, or water additives Dental diets, dental chews, water additives, and chlorhexidine gels or mouthwashes may help reduce plaque and bacteria. While these products can support your dog’s oral health, they should complement, not replace, daily tooth brushing. Look for products accepted by the [Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)](https://vohc.org/) and speak to your vet about which options may be best for your dog. ### Schedule regular dental check-ups Regular dental examinations can help identify signs of dental disease before they become more serious. If needed, your vet may recommend a professional scale and polish, along with dental X-rays, performed under general anaesthesia. ### Avoid anaesthesia-free dentistry The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) [advises against anaesthesia-free dental procedures](https://www.ava.com.au/policy/anaesthesia-free-dentistry-in-dogs-and-cats) . These treatments only remove visible tartar and can’t adequately assess or treat disease below the gum line. They may also mask underlying dental problems while causing unnecessary pain and distress. Remember that while groomers may be able to assist with routine tooth brushing, only vets are qualified to properly assess, diagnose, and treat dental disease. ## How pet insurance can help with the cost of treating dental disease Persistent bad breath can be a sign of a dental problem that may become more painful and potentially more costly to treat if left unaddressed. Having pet insurance can help ease the financial pressure of vet costs, so you can focus on getting your pup the care they need. The sooner dental disease is identified and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be. With [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) , you can customise your cover to suit your pet and your budget. If your pet is under three years old, you can also add optional dental illness cover, which helps cover the cost of treatment for eligible conditions affecting the teeth, gums and periodontal tissue, including gingivitis, tartar and plaque, periodontal disease, gingival conditions and other dental conditions, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy. To learn more about how pet dental cover works, read our guide to [pet dental insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/pet-dental-insurance-whats-covered-and-whats-not/) . Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote [online](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . ### **Disclaimer** As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the [Product Disclosure Statement](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/) to make sure this cover suits your needs. **References** [1] RSPCA Australia. *Why does my dog’s breath smell?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/health-issues/why-does-my-dogs-breath-smell](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/health-issues/why-does-my-dogs-breath-smell) [2] RSPCA Australia. *Why is anaesthesia important for dog and cat dentistry?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pet-ownership/why-is-anaesthesia-important-for-dog-and-cat-dentistry](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pet-ownership/why-is-anaesthesia-important-for-dog-and-cat-dentistry) [3] RSPCA Australia. *How should I take care of my cat or dog’s teeth?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/how-should-i-take-care-of-my-cat-or-dogs-teeth](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/how-should-i-take-care-of-my-cat-or-dogs-teeth) [4] Australian Veterinary Association. *Anaesthesia-free dentistry in dogs and cats.* Available from: [https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/companion-animals-health/anaesthesia-free-dentistry-in-dogs-and-cats](https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/companion-animals-health/anaesthesia-free-dentistry-in-dogs-and-cats) [5] Australian Veterinary Association. *Dental disease in 80% of dogs and cats over age 3.* Vet Voice. Available from: [https://www.vetvoice.com.au/media-releases/dental-disease-in-80-of-dogs-and-cats-over-age-3/](https://www.vetvoice.com.au/media-releases/dental-disease-in-80-of-dogs-and-cats-over-age-3/) [6] VCA Animal Hospitals. *Dental Disease and its Relation to Systemic Disease in Pets.* Available from: [https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-and-its-relation-to-systemic-disease-in-pets](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-and-its-relation-to-systemic-disease-in-pets) [7] Advanced Animal Dentistry. *Unique Dental Issues in Brachycephalic Breeds.* Available from: [https://animaldental.com.au/brachycephalic-breeds-unique-dental-issues/](https://animaldental.com.au/brachycephalic-breeds-unique-dental-issues/) [8] MSD Veterinary Manual. *Dental Disorders of Dogs.* Available from: [https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/dental-disorders-of-dogs](https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/dental-disorders-of-dogs) ## FAQs ### Is it normal for dogs to have smelly breath? No. While many people think ‘doggy breath’ is just part of having a dog, a healthy dog’s mouth should have little to no odour. Persistent bad breath can be a sign that something needs attention, most commonly dental disease, so it’s worth booking a check-up with your vet. ### What’s the most common cause of bad breath in dogs? Dental disease is the most common cause of bad breath in dogs. Plaque and tartar build-up allow bacteria to thrive, creating an unpleasant smell, and around 80% of dogs over three years of age show some degree of dental disease, making early dental care especially important. ### Can bad breath in dogs be a sign of something more serious? Yes. While dental disease is the most common cause, bad breath can also be linked to your dog’s diet, food allergies, or underlying health conditions such as kidney disease and diabetes. If your dog has persistent bad breath, your vet can help identify the underlying cause. ### How often should I brush my dog’s teeth? Ideally, every day. Daily brushing is the most effective way to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar, helping to prevent dental disease and keeping your dog’s mouth clean and healthy. Be sure to use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs and follow your vet’s advice on the best dental care routine for your pup. ### When should I take my dog to the vet about bad breath? If your dog has persistent bad breath, it’s worth booking a check-up with your vet. Bad breath is often one of the earliest signs of dental disease, and early treatment can help prevent more serious problems from developing. Your vet can perform a thorough examination to work out what’s causing the smell and recommend the most appropriate treatment. If you need help covering some of these vet costs, it may be worth considering [pet insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/what-is-pet-insurance/) . With [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) , you can customise your cover to suit your pet and budget. And, if your pup is under three years old, you can also add optional dental illness cover, which helps cover the cost of treatment for eligible dental conditions, subject to your policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions. To learn more, visit the RSPCA Pet Insurance [website](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-insurance/) or get a commitment-free quote [online](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the [Product Disclosure Statement](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/) to make sure this cover suits your needs. [See more](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/faqs/) ## Related blogs [How to tell if your dog or cat is dehydrated Aug 2026 - 8 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-or-cat-is-dehydrated/) [Understanding dog allergies: signs, types, and how to manage them Aug 2026 - 7 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/understanding-dog-allergies/) [How to trim your dog or cat’s nails safely Aug 2026 - 10 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/how-to-trim-your-dog-or-cats-nails-safely/)