How to Get Rid of Stinky Dog Breath

There’s nothing quite like getting close to your dog for some cuddles, only to be hit with overwhelmingly bad breath. While a little “doggy breath” is normal, persistent foul odor can be a sign of underlying health issues. Whether your pup’s breath smells fishy, sour, or just plain awful, it’s often caused by poor oral hygiene, diet, or digestive imbalances.

Many pet parents assume that bad breath in dogs is just a fact of life, but the truth is, it’s often preventable. By addressing the root causes—dental health, gut health, and nutrition—you can help your dog maintain fresh breath and overall well-being.

This guide covers the most common causes of bad breath in dogs, effective home remedies, and how proper nutrition—including Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food and Spot & Tango Dental Chews—can play a key role in improving oral health and reducing bad breath naturally.

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?
• Dog Bad Breath Remedies: How to Freshen Your Dog’s Breath Naturally
• When to See a Vet About Bad Breath
• How Spot & Tango Supports Fresh Breath & Digestive Health
• Common Questions About Dog Bad Breath

Key Takeaways

• Bad breath in dogs is often caused by poor dental hygiene, digestive issues, or diet-related factors. Regular brushing, dental chews, and a high-quality diet can help freshen breath naturally.
• Addressing the root cause of bad breath is essential for long-term results. Plaque buildup, gum disease, and gut imbalances can all contribute to foul-smelling breath, so a combination of oral care and proper nutrition is key.
• A high-quality diet supports both oral and digestive health. Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food or UnKibble provides whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that promote better digestion, while the Spot & Tango Dental Chews will help clean teeth and reduce bad breath at the source.

Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?

A dog’s breath shouldn’t smell like roses, but it also shouldn’t knock you over. If your dog’s breath is persistently foul, it’s important to understand the possible causes.

1. Poor Dental Hygiene and Plaque Buildup

Just like humans, dogs need regular dental care to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Without proper brushing or dental chews, plaque and tartar accumulate, leading to bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. As bacteria grow in the mouth, they release foul-smelling compounds that contribute to halitosis (chronic bad breath).

Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs:

• Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Excessive drooling
• Pawing at the mouth or difficulty chewing

If left untreated, dental disease can lead to infections, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems affecting the heart and kidneys.

2. Diet and Digestive Health Issues

A dog’s diet plays a major role in their breath. Poor-quality food, heavily processed ingredients, and artificial additives can disrupt gut health, leading to bad breath that originates from the stomach rather than the mouth.

Common Diet-Related Causes of Bad Breath:

• Low-quality ingredients – Fillers and artificial additives can lead to digestive issues that cause foul-smelling breath.
• Food allergies or sensitivities – If your dog struggles with digestion, it may result in bad breath due to gas buildup and poor nutrient absorption.
• Imbalanced gut bacteria – When the digestive system is out of balance, odor-causing bacteria can thrive, leading to a strong, unpleasant smell in your dog’s breath.

How Nutrition Can Help:

Feeding a high-quality, easily digestible diet like Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food supports gut health and reduces digestive-related bad breath. With real, whole-food ingredients and no artificial fillers, this diet helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, reducing odor from the inside out.

Dog Bad Breath Remedies: How to Freshen Your Dog’s Breath Naturally

If your dog’s breath smells unpleasant, there are several effective ways to combat it at home. The key to fresh breath is maintaining good oral hygiene, promoting gut health, and using natural remedies that target the root causes.

1. Regular Brushing and Dental Care

Brushing your dog’s teeth is the most effective way to remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris that contribute to bad breath. Aim to brush at least 3 times a week, though daily brushing is ideal.

How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth:

• Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste, as it contains toxic ingredients like xylitol).
• Start slowly, allowing your dog to get used to the sensation.
• Gently brush in circular motions, focusing on the back molars where plaque accumulates most.

If your dog resists brushing, dental wipes or water additives can provide some level of plaque control, though they’re not as effective as brushing.

2. Healthy Chews and Dental Toys

Dogs naturally clean their teeth by chewing, so providing them with the right chews and toys can help remove plaque and keep breath fresher.

What Works Best?

• Natural dental chews – These are designed to scrape off plaque while your dog chews. Try PupGum, the first dental chew clinically proven to reduce bad breath compounds in just 7 days!
• Rubber or rope toys – Encourage chewing and gum stimulation.
• Raw carrots or apple slices – These act as natural abrasives to help clean teeth.

3. Fresh Herbs & Natural Home Remedies

Certain natural ingredients can help neutralize bad breath and support oral hygiene. Here are a few easy home remedies to try:

Parsley & Mint

• Both are natural breath fresheners with antibacterial properties.
• Chop and sprinkle a small amount over your dog’s food.

Coconut Oil

• Contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help reduce bad breath.
• Mix a teaspoon into your dog’s meals or rub a little on their gums.

Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted in Water)

• Helps balance oral bacteria and prevent plaque buildup.
• Add a teaspoon to your dog’s water bowl (ensure your dog tolerates the taste).

While these home remedies can help, they work best alongside proper oral care and a nutritious diet.

4. The Role of Diet in Oral Health

What your dog eats plays a huge role in their breath freshness. A poor diet filled with low-quality ingredients, artificial additives, and hard-to-digest fillers can lead to plaque buildup, gum inflammation, and bad breath. On the other hand, a nutrient-dense, balanced diet supports overall health—including oral and digestive wellness.

How a High-Quality Diet Can Reduce Bad Breath

• Promotes Gut Health: A balanced diet supports healthy digestion, preventing foul-smelling gases that can contribute to bad breath.
• Strengthens the Immune System: Nutrients like antioxidants and vitamins help fight bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease.
• Reduces Inflammation: Omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality proteins help reduce gum inflammation, which is a leading cause of bad breath.

Why Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food?

Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food and UnKibble are made with wholesome, human-grade ingredients that support oral and digestive health by:

• Eliminating artificial fillers and preservatives that can contribute to bad breath.
• Providing highly digestible proteins that don’t leave behind residue in the mouth.
• Including nutrient-rich vegetables that naturally aid digestion and freshen breath.

When to See a Vet About Bad Breath

While mild bad breath can often be managed with home remedies, there are times when persistent or unusual breath odors indicate a more serious health issue.

Signs That Warrant a Vet Visit:

• Severe or Persistent Bad Breath – If your dog’s breath is consistently foul, despite good dental care and a proper diet, it may be a sign of an underlying health problem.
• Red, Bleeding, or Swollen Gums – This can indicate gingivitis, periodontal disease, or a dental infection that requires professional treatment.
• Loose or Broken Teeth – Dogs with advanced dental disease may experience pain, difficulty chewing, or tooth loss, which can lead to further complications.
• Unusual Smells from the Mouth – Different breath odors can signal specific health conditions

The specific smell coming from your dog’s mouth can mean different things:

• Sweet or fruity breath – May indicate diabetes.
• Urine-like breath – Can be a sign of kidney disease.
• Rotten or decaying smell – May suggest severe gum disease or infection.

Professional Treatments for Persistent Bad Breath

If your dog’s bad breath is caused by dental disease or other medical conditions, a vet may recommend:

• Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.
• Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications if there’s an infection.
• Bloodwork and exams to rule out organ-related issues.

How Spot & Tango Supports Fresh Breath & Digestive Health

Fresh breath starts from the inside out, and the right diet plays a huge role in maintaining oral and digestive health. Many commercial dog foods contain artificial fillers, preservatives, and hard-to-digest ingredients that contribute to bad breath, poor digestion, and gum inflammation.

Why Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food?

Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food and UnKibble are formulated with high-quality, natural ingredients to support:

Oral Health – No artificial additives that contribute to plaque buildup and smelly breath.
Digestive Balance – Whole, easily digestible foods prevent stomach-related breath issues.

Stronger Immune System – Essential vitamins and antioxidants help fight bacteria and inflammation.

Common Questions About Dog Bad Breath

1. What is the best home remedy for bad dog breath?

Natural remedies like parsley, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar can help freshen breath. However, brushing your dog’s teeth and feeding a high-quality diet are the most effective long-term solutions.

2. Can bad dog breath be a sign of health problems?

Yes! Persistent bad breath can indicate dental disease, digestive issues, diabetes, or kidney disease. If the odor is severe or unusual (sweet, urine-like, or rotten), a vet visit is recommended.

3. How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?

Ideally, daily brushing is best, but 3-4 times a week can still help reduce plaque buildup and improve breath freshness.

4. Does diet affect my dog’s breath?

Absolutely! Poor-quality food can contribute to plaque buildup and digestive-related odors. Feeding Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food ensures your dog gets natural, nutrient-rich meals that promote better digestion and oral health.

5. What foods help freshen a dog’s breath naturally?

• Carrots and apples – Help scrub teeth while chewing.
• Parsley and mint – Contain natural breath-freshening properties.
• Yogurt and probiotics – Support gut health, reducing bad breath from the inside out.