Bad breath in dogs is usually a reflection of the state of their mouth.
Dental disease does require veterinary attention but it usually is not an emergency unless your dog is in severe pain. Is there a circumstance in which bad breath could mean you need to see a vet immediately?
Conditions that can cause bad breath
Let’s start with the potential reasons behind bad breath.
The number one reason, as you’d suspect, is dental disease. Bad teeth or diseased mouth do require veterinary attention, but it’s not an emergency unless it involves an extreme amount of pain. Though don’t forget it always involves pain.
Other reasons that can cause bad breath in your dog include:
- kidney disease/kidney failure
- liver disease or other issues within the gastrointestinal tract
- poisoning
- diabetes/diabetic ketoacidosis
- foreign bodies
- oral tumors
Of course, when your dog’s breath stinks after they sampled something foul such as their own or other animal’s feces, it might get you running, but you don’t need to be running to a vet.
The lack of presence of other symptoms also presents a consideration in determining how soon you should see a vet. These can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, jaundice …
Breath smelling of ammonia
If your dog’s breath smells of ammonia or it has a strong sweet, fruity odor, treat it as an emergency. The smell of ammonia (urine) in your dog’s breath is a warning sign of kidney disease/failure.
Sweet or acetone smell
Breath that smells like acetone/sweet, fruity smell is a warning sign of diabetic ketoacidosis.
In closing
While generally, bad breath is not an emergency, under the right circumstances it can be a sign of one. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see a vet if your dog’s breath smells foul, particularly with an acute onset. Severe dental disease, foreign bodies, and other conditions could seriously harm your dog if not addressed.
Related articles:
Dog Symptoms: When Is It an Emergency?
Symptoms To Watch For In Your Dog: Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Further reading:
Halitosis in Dogs