Home Remedies For Dog Bad Breath From Stomach & Digestive Problems
Stomach and digestive issues, along with dental disease, are the primary reasons for bad breath in dogs. If your dog has smelly breath, it often points to underlying digestive or stomach problems that need attention. Understanding how these issues contribute to bad breath can help you address the root cause and find effective remedies.
Can Stomach Issues Cause Bad Breath in Dogs?
Yes, digestive and stomach issues are often behind a dog’s bad breath. Fresh, clean breath depends upon a healthy bacterial balance in your dog’s stomach and intestinal tract. Bad breath can indicate an imbalance in this microscopic community, which includes both beneficial (friendly) and harmful bacteria, as well as viruses and fungi like yeast. Collectively, these organisms form your dog’s microbiome.
When digestion isn’t functioning properly—due to factors like food allergies, low-quality food ingredients, chronic inflammation, or stress—it can create an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This imbalance, known as "dysbiosis," can lead to symptoms such as acid reflux, poor nutrient absorption, and fermenting gases from undigested food traveling up through the esophagus, all of which contribute to smelly breath. It’s important to remember that the mouth is the first step in digestion and often reflects the state of your dog’s overall digestive health. By addressing digestive health, you can help restore a balanced microbiome and promote fresher breath.
How to Treat Your Dog’s Bad Breath From Stomach Problems
Bad breath in dogs caused by digestive problems requires more than just brushing their teeth or using dental products. It's essential to focus on improving your dog’s digestive health. This involves dietary changes and incorporating dog bad breath home remedies like probiotics and digestive enzymes, which can help restore proper digestion and reduce the odor.
Improve Digestion with Probiotics and Enzymes - Digestive issues in dogs often stem from an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Adding a probiotic can help promote healthy bacteria, reduce gas and bloating, and improve digestion. Enzymes help break down fats and proteins efficiently, reducing the risk of undigested food causing odor in the stomach.
Support the Stomach Lining with Acid Reducers - Acid reflux or an “acid stomach” can worsen bad breath. Dog bad breath home remedies can help soothe the stomach lining, reduce acid production, and prevent regurgitated stomach acids from damaging the esophagus and mouth. By supporting the stomach, you can help reduce bad breath and improve your dog’s overall comfort.
Feed A Low Carbohydrate, Hypoallergenic Diet - Knowing what to feed dogs with bad breath is key to managing digestive-related halitosis. A low-carbohydrate, hypoallergenic diet helps reduce digestive irritation, prevent acid reflux, and balance the gut, all of which can promote fresher breath. Raw frozen diets can be especially beneficial. Avoid high-carbohydrate foods like dry kibble, which can contribute to bloating, as well as common allergens such as poultry, beef, and grains.
Home Remedies For Dog’s Bad Breath from Stomach Problems
While dental chews and doggie mints can temporarily mask the odor, they don’t address the cause. Natural supplements designed to improve digestion can be effective home remedies for dog bad breath, providing lasting relief by promoting healthy gut function and a balanced microbiome.
K9 Digestive Enzymes - If your dog’s breath stinks, poor digestion could be the cause. When food is poorly digested, it creates gas and pain, and K9 Digestive Enzymes improve the digestion and absorption of fats and protein especially. K9 Digestive Enzymes is very helpful for improving the pH balance of the mouth and reducing tartar related to poor digestion.
Power Probiotic - This powerful, multi-strain probiotic is scientifically formulated to support a healthy gut and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can help reduce stomach odors that lead to bad breath. By promoting a balanced microbiome, Power Probiotic not only supports digestive health but also contributes to a healthier mouth and fresher breath.
Gastro ULC Acid Reducer - Provides relief for acid reflux, reducing the impact of stomach acids on the esophagus, mouth, and teeth, and helping to control bad breath. Acid reflux in pets can lead to stomach acids backing up into the esophagus and mouth, which may cause tooth erosion and other oral health issues. Pets with acid reflux often experience persistent bad breath. Gastro ULC works best when used with Power Probiotic and K9 Digestive Enzymes.
Other Health Conditions Linked to Bad Breath in Dogs
In some cases, persistent bad breath can be a sign of an underlying health condition beyond digestive problems, including:
Metabolic Disorders – Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and liver problems can cause specific types of bad breath, such as fruity or ammonia-like odors. If your dog’s breath has an unusual smell, a vet visit and bloodwork can help identify any serious underlying issues.
Allergies and Anal Gland Issues – Food allergies can irritate the digestive tract, and anal gland problems can lead to fishy-smelling breath when dogs lick for relief. A hypoallergenic diet and regular gland expression can help manage these symptoms.
Is Your Dog's Bad Breath Caused by Dental Issues?
While digestive problems often cause bad breath, dental health plays a major role as well. Periodontal disease, in particular, is a leading cause of bad breath in dogs. The buildup of tartar and bacteria in your dog's mouth can cause inflammation of the gums, cavities, tooth loss, and infection, all of which contribute to stinky dog breath. Oral tumors can also cause bad breath, along with difficulty eating and drooling. Regular dental cleanings and exams are important for maintaining your dog’s oral health. Non-anesthetic cleanings are frequently available.
Small breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Toy Poodles, are more prone to dental issues due to their crowded teeth, which make it easier for food particles and bacteria to accumulate. This can lead to plaque buildup and gum disease, which might even require tooth extractions. Additionally, these dogs may have more sensitive digestive systems, which can exacerbate acid reflux and further impact oral health.
For more detailed information on preventing and treating dental issues in dogs, including tooth extractions, visit our Dental Health page.
Originally published Jan 11, 2023
Updated Nov 9, 2024
Written by: Susan Davis, Pet Health Nutritionist, CCN
All pet treatment protocols and pet treatment supplements have been reviewed and approved by a veterinarian
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