For years you may have heard the saying “it smells like dog breath”.
It’s a common phrase that emerges when someone is making the point that they can smell something pretty bad. But, when it comes to our pets, is it really a thing, and should we worry about it?
According to a viral vet, there are some things people need to know. Dr Nicole Rous is known for sharing pet advice on TikTok, and she recently revealed her thoughts on the topic.
In a candid video, she said: “So I saw a dog yesterday with bad breath, and the owner just thought it was normal, but it’s not normal. Dogs breath should just be like hot air – should smell like hot air.
“Did you know that bad breath isn’t normal? Other than dental disease which, obviously, that’s not rocket science – that’s the main cause. Gum disease, plaque and tartar build up.”
However, she said there’s another cause of the problem that you may not be aware of. She explained sometimes it can be due to them eating disgusting things, but this sort of smell should be “short lived”.
It can also be caused by things coming up from the stomach – a bit like humans experiencing reflux. As well as this, she said “low quality or cheap food” can also contribute to the issue as it can alter the bacteria in the mouth.
Sometimes she said there are metabolic issues that can lead to the problem too. These conditions include kidney disease and diabetes, which you may need to see a vet to seek advice about.
Basically, if you notice the issue is becoming worse, she said you should never ignore it. Seek advice about what may be causing the problem so you can get the right help.
The video has been viewed hundreds of times since it was shared, and people were quick to comment too. Some shared their own experiences.
One person said: “My dog’s breath changed when he went into liver failure. It actually smells fishy despite not eating fish.”
Another added: “My 16-year-old Border Collie has had bad breath for the last six months. She eats good food, so I think it’s old age now.”
A third also replied: “Great video. Our dog’s breath is only stinky when she eats sardines.”
Aside from the things Dr Rous highlighted, experts say dogs can also have bad breath due to oral infections, eating certain foods that impact breath and underlying health conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease and diabetes.
If you’re worried about your pet’s health at all, you should always contact your vet and seek advice. These are just some things that could be the cause of bad breath.
