If you have a new puppy, you may have wondered why his breath smells like a skunk. While it is not a pleasant smell, it is common for puppies to have some level of skunk breath. Fortunately, this smell will fade away once your puppy reaches the age of eight weeks.
So, why does puppy breath smell like skunk? The culprit is digestive enzymes in a puppy’s mouth, which are present at this early stage of development. This odor may come from enzyme problems, but it can also be the result of a problem with the esophagus, causing gases to escape through the mouth. However, if you notice that your puppy has more fishy breath, there may be an underlying health problem. A veterinarian can determine whether the problem is due to a problem with the enzymes or a more serious issue.
Dogs can also have bad breath if they eat stinky foods. In fact, some dogs even eat foods that can contribute to the smell. While humans do not have the ability to smell like skunks, dogs are highly capable of ingesting anything, and this can lead to the development of bad breath. Luckily, there are many solutions to this common dog behavior problem.
If you want to know why puppy breath smell like skunk, continue reading this article.
What is Stinky Breath in Puppies?
You might have heard that bad breath can be a symptom of dental disease. However, in many cases, stinky breath in puppies is caused by something else. For instance, some dogs have a bad odor because they eat certain types of food that upset their digestive tract.
Unlike humans, dogs have fewer taste buds, so foods with a strong smell may lure your pup into eating them.
Other causes of stinky breath in puppies include dietary issues or underlying medical conditions. Some dogs have bad breath due to eating poop, either on their own or another dog. Other underlying medical conditions may also cause your puppy to have smelly breath, including diabetes and kidney diseases.
Another common cause of stinky breath in puppies is teething. During this period, your puppy is getting a series of vaccinations. If your puppy has an unusually strong breath during this time, you should bring the issue to the vet’s attention. Otherwise, your puppy may have a tooth problem.
Why Does Puppy Breath Smell Like Skunk?
There are many possible causes for your puppy’s strange breath odor. Some common causes include teething, mouth injury, indigestion, and puppy dietary indiscretion. If you notice a strange odor in your puppy’s breath, it is time to visit the vet.
- Teething
The main reason why puppy breath smell like a skunk is because they are teething. The main symptoms of teething include increased chewing and drooling. Your puppy may also spit up food bits and feel tired. This is a common dog behavior when teething, but you need to stay calm and make your puppy feel comfortable.
- Mouth Injury
Another reason behind bad breath in puppies can be due to mount injury or oral infection. Some of the most common causes of mouth injuries are food or drink allergies, gum disease, or difficulty cutting teeth. It would be best if you took your puppy to a vet to treat this problem.
- Puppy Dietary Indiscretion
One of the first signs that your puppy may be suffering from bad breath is an unpleasant odor. While this odor is temporary, it could indicate that your puppy is suffering from some type of gastrointestinal (GI) problem. If the odor occurs only occasionally, your veterinarian can diagnose the underlying cause of bad breath.
- Indigestion
While puppy breath usually fades after 8 to 10 weeks, some owners find their pup’s odor to last until six months of age. Bad breath is almost always caused by Volatile Sulfur Compounds, a combination of two compounds that produce a fishy or rotten egg odor. A few other causes of bad breath in a puppy include gum disease or indigestion.
- Periodontal Disease
If you’ve noticed your puppy’s breath smelling like a skunk, you may be looking at a potential periodontal problem. While bad breath in dogs is not unusual, it’s a warning sign of a serious disease.
If you notice that your puppy’s breath is stinky, it could be a sign of an advanced form of periodontal disease, which can lead to loose teeth and even the eventual loss of teeth.
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath in Puppies?
While many owners simply dismiss stinky dog breath as “puppy breath,” you can find out how to cure the condition for good. Keeping these tips in mind can help you find out the best way to get rid of stinky dog breath in puppies. In some cases, bad breath is a sign of a larger health problem, such as diabetes, and it’s important to seek a veterinarian’s advice.
Coconut oil is an excellent natural remedy for bad dog breath. It boosts your dog’s immune system, metabolism, and digestive functions. You can pour a little coconut oil over your puppy’s food on a daily basis. Dogs love the taste of coconut oil, and some even brush their teeth with it.
Some common causes of stinky dog breath include dental problems. If your puppy has teeth problems, the problem may be caused by plaque buildup on their teeth. These plaques cause bacteria to grow around the object, resulting in a foul smell.
Bad breath in puppies can also be a sign of more serious problems, such as liver disease or kidney disease. To prevent the development of these health issues, consult your veterinarian.
Food-related causes of stinky dog breath are not well understood. However, a recent meal that you fed your pup may be to blame. A good diet will solve the issue, and within a day or two, your puppy will have no more stinky breath. However, a poorly chosen diet may lead to other health issues, including intestinal blockage and even vomiting.
Whether your puppy has terrible dental hygiene or just needs regular cleanings, there are several easy steps you can take to help improve his dental hygiene. Brushing the teeth of your puppy is an essential part of dental care, as it will prevent plaque and tartar from building up.
The best way to brush your puppy’s teeth is to use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste or simply use your finger. It will help to get rid of bad breath in puppies.
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years myself, I’ve tried an abundance of different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have nothing but praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be hard, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs absolutely love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that they require a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
