Your Dog’s Breath Smells Like Dead Animal? Here’s Why!

Are you sick of being greeted by your dog’s breath which smells like a dead animal?

Are you also unable to sit with your four-legged companion because of its dead animal-like breath that fills your nostrils?

Worry not, for this is a common problem in dogs.

In America, almost 84% of pet owners complain that their dog’s breath gives off an awful odor.

A dog’s rancid, death-like breath can be due to multiple reasons.

Unfortunately, most adult dogs, or dogs older than three years, are victims of halitosis, and every 8 out of 10 dogs encounter this problem yearly.

The reasons that result in your dog’s breath smelling like a corpse can include dental problems, kidney or lung problems, and diabetes. A substandard diet can also add to the problem, and sometimes, dogs might consume the excrement of other animals or even chew on putrid food. In such cases, rush to the nearest vet immediately.

Read on to learn more about why your dog’s breath smells like a dead animal and how to fix it.

Reasons Why Your Dog’s Breath Smells Like A Dead Animal

Dog’s breath smells like dead animal – causes and how to fix it

Dental Problems Make Your Dog’s Breath Smell Like A Dead Animal

Dental diseases are common among dogs and the most common reason for their foul breath.

In addition, it is a significant cause of malodorous breath, not only in dogs but in pups too.

After two years, almost 78% of dogs encounter cavities, tooth decay, and other dental diseases worldwide.

The leading cause of dental problems followed by a corpse-like breath are bacteria, saliva, and chunks of food that remain unremoved and cause plaque buildup in the lower or inner part of your dog’s mouth.

Plaque buildup leads to severe gum diseases and corpse-like smelly breath.

Besides bad breath, gum diseases can cause your dog to have continuous tooth pain.

If not treated in time, this problem can also worsen and cause teeth loss.

That’s because teeth are embedded in the jaw with ligaments, and gum disease severely affects ligaments.

To avoid this, owners must regularly take their dogs to a vet for dental care.

Neglecting proper care can result in poor dog health.

Health Problems Make Your Dog’s Breath Smell Like A Dead Animal

A canine’s bad breath might be an indication of illness.

Unnoticed sickness is one major cause of foul odor breath among dogs.

In addition, your dog might face different ailments like diabetes, lung, or kidney problems.

In addition to smelling like a dead animal, you can anticipate your dog’s breath to be rotten and sometimes like that of uremic fetor.

Let’s look at some of the health problems your dog might face.

Diabetes

Diabetes can be a prime cause of breath smelling like a dead animal in your dog.

If so, you will notice that your dog smells somewhat fruity or abnormally sugary; however, it won’t smell pleasant.

A dog encountering diabetes might drink and urinate more frequently than usual.

Moreover, it will show signs of weight loss, intensified hunger, unusual sleeping hours, and exasperating behavior.

If any of these signs come to your notice or you find your dog worn out now and then, rush to your nearest vet and get your dog’s blood and urine checked.

Liver Diseases

Liver problems are not very common in dogs.

Only 4% of dogs are diagnosed with liver problems.

However, dogs suffering from liver diseases commonly suffer from smelly breath, like a dead animal.

Other liver problems in dogs include yellow eyes, colorless or white-colored gums, loss of appetite and weight, unusual and frequent vomiting, and a deathly breath odor.

Liver diseases in dogs have proven to be very dangerous and can lead to seizures, coma, or even death if not treated in time.

Therefore, if you see any of these symptoms in your dog, take it to the vet immediately and get it checked.

Kidney Problems

A dog having a corpse-like breath is most likely suffer from kidney disease.

Almost every two out of ten dogs develop kidney problems in their life.

If your dog is undergoing a kidney issue, the smell of its breath would be as foul as that of a dead animal, rotten meat, urine, or feces.

Be careful, as constant exposure to such a foul smell can result in nausea.

Another symptom of kidney disease is that your dog will lose appetite and drink and urinate more frequently than usual.

If you witness these signs, rush to the vet for timely treatment.

Cancer

Cancer or oral tumor in dogs is very rare.

Oral tumor is also rare but can lead to death.

In cancer, the cells inside the dog’s mouth develop rapidly.

This development might cause cancerous growth, so the tissues in the mouth grow at an extraordinary speed, preventing the blood from flowing in all directions.

This obstruction results in the early death of multiple tissues.

The death of these tissues is the reason for the musty smell coming from a dog’s mouth.

This smell is much like a dead animal and is pathetically unbearable.

Unfortunately, cancer can be deadly if not discovered in its early stages.

However, timely treatment can help prevent a grievous outcome.

Therefore, take your dog to the vet for a thorough examination regularly.

Nasty Food Habits Make Your Dog’s Breath Smell Like A Dead Animal

If you are a dog owner, you know your dog can get weird sometimes.

In addition to diseases, its corpse-like breath and sickness can be the result of its awful activities.

Especially if it regularly goes out of the house and has a bad habit of reaching the trash or dead bodies of animals or insects.

It can also be the result of lonely consumption.

Typically, dogs are attracted to feline poop.

So, if you have cats around, your dog might have eaten your cat’s poop and developed a deathly breath.

This is not only absurd but unhygienic too.

Dogs that consume their poop or other animal’s poop suffer a condition called Coprophagia, in which the dog is a victim of halitosis.

Due to Coprophagia, dog owners may also feel slight light-headedness or sickness in close interaction with dogs.

Regular vet visits are essential not only for your dog’s health but also for your well-being.

Therefore, upon noticing your dog coming in contact with any of the above symptoms, rush to a vet, and get it checked.

What Should I Do If My Dog’s Breath Smells Like A Dead Animal?

Generally, some simple and easy steps are all you need to take to eliminate that carcass-like stench from your dog’s mouth.

However, you must get your dog first checked by a vet to make sure it is not diseased.

Below are ways to help your dog’s breath smell fresh and good.

Dog's breath smells like dead animal

Brush Teeth Regularly

Regular brushing improves your dog’s hygiene and helps remove plaque from its teeth.

However, improper cleanliness and dirt can also result in foul breath.

Brushing your dog’s teeth will help eradicate the stench leaving him with healthy teeth and strong gums.

Dogs have specific abilities that are just like human beings.

For instance, you will notice you can train your dog to enjoy teeth brushing.

However, you must refrain from using human-specific toothpaste as they have chemical properties that can upset a dog’s stomach.

Instead, use toothpaste formulated especially for dogs.

Try A Mouthwash

The mouthwashes used for dogs differ from those made for our use.

Purchase the one that is effective at fighting tartar and halitosis among dogs.

There are special mouthwashes in stores that your dog will use without reluctance and hesitation.

Add the liquid to your dog’s water bowl to prevent it from stinging your dog’s mouth.

Present Your Dog With Some Dental Treats

Dental treats help in the betterment of your dog’s oral health.

The activity of chewing keeps a dog active and healthy.

Bring your dog vet-approved dental treats that it can chew all day long.

It prevents plaque growth and helps eradicate tartar. It also plays the role of a dog’s breath freshener.

Dogs of different ages require different sizes and quantities of dental treats for fresh breath.

So make sure that you select the right size for your dog.

It will improve its dental health and help it get rid of bad breath.

Conclusion

In contrast to larger breeds, pups of smaller breeds are more exposed to gum diseases and require better dental consideration.

Therefore, while still a pup, brush your dog’s teeth to develop the habit until it matures.

Health is wealth, and a healthy dog is less exposed to ailments.

So, plan a proper diet plan for your dog and visit the vet at least twice a month.

Regular and frequent check-ups can help avoid many problems.

You can also use oral health products for the health of your puppy or dog.

Provide your dog with chew toys, dental chews, dog-specified tubes of toothpaste, and water supplements.

Ensure that your vet approves these additives before adding them to your dog’s diet.

Start taking care of your dog’s oral health today, as prevention is always better than cure.