Bad breath in dogs is often a result of odor-producing bacteria that could be present in the mouth, but it could also be in their gut or lungs. Bad breath is a common sign that something is not right with your dog’s health. Poor dental hygiene and the build-up of tartar and plaque are the most common causes of halitosis, so you could try brushing your dog’s teeth on a more regular basis with a specially formulated toothpaste to see if this improves the issue. More serious dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and periodontal disease are all common causes of bad breath as well.
There are other issues that could be the cause as well. If your dog’s breath smells like ammonia, this could be because waste products are building up in their bloodstream due to kidney disease. Another possibility is that your dog has ingested a toxic substance. If their breath has a slightly fruity or sweet smell, it could indicate that they are suffering from diabetes. If the bad breath is accompanied by strange masses or discoloration, it could be an indication that they have tumors in their mouth.
If your dog has persistent bad breath which doesn’t seem to clear up after tooth brushing, you should take them into the vet to get more information on what the cause of the issue could be. You need to get it treated as soon as possible.