Why Does My Dachshund's Breath Smell So Bad?
If you've ever been on the receiving end of your sausage dog's enthusiastic morning kisses, you'll know that a dachshund's breath can be particularly pungent. While we love our long-bodied companions, their breath often leaves you moving away when they yawn, lick or sniff you. Understanding why their breathes can get stinky and what you can do about it will help keep those cuddles more pleasant for everyone.
Four Common Reasons for Bad Breath in Dachshunds
1. Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Like humans, dogs accumulate plaque on their teeth, which hardens into tartar if not removed. Dachshunds' small mouths can make this problem worse, as their teeth are often crowded together, creating perfect hiding spots for bacteria.
2. Poor Oral Hygiene
Many dog owners skip regular teeth cleaning, allowing bacteria to flourish in their pet's mouth. This bacterial overgrowth produces the unpleasant odours we associate with "dog breath".
3. Dental Disease
Gum disease and tooth decay are surprisingly common in dogs, particularly smaller breeds like dachshunds. These conditions create pockets where bacteria thrive, producing strong, offensive smells.
4. Dietary Factors
What your dachshund eats directly affects their breath. Low-quality foods, treats with strong odours, or eating inappropriate items can all contribute to persistent bad breath. Unfortunately, some dogs eat their own poo (known as Coprophagia) or others, this as you can imagine, can also create very bad breath.
Why Human Toothpaste is Dangerous
Before reaching for your minty toothpaste, remember that human toothpaste contains xylitol and fluoride, both toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause serious health problems, including liver damage and seizures. When brushing your dogs teeth it is very important to use dog-specific toothpaste.
The Liver Toothpaste Dilemma
Most dog toothpastes are liver-flavoured or similar, to make brushing more appealing to your dog, but this can actually make breath smell worse immediately after use. If you prefer a fresher scent, you can use dog-specific mint toothpaste instead - just ensure it doesn't contain xylitol or any other toxic ingredients. Always check the label carefully, as some dog products can still contain harmful substances.
When choosing mint products, remember that mint should still be used sparingly. Most mint varieties are safe for dogs in small amounts, but pennyroyal is toxic and should be avoided completely. Always opt for products specifically formulated for dogs rather than making your own mint solutions.
But either way, don't let the temporary smell from liver toothpaste put you off, regular brushing with these products is still essential for dental health. The key is following up meals or liver-flavoured toothpaste with breath-freshening foods to counteract any lingering odours and maintain that fresh breath throughout the day.
Natural Foods That Help Freshen Breath
Apples
Crunchy apples act as natural toothbrushes, helping scrape away plaque while your dachshund chews. The natural enzymes also help break down bacteria. Always cut into bitesize chunks and remove seeds and core first, as apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic to dogs.
Carrots
Raw carrots provide excellent dental benefits through their natural abrasive action. Cut them into appropriately sized pieces for your dachshund to prevent choking - remember, their mouths are smaller than larger breeds.
Natural Yoghurt
Plain, unsweetened yoghurt contains beneficial probiotics that improve gut health. Since bad breath often originates from digestive issues, supporting your dog's gut bacteria can significantly improve their breath from the inside out.
To make this treat last longer, or cool down your daxie in summer, cover a lick matt in yoghurt or stuff a kong toy and put in the freezer. This can then be a great treat that lasts, keeping them cool and entertained. Add dog safe fruits before freezing if you'd like to make this snack even more interesting for your dachshund.
Celery
This vitamin-packed vegetable acts like natural dental floss, helping clean between teeth while providing fresh-breath benefits. Feed small amounts at first, as some dogs need time to develop a taste for it (you can always add small amounts to their dinner). Our greedy dachshunds gobble it up without hesitation!
(When feeding snacks to your dachshund, always ensure they are cut to the right size for your dog. Supervise eating to prevent choking risks.)
No More Smelly Breath
The best strategy combines regular dental hygiene with natural breath-freshening foods. Brush your dachshund's teeth regularly with dog-safe toothpaste, then supplement with these healthy treats throughout the week. Your sausage dog will have fresher breath and healthier teeth.
Remember, persistent bad breath can indicate underlying health issues, so consult your vet if the problem continues despite good oral care.
