Many people love the unique smell of puppy breath (myself included). Young puppies, especially in the first 4 months of life, have a particular aroma to their breath that is different from an adult dog’s breath. This smell usually fades by the time they turn 6 months old. But why does puppy breath smell bad?
We don’t really know why young puppies have such distinctive breath. The top theory is that it happens because these little guys are either only consuming milk or have only recently started eating solid food. The milk that they get from their mother could contribute to the aroma of puppy breath.
That adorable bundle of fur you brought home is now giving you kisses with breath that could knock you over. If you’ve been wondering “does teething make puppies breath stink?” – you’re definitely not alone! As a dog owner who’s been through the puppy phase multiple times, I can tell you with 100% certainty yes, teething absolutely makes puppy breath stink!
But don’t worry – this stinky phase is temporary, and there are plenty of things you can do to make it better for both you and your fur baby. Let’s dig into why this happens and how to deal with it.
Why Does My Puppy’s Breath Suddenly Stink?
Puppy breath is usually described as having a sweet distinctive smell that many people actually find pleasant. This normal “puppy breath” typically lasts until they’re about 12 weeks old. After that things can get… well, pretty stinky!
Here’s what’s happening: As your puppy transitions from their baby teeth to adult teeth, their mouth becomes a hotbed for bacteria. These bacteria collect along the gum lines as new teeth crowd in, creating that foul odor you’re noticing.
It’s perfectly normal, even if it’s not pleasant for your nose!
The Timeline of Puppy Teething and Stinky Breath
Understanding the teething timeline can help you prepare for (and survive) the stinky breath phase:
- 2-3 weeks: Baby teeth (deciduous teeth) begin to emerge
- 5-6 weeks: All 28 baby teeth are usually in place
- 12-16 weeks: Baby teeth start falling out to make way for adult teeth
- 6-8 months: Adult teeth are fully in place
The worst of the bad breath typically happens during that 3-6 month period when teeth are actively falling out and being replaced. During this time, your puppy’s mouth is experiencing:
- Swollen, inflamed gums
- Minor bleeding
- Gaps between teeth and gums where food gets trapped
- Increased bacteria from all this activity
Main Causes of Stinky Puppy Breath During Teething
Let’s break down exactly why teething puppies get such bad breath:
1. Bacteria Buildup on Gums
Believe it or not, there are times when it’s completely normal for a dog to have bad breath. Teething puppies tend to collect bad-smelling bacteria along their gum lines as new teeth crowd in. This is the #1 culprit for that awful smell!
2. Swollen Gums and Spaces Between Teeth
When adult teeth push through, they create tiny spaces between swollen gums and emerging teeth. Food particles get trapped in these spaces, eventually rotting and causing that nasty odor.
3. Excessive Chewing Behavior
Your teething puppy will chew EVERYTHING to relieve discomfort. This can lead to:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Oral injuries (cuts on gums, tongue, or cheeks)
- Foreign objects getting stuck between teeth
All of these issues create more places for food and bacteria to collect, making breath even stinkier.
4. Bleeding Gums
It’s normal to see tiny blood stains on your puppy’s favorite chew toys. This minor bleeding occurs as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth push through sensitive gums. The blood gives breath a metallic, unpleasant odor.
5. Dirty Chew Toys
Your puppy’s favorite chew toys get covered in saliva and sometimes blood. When these fluids dry on toys, they become breeding grounds for bacteria. As your pup continues chewing these toys, they transfer the bad smell back to their mouth.
6. Dietary Indiscretion (Eating Gross Stuff)
Let’s be real – puppies eat disgusting things! From cat poop to garbage, their “dietary indiscretions” can definitely contribute to terrible breath. While this isn’t directly related to teething, the increased chewing behavior during teething often leads to more inappropriate eating.
Remedies for Puppy Teething Bad Breath
Now for the good news – you don’t have to just suffer through this stinky phase! Here are some effective remedies to help freshen your puppy’s breath while they’re teething:
1. Consult Your Vet
If you notice excessive bleeding, broken teeth, or particularly foul breath, talk to your vet. Some oral issues during teething may require medical attention, and your vet can confirm there’s nothing more serious going on.
2. Start a Dental Hygiene Routine
- Begin gently brushing your puppy’s teeth using a finger toothbrush and vet-approved toothpaste
- Start slowly – just a few seconds at first, gradually increasing duration
- Aim for brushing 3 times weekly (daily is ideal as they get older)
- NEVER use human toothpaste (it contains ingredients toxic to dogs)
3. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
Give your puppy safe, appropriate chew toys to satisfy their chewing needs:
- Rubber toys like KONGs that can be filled with treats
- Avoid extremely hard bones or toys that could damage fragile teeth
- Clean toys regularly to prevent bacteria buildup
- Cool washcloths can soothe gums (better than ice, which can cause tooth fractures)
4. Add Natural Breath Fresheners to Food
Sprinkle a little fresh mint or parsley in your puppy’s food as a natural breath freshener. Some other options include:
- Frozen apple slices (remove seeds)
- Frozen carrot pieces
- Breath-friendly dog treats specifically designed for dental health
Always check with your vet before introducing new foods to make sure they’re safe for your specific puppy.
5. Consider Water Additives
There are dental water additives made specifically for dogs that can help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Ask your vet about safe options for puppies.
6. Monitor What Your Puppy Eats
Try to prevent your puppy from eating inappropriate items like:
- Other animals’ feces
- Garbage
- Dead leaves or plants
- Any non-food items
This won’t just improve breath – it’ll also prevent potentially serious digestive issues!
When to Worry About Puppy Bad Breath
While stinky breath during teething is normal, there are times when bad breath might signal something more serious. Contact your vet if:
- The bad breath is accompanied by difficulty eating
- You notice excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
- The breath has a very unusual or sweet odor (could indicate diabetes)
- Your puppy seems lethargic or shows other signs of illness
- The bad breath persists well after teething is complete
Will My Puppy’s Breath Ever Smell Normal Again?
I remember wondering this exact thing when my Lab was going through his teething phase. His breath was so bad I’d sometimes turn my head away when he tried to give me kisses!
The good news is that yes, your puppy’s breath will improve once teething is complete! Most puppies have all their adult teeth by 6-8 months of age, and the worst of the bad breath usually subsides by then.
However, maintaining good dental hygiene throughout your dog’s life is essential for preventing bad breath from returning due to dental disease later on.
The Bottom Line on Puppy Teething and Stinky Breath
Puppy teething breath is:
- Completely normal
- Temporary (usually resolves by 6-8 months)
- Manageable with proper care
- Worth enduring for the joy your puppy brings!
Remember, this stinky phase is just one small part of your long journey together. Before you know it, the teething will be over, and you’ll have forgotten all about those days when your puppy’s breath could clear a room!
Have you dealt with puppy teething breath? What remedies worked best for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
And remember – even with stinky breath, those puppy kisses are still precious. They grow up so fast, so try to enjoy every moment of puppyhood, stinky breath and all!
FAQs About Puppy Teething and Bad Breath
How long does puppy teething bad breath last?
Typically, the worst of the bad breath lasts during active teething (3-6 months), with most puppies having normal breath again by 6-8 months when all adult teeth are in place.
Is my puppy’s bad breath during teething harmful to them?
No, the bad breath itself isn’t harmful – it’s just a symptom of the normal teething process. However, proper dental care is still important.
Why does my 5-month-old puppy’s breath smell so bad?
At 5 months, your puppy is right in the middle of the teething process, with many adult teeth coming in. The combination of bacteria, inflamed gums, and food particles trapped in the mouth creates that strong odor.
What does normal puppy breath smell like vs. teething breath?
Normal young puppy breath (before 12 weeks) often has a sweet, somewhat pleasant smell. Teething breath tends to be more fishy, metallic, or ammonia-like.
Can puppy food cause bad breath during teething?
The food itself usually doesn’t cause bad breath, but if a particular food isn’t agreeing with your puppy, it might cause indigestion that contributes to bad breath. Always feed high-quality puppy food appropriate for your dog’s size and breed.
Other Reasons Puppy Breath Smells Bad
If your puppy truly does have bad breath, consider these potential causes:
- Eating poop. You read that right. Sometimes our puppies get confused as they are learning about solid food and eat their own or their siblings’ feces. The best way to resolve this behavior and stop it from becoming a habit is to pick up poop immediately so it isn’t available.
- Sometimes puppies can get bad breath as their deciduous teeth fall out and the permanent teeth erupt through their gums. Teething usually occurs around four to six months of age. Not every puppy will get bad breath during teething, but if your pup is in that age range, that could be the issue.
- Something is stuck in the puppy’s mouth. If your puppy gets a piece of food or a toy stuck in his teeth, over time it will rot and build up bacteria, resulting in a rancid odor. Be sure to check the roof of your puppy’s mouth for a fragment of a stick or toy stuck sideways. If you can’t get the offending item free, schedule a veterinary appointment.
- Dental disease. It is unusual for young puppies to have periodontal disease, but it is possible. Generally, puppies haven’t had the chance to build up the bacteria and calculus that cause dental disease and bad breath. Still, check to see if your puppy’s gums are red or bleeding, or if he has a broken tooth. You may also notice him pawing at his mouth or only chewing food on one side. If you think your puppy may have dental disease, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to come up with a treatment plan.