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My dog has foul breath, but her teeth are healthy. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Female | unspayed | 5 years and 1 month old | 45 lbs

Hello! My name is Jasmine. I have a 5 year old unaltered female pitbull named Mia. As far back as puppyhood, shes always had really foul breath, however, her teeth have always had very little plaque and we've never had an dental issues. About 2 years ago she came down with giardia and the vet gave her intestinal antibiotics. While she was on the medicine her breath didnt smell for once! Once the medicine stopped, it came back. I have absolutely no idea what could be causing this. Please help!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 13th, 2019

It's odd that it improved when the Giardia was treated. My first suspicion for the ongoing odor is that she may be licking at her anal glands or eating her own (or someone else's) poop. Ideally, have her examined by a veterinarian just to make sure there are no wounds, irritation, etc in her mouth or throat that maybe contributing. You r vet can also check her anal glands to see if they seem full or irritated which could lead t her having a tendency to lick at them a lot. If her anal glands are fine, and her mouth is fine, use a daily product for dental health. CET products contain chlorhexadine which kills bad breath causing bacteria.
Water additives are great too.

I hope thats helpful for you. Thanks for asking PetCoach! Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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