Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My Dalmatian puppy has metallic breath. Is it kidney failure?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dalmatian | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 22 days old

Good evening, I have a male 17 week old Dalmatian who is in good health and of a good weight. I have noticed recently his breath smelling quite metallic. I googled what this could indicate and it mentioned kidney failure and a toxin build up in the kidneys. I am very aware of Dalmatians struggling in this respect due to having only one kidney. Can you advise whether the information I have read is correct, and what other reason there could be for metallic breathe please? Many thanks I’m advance

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

C. Rathjens, DVM

Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 3rd, 2019

You have some correct and some incorrect information. Dalmatians have two kidneys, but are prone to a particular type of bladder stone called urate bladder stones (the result of a genetic abnormality that causes a defect in the metabolism of uric acid). However this bladder stone wouldn't cause a metallic smell. Kidney failure causes a particular smell, but for a healthy 3 month old, I'm really not worried about kidney failure. I would actually be most concerned about intestinal parasites in a pup or maybe some blood from teeth falling out. I'd recommend a vet visit since it's a new change and bring a fresh stool sample.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 29th, 2019

    First of all congratulations on adding adorable Trudee to your life. You are right that a metallic odour to dog breath can indicate kidney issues, however if Trudee is perfectly well otherwise I would not assume this is the cause. There are several causes of foul breath in dogs including dental disease, tartar build-up or in puppies chewing /eating things they shouldn’t.

    I would start by purchasing a pet safe toothbrush and toothpaste and try to brush her teeth a few times a week. Also ensure she has a constant source of fresh water. If Trudee hasn’t been seen by a veterinarian recently, you still notice the odour, you notice any other signs that there could be a problem such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, or inappetance I would take her in for a check-up. The vet can take a blood sample to analyse her liver function if concerned.

    I hope this was helpful and please post any further questions you may have.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Training & Behavior
My young dog has bad, sour breath. Is it kidney disease or coprophagia?
He may have eaten something bad or sometimes they can have stick stuck in between there teeth or on the top of their mouth. There may be an infection or an ulcer from eating something and getting a wound at some point. Kidney disease can be secondary from a infection such lepto or a toxin. However, they often feel bad. They can drink more than normal, vomit and have a poor appetite to go along with it. I would have your vet check the blood work or urine sample and examine the mouth for any wounds or infection to see if antibiotics are needed.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My 5-month puppy's breath smells metallic. Teething or serious?
Yes, the metallic smell can be from teething. I would not be overly worried about it. All her adult teeth should be in by about 6 months of age, if after that the smell persists then you should have your vet check her out. You can give her 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin per day (pure pumpkin, not pie filling) to help with her pooping.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My Dalmatian puppy is aggressive & has bad breath. Is he deaf?
His temper may be due to deafness. Deafness is very common in this breed. Are you sure he can hear appropriately? The best thing for the breath is to brush the teeth. You must use toothpaste made for pets or a human children's toothpaste that does not contain flouride (if dog's swallow flouride toothpaste it can make them very sick). I suggest you try to get his hearing checked by your veterinarian.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why does my 6-month-old puppy have bad breath that smells like poop?
I would bring him in for an exam. There are related organ changes that can produce bad breath. Organ changes Ike be best evaluated with blood work and a good physical exam. Your dog is young so it limits my differential list. It makes me think more of something congenital or a basic nutritional deficiency
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My senior dog is vomiting with urine breath. Is it kidney failure?
Hello. Your blood work should have indicated if there were any kidney problems, so if nothing was said, I would rule this out. If she did well on antibiotics, but then regressed, she may need to stay on antibiotics longer. Some dogs remain on antibiotics for 6-8 weeks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
My 5-month puppy has bad breath, won't brush, and chews don't help.
Hi there. Often, pups this age may have bad breath because they are in the process of teething - so there are traces of blood on their gums, and some inflammation due to eruption of the adult teeth. If this is the problem, it should improve on its own over the next month or two once all of the adult teeth are in. A pup this age should not have any significant tartar or periodontal disease, so this is unlikely to be the cause of the bad breath. :) You can try other types of treats designed to help with stinky breath such as Greenies or VeggieDent chews, to see if these may work better in the meantime. If the problem continues, I would recommend having him examined by a vet to make sure there is no other reason for his breath to be unusually bad, such as a GI problem or a wound or foreign body in his mouth.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog has bad breath, but clean teeth and pink gums. What's wrong?
An infection or ulcers or bad kidneys can cause changes in the breathe. An infection can be under the gums line affecting the tooth root that will not be able to be seen unless there are xrays taken. I would have him seen by your vet to see if this is the case and a simple blood panel can check his kidney values for you
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog SuppliesDog FoodDog Breath Fresheners & MouthwashesDog Health & WellnessUTI & Kidney Supplements for DogsCat Urinary Tract & Kidney MedicationElectrolytes for DogsDog Medicine and PrescriptionsCat Breath FreshenersDog Dental CareDog Vitamins & SupplementsDiuretics for DogsDog Incontinence & Bladder Control MedicineDog Stool Eating DeterrentPrescription Dog Digestive MedicationsPet PharmacyPrescription Dog Insulin & Diabetes MedicationPuppy Milk ReplacersHeartworm Medicine for DogsDog Asthma Medication
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button