Why do puppies have puppy breath?

Puppy breath - it’s one of those adorable quirks every new pet parent loves! That sweet, milky scent brings back memories of cuddles and playful times. But what makes it so irresistible, and why does it change as your pup grows?

Key takeaways

• Puppy breath is a result of their young age, diet, and clean little mouths.
• As they grow older, their breath changes - sometimes becoming a little less pleasant.
• Starting dental hygiene early is key to preventing bad breath and keeping your puppy’s teeth healthy.

What is puppy breath?

That signature puppy breath? It’s a charming, sweet scent that most of us can’t resist! It’s especially common when your pup is still very young, and while it doesn't last forever, it makes those early weeks even more special. So, what’s behind this lovely smell? It’s a mix of their age, their diet, and the way they’re developing in those first few weeks of life.

What causes puppy breath?

The magic behind that puppy dog breath lies in a few things - mainly their diet and that super-clean mouth! Here’s why your pup’s breath smells so sweet:

Mother’s milk

When they’re tiny, puppies are either nursing or just weaned, with their diet almost entirely made up of their mother’s milk. This easily digestible, mild food gives their breath that slightly sweet, milky scent.

Oral environment

Puppies have clean, developing mouths, with none of the bacteria that can lead to bad breath in adult dogs. Their baby teeth haven’t experienced plaque buildup yet, meaning that young dog’s mouths are still super fresh.

Young age

A puppy’s esophagus (food tube) isn’t fully developed at birth. As a result, some of the gas produced in the stomach - from the fermentation of mum’s sweet-smelling milk - can escape back into the mouth as adorable little puppy burps! This stage of development reflects in their breath, giving it that signature “puppy breath” we all know and love.

What does puppy breath smell like?

Most pet parents describe the smell of puppy breath as a sweet, pleasant smell with a faint milky or vanilla-like scent. Puppy breath smells are most noticeable in very young puppies, especially those that haven’t started on solid food yet. But as soon as they switch to kibble or other solid foods, you might notice a slight change.

That said, not all puppies have sweet breath! Some might have a more neutral scent, depending on their diet or overall health.

Why does puppy breath sometimes smell bad?

While puppy breath is usually nothing but delightful, that might not always be the case! You might notice that your puppy has smelly breath. Here are a few reasons why your puppy’s breath might start to change as they grow:

• Diet change: As your pup moves on from their mother’s milk to solid foods, their breath can change. Puppy food can lead to stronger, less pleasant smells.
• Teething: Around three to six months, puppies start teething as their adult teeth grow in. This can lead to gum irritation and drooling, which might make their breath a little unpleasant.
• Bacteria: While young puppies have super clean mouths, bacteria start to build up as they grow. This can lead to puppy bad breath if dental care isn’t kept up.
• Health issues: If your puppy’s breath stinks quite suddenly, it could be an early sign of a health problem like a tummy issue or an infection. You might want to check in with a vet for advice, or, if you’re a TrustedHousesitters member, reach out to our 24/7 Vet Advice Line for more guidance on horrible puppy breath.

How long does puppy breath last?

Sadly, that sweet puppy breath doesn’t last forever! By the time your puppy reaches three to six months of age, their breath often starts to change. This is usually around the time their baby teeth fall out, and they start teething.

Teething can cause bacteria buildup, and that lovely puppy breath might take on a more unpleasant scent. This is why dental hygiene is so important as they grow - starting young can prevent bad breath, periodontal disease, and other dental problems further down the line.

The importance of puppy dental hygiene

Caring for your young puppy’s teeth early on is the best way to prevent bad breath, plaque buildup, and future dental issues. Here’s how you can keep your puppy’s teeth in great shape:

1. Start brushing early

The sooner you start to brush your dog's teeth, the better! Get your puppy used to regular teeth cleaning while they're young so it becomes part of your routine. This is not only essential for your furry friend’s dental hygiene, but will make the process so much easier for you in the long term! Just remember - use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically made for dogs to keep things safe and effective.

2. Use chew toys

Chew toys are great for cleaning teeth and reducing discomfort during teething. Plus, they keep your puppy entertained while promoting good oral health!

3. Keep vet visits consistent

Routine vet visits help catch any dental issues early. Your vet can professionally clean your puppy’s teeth and offer advice on how to keep their breath fresh as they grow. About 1 in 8 dogs suffer from dental disease every year, making it one of the most common and therefore important diseases to prevent!

4. Keep an eye on their diet

A balanced diet supports healthy teeth and gums, so make sure your puppy is eating the right food. Avoid sugary treats - they can lead to plaque buildup and bad breath, not to mention obesity and other health problems later down the line.

5. Consider dental treats

Many dog food brands offer dental treats designed to help with oral hygiene. These treats can be great for maintaining healthy teeth and keeping their breath fresh - just make sure to choose one that’s right for your pup’s age! It’s also important to pick a chew treat that isn’t devoured by your pup in a matter of seconds, as it’s the time spent chewing that really matters.

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

Puppy breath might not last, but good dental health can!

That sweet puppy breath may fade, but by starting a dental care routine early, you’ll ensure your pup has strong, healthy teeth for life. Regular brushing, chew toys, and a balanced diet will help prevent bad breath and future dental problems as they grow.

We know you can’t always be around to keep up with your pup’s care. That’s where TrustedHousesitters comes in - whether you’re away on business or enjoying a well-deserved vacation, our pet sitters will be there to give your furry friend all the love and attention they need, including keeping on top of their dental hygiene!