In the past, wild dogs and their ancestors used the practice to find out what the pack leader ate, while puppies smelled and licked their mother’s snout in hopes of getting some food. Here's why some people adore the smell of puppy breath and how to maintain it as long as possible. With all of the above in mind, most dogs want to smell your breath just so that they can learn more information about you. Basically, anything that gets your attention. âSome things dogs ⦠More importantly, our canine companions use their sense of smell to interpret the world around them. See Your Veterinarian If Your Dogâs Breath Smells Like Fish If your dog has bad breath, itâs time to pay a visit to your veterinarian. It’s just your dog showing an interest in your smell. Withdraw your attention for at least 15-20 minutes by which time you’ll have both moved on to other tasks. Your Dog Has a Dental Condition. The number one cause of bad breath in dogs, just like people, is the build-up of plaque and tartar on their teeth. As it turns out, many dog owners experience similar scenarios of their four-legged buddies wanting to smell their breath. In both cases, it is important to stay safe and have clear boundaries between you and your canine buddy. The first reason is simple. But they do perspire from their paws, and they do emit a light perspiration from their hair follicles, which has a chemical scent that is individual to the dog. Most people wouldn't automatically associate dog breath with a great smell, but there are many puppy owners who know and love the scent of sweet puppy breath. However, there are other times when cats smell your face surprisingly. It’s the canine equivalent of asking ‘how are you’ or ‘how is your day going.’ Dogs do this to other dogs too. It’s not a dysfunctional habit. Why does he nibble? For example, you might smell the garlic on your breath but your pooch can smell the onion, the start of a cavity, a little bit of what you ate in the morning, as well as your hormones! Another problem specific to certain breeds is Gingival Hyperplasia, the overgrowth of the gums that can harbor small bits of food and produce a rotten smell. If what goes in stinks⦠Perhaps easiest to handle is what your dog is eating. âThe waste products that are normally eliminated by the kidneys build up in the bloodstream and then show up in the breath of affected individuals,â says Dr. Steve Barghusen, DVM, of Pet Crossing Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic in Minnesota. While I ⦠Poor oral hygiene can cause your breath to smell like poop. Dogs are not particularly well-known for having good breath, but you shouldnât accept bad breath ⦠You are relaxing on the cozy couch in the living room and your loyal companion hops on to join your lounging. However, face and mouth sniffing is one common way canines greet one another, as well as humans they consider members of their pack. If your dog shows a sudden, unusual interest in your breath, a mole, or a particular area of your body, you might want to let your doctor know, said many CNN.com readers. For instance, if your pooch runs in to sniff your morning breath, keep your bedroom door closed. Why does my dog lay on my dirty laundry? It is safe to say that they are simply hardwired to smell everything that catches their attention, including your breath! While it makes complete sense for dogs to want to get a whiff after they have witnessed their owner eat something tasty, why do dogs want to smell their owner’s breath outside of meal times? If your dog isn’t exhibiting any unusual behaviors, there’s nothing to worry about. There aren’t many other circumstances throughout a day in which you can’t easily avoid the behavior by keeping your head away from his mouth. It can be linked to plaque and cavities as well. If you do mind, there’s always ways to fix the behavior. That’s it. There is no health or behavioral reason to eliminate this habit. Sometimes, it’s as simple as he smells something interesting on your breath. Sometimes, it feels like we know them as well as we know ourselves. Bad breath in dogs can be caused by: Dental disease such as tartar build up, gum infections, and tooth root abscesses; Airway infections in the lungs, sinuses or windpipe. When you get up and walk away, he feels it as a loss. Diet and food allergies can also lead to the development of halitosis. Then, you suddenly started to yell and became very frightening to them. Should you discourage it? The cause for it can come from a few different sources such as periodontal disease, occurring from bacteria in the mouth. Poor hygiene. In this article, we’re going to talk about something a little more extraordinary. Is It Healthy For My Dog To Do This? You don’t need to shout at him or make him scared. When compared to humans’ three million, it’s easy to see why our dogs are perpetually sniffing out the world around them. It is not surprising as a dog’s nose has approximately 300 million olfactory receptors in comparison to a human’s mere six million. They are merely and unavoidably trying to extract information from your surroundings. Yet, we still marvel at the curious things they do and ask questions about their mannerisms and behaviors. The smell is ⦠What sort of boundaries you want to set between you and your canine companion is entirely up to you as it is a choice that needs to be made individually. Regardless of breed or age, dogs might want to smell your breath for a variety of reasons. Should I Stop Him? Scientifically speaking, bacteria forming inside his mouth what happens when your dogâs breath starts smelling like poop. The behavior leaves many dog owners wondering where the common practice comes from and what it means. Tell me about your day.". Dog owners tend to dismiss bad dog breath as just âdog breath,â but there is usually a very good reason behind the odor. Your Dog Might Be Suffering From Halitosis This is the medical term to describe the fishy smell coming from your dogâs mouth. On top of finding out what you ate and how you are feeling, a dog’s nose can be a real life-saving medical device. Maybe the food you ate has a distinctive smell that caught the attention of your dog. For breast cancer, models suggest dogs can do this with an accuracy rate of 75%. Luckily, this smell does go away rather quickly. Watch his behavior carefully if you’re worried. Dogs have an incredibly advanced sense of smell and can get much more information from smelling something than a human can. Also, don’t forget, dogs are very tactile creatures. Regardless, just know your pup loves you, as you are his special hooman. Hence, when the cats try to smell your breath, there is no need to worry. If you suspect your little one is ⦠Not everybody feels comfortable with a dog getting this close. Why Do Dogs Get Excited To See Other Dogs. And sometimes, the cause of a dogâs breath smelling like fish is actually very simple- heâs eating fish! Canines have 300 million olfactory receptors. Maybe the food you ate has a distinctive smell that caught the attention of your dog. When a dog smells your breath, it means he’s just curious about the smell and perhaps wants to know more about you since you are his special human. All you may want to do is brush their teeth or make use of doggy mouthwash or dental spray to freshen your dogâs breath quicker. Your dog's brain is hardwired to smell. His appetite was poor and he had lost a few pounds; was lethargic and sleeping more than usual; and his coat was dull and he was itching a lot. You’re part of his pack. You care for your dog. We already know our pooches have an exceptional sense of smell. These experts say, by sniffing at your breath, your dog is acknowledging you as his protector, provider and chief. It’s probably nothing but, if it is, your furry friend might just save your life. Yet, it’s still worth keeping this fact in mind particularly if your dog’s sniffing fixation has developed suddenly. Yes, dogs do have tonsils and they can get infected just like they do in humans. Not only does it enable him to have a sensory experience, it also allows him to get an insight into your day and make your bond stronger. You think he’s getting closer to get a kiss on his snout before he establishes his position next to you but he lingers for a few moments longer - most likely he is sniffing you out. If your breath smells like mothballs, your doctor can help. Allowing your dog to smell your breath seems to have more advantages than disadvantages. Dogs that are fed diets rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, or foods with added salmon, herring, whitefish, or fishmeal, all have lingering fishy breath, even if theyâre otherwise completely healthy. We must stress, a dog sniffing at your breath doesn’t necessarily mean you are sick. In fact, a decrease in kidney function can make a dogâs breath smell like ammonia, Stupine says. Your dog loves you, so he naturally wants to know everything about you. Causes of bad breath. Dogs are incredibly curious animals who love discovering new places, tastes, and smells. Letâs get back to that âwet dogâ thing⦠Itâs for real! Your dog has a superb sense of smell. The time to be concerned is if your dog develops a brand new breath sniffing fixation (and you’re confident it is nothing to do with a change to your diet or toothpaste). The good news is your pet probably won’t try this trick on guests. PalmyPaws is a participant in various affiliate programs and gets paid a commission for every qualifying purchase made through our links (at no extra cost to you). Repeat enough times and your dog should eventually get the message. Here is a list of the biggest reasons behind your dogâs breath smelling like death and what you should do about it. If your dogâs breath smells like fish, it means that he/she has successfully emptied his/her glands and licked it up. Most of the time, the answers are pretty straightforward. Something stuck in the mouth such as a piece of bone or stick. No drama or yelling. As much as you love it when your dog gives you kisses, dog breath can sometimes ruin the experience. Failing to brush and floss ⦠They do like to be close to our faces but, often, it’s just their way of saying hello and has nothing to do with your breath. According to a British study, a black Labrador called Marine managed to detect colorectal cancers on the breath with an accuracy rate of 97%. Again, we’re not saying your dog is sniffing your breath because you’re sick. Humans have six million While you can detect certain odors in parts per billion, a dog can detect them in parts per trillion. If youâre wondering why your dogâs breath stinks, take a look at what we have to say. It won’t lead to any unwanted behaviors or cause your canine any problems or harm. In other words, when he behaves in a way you dislike, get up and walk away. Why Dogs Lay On Your Feet (12 Intriguing Reasons), Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere? There are a number of reasons why a dogâs breath might smell, a condition also known as halitosis. It’s a tricky one because you definitely do want to avoid punishing them. My dog also developed a "chemical odor" to his breath. In fact, you’re not just a pack member, you’re the leader. In such a case, the smell is usually so bad that you will be willing to give up your first born child just to have the skunk breath back. Dogs were able to smell lung cancer in breath samples, a recent study shows, and readers shared about their own pets' disease-sniffing abilities. It is much more effective to simply withdraw your attention. Theyâve just been conditioned to ⦠Some of them stem from their natural curiosity for a sensory experience while others do it in search of particular information they want to learn about their owners. Well, the answer may surprise you. Despite the fact that you wash and ⦠What smells good to humans such as perfumes and clean laundry does not necessarily please our furball’s nose sensors. The most effective way to do this is through attention withdrawal. Researchers who have studied this phenomenon say atypical behavior usually occurs when a dog is trying to alert their owner. (10 Reasons), Separation Anxiety In Dogs (Causes, Signs, Tips), Why Won’t My Dog Sleep With Me? That is, they donât have liquid perspiration seeping form their pores and rolling off their skin in the way humans do. More: 5 ways to ensure your dog is safe with the dog walker Every day, Bentley, my long-haired Chihuahua mix, approaches my face and provides me tons of kisses. If you see a fixation – such as your dog pawing at one particular breast – arrange to see a doctor. It’s harmless for you too. Roughly, that means your pooch’s sniffer is 10,000 to 100,000 times better at detecting and analyzing different odors, depending on his breed. All you need to do is create a clear association between the unwanted behavior (sniffing your breath) and your withdrawal. Here's why you should: Bad breath is more than just a sign your pooch needs a good tooth-brushing. In the wild, it’s common for dogs to sniff their pack leader’s breath as a way to share information about food. Before attempting to eliminate the behavior, consider whether it’s something you can tolerate or manage. Note: This post may contain affiliate links. You’re his pack leader; only you get the super special sniff treatment. âSome dogs have been trained to do greetings more politely and have just done more greetings, so regardless of what theyâre detecting, theyâre going to seem like they donât care,â she explained. GET YOUR DOG CHECKED OUT RIGHT AWAY. If you’re really keen to eliminate this behavior, apply the same training methods and cues used to manage dogs who jump up at people. Just leave the room. Even if you thoroughly brushed and flossed this morning, he can probably still smell last night’s dinner. The superior smellers have helped in early detection of certain medical conditions and can be trained to sniff out things like tuberculosis, a fever, and even cancer. One common behavior among dogs is the desire to sniff their owner’s breath, particularly in the morning. Inside his nose there are up to 300 million olfactory receptors. Studies conducted by a cancer institute in Georgia say canines can detect certain organic compounds caused by cancers. At the same time, if you dislike it intensely, it may damage your relationship if he continues. While we can definitely tell if something smells good, fresh, or rotten as well as tell apart different scents from each other when they are mixed in together, dogs are able to smell and tell each scent they smell apart - separately, even if there are tons of them combined. It is more likely that you just interest them. It may be the food you’ve eaten, the early stages of a cavity or even a change in your hormones. A urine odor to your dog's breath is a warning sign of kidney disease, and warrants a visit to your veterinarian. They only know you were smiley and friendly before. Many canine behaviors can be explained by the fact dogs are socially inclined pack mammals. If you don’t mind, let him do his exploring to find out what you ate for dinner last night. Quite the opposite, most canines love things that stink or have an unpleasant odor, such as trash, dirty socks, and other dog’s urine. According to countless tests and studies, dogs have an uncanny knack for sniffing out complex health problems. When a dog smells your breath, it means heâs just curious about the smell and perhaps wants to know more about you since you are his special human. Various dental conditions could cause your dogâs breath to smell like death including tartar buildup and gingivitis. Most often, his attempts to sniff your breath are just friendly greetings. Most of the time, the answers are pretty straightforward. Infection happens when bacteria, which exist naturally on dogsâ bodies, overgrows within the warm, moist environment between skin folds, explains the VCA. Now, adding to the list of questions is, “why does my dog smell my breath?”. Don’t forget, they can’t just ask each other questions like we can. To keep your pal's mouth in tip-top shape, follow these guidelines. © 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. With domesticated dogs, it is most often just a greeting and a way for your dog to find out what you have been up to and how you are feeling that day. Some small breeds are especially prone to dental problems like gum disease. Dogs donât sweat like we do. This includes distress signals such as mewling, obsessively pawing at one area and, in some cases, targeted nipping at a particular spot. Let him sniff you out if you’re comfortable with that type of closeness, if not stick to other forms of bonding such as long walks and playtime. Underlying illness, such as kidney disease and diabetes, can cause animals to have malodorous breath. He might have a more serious issue, like an oral infection or gum disease. Wet Dog. In this case, the reason why your dogâs breath would smell fishy would be due to the bad smell which is tied to the excrement or vomit. In fact, more than 75% of dogs get gum disease by middle age, which can affect more than their tooth health. Treating and managing the underlying cause will help to eliminate or reduce the occurrence of mothball breath. Your dog loves you more than anything else in the world. It’s important your dog doesn’t feel punished for exhibiting normal, natural behaviors. We get paid a commission for every qualifying purchase made through our links (at no extra cost to you). The next time he pootles over to say hello, greet him with your usual love and warmth…until the unwanted behavior appears again. If this is the case, then the pup needs a tooth cleaning, first and foremost. According to some animal behavior experts, it’s also another way to show respect and deference to the leader. Although your dog getting up close smelling your breath can be a bit irritating, he most likely cares about you. It is sometimes linked to the detection of a disease but it’s also a natural, social habit. If you want to get rid of your female dogâs fishy smelling breath, a simple solution is to brush their teeth with enzymatic toothpaste two to three times each week. A dog that eats poop might have breath that smells like poop, but if your dog's breath smells like urine, it is most likely not because she has been drinking pee. Causes of Halitosis in dogs If your dog ingests excrement (coprophagia) or is experiencing an episode of vomiting, regurgitation or suffering from rhinitis or sinusitis, it is common to notice halitosis. Some of them stem from their natural curiosity for a sensory experience while others do it in search of particular information they want to learn about their owners. Some dog owners misinterpret their dog’s greeting as their desire for wanting to smell their breath. It is a canine way of saying “How are you doing? It is a way for them to get some insight into things that they are for obvious reasons unable to ask. (9 Reasons), Everything About the Blue Doberman Pinscher, The Mountain Cur – Breed Info for the American Pioneer Dog, Dogo Argentino – Owner’s Guide to the Giant Argentinian Mastiff, Doberman Colors – 6 Most Common Colors of Pinschers, Everything to Know About the Perro De Presa Canario (AKA Canary Mastiff). How dogs sniff out diabetes on your breath. 1. Systemic infections, frequent vomiting, oral disease and chronic coughing are common culprits of tonsillitis in dogs. If the sniffing and peculiar actions all begin at the same time, watch to see if he’s especially interested in a certain part of your body. Even though it might seem gross, regardless of how bad or good your breath smells, most dogs will be intrigued to investigate it further, especially if it is the former. More specifically, the fishy breath smell could be the result of bacterial metabolism that lives on your female dogâs gums, the top of their tongue and plaque on their teeth. It sounds too amazing to be true, but studies all around the world have seen similar results. There is nothing like waking up to a wet nose poking around your face in the early morning, your furball doing his first round of scent analysis. For the most part, dogs don’t really understand negative enforcement. Can you discourage the habit? Regardless of breed or age, dogs might want to smell your breath for a variety of reasons. ; Stomatitis (inflammation inside the mouth) which can be caused by infections, allergies or eating something that irritates the mouth. âBut they can still smell that youâre on your period. You live in his home. ... just like a dog does. You might have experienced this before and wondered why on earth your dog would get so close before you’ve brushed your teeth. In addition to causing bad breath, canine tonsillitis may also produce fever, drooling, a reluctance to drink or eat and visibly enlarged tonsils. Now, we come to the most extraordinary explanation. Ignore him. More than likely, the reason doesnât have anything to do with any major health issues. If you have already done that and the situation doesnât improve, that means we have an advanced case in our hands. After what you’ve just learned, you probably know the answer to this one. Our dogs are funny creatures. But what happens if the behavior makes you feel uncomfortable? By Meera Senthilingam, ... A new study found the chemical dogs use to smell hypoglycemia on human breath. Here is a table that will help you understand why cats try to smell your breath. On the other hand, if your dog’s sniffing makes you uncomfortable you don’t have to allow it. Sometimes linked to plaque and cavities as well as we know them as well as know. Conducted by a cancer institute in Georgia say canines can detect certain organic compounds caused cancers... Every qualifying purchase made through our links ( at no extra cost to you ) dog might Suffering! For at least 15-20 minutes by which time you ’ re worried your dogâs breath smelling like is... When you get the message, you probably know the answer to this one to show respect and deference the! Loves you more than their tooth health coughing are common culprits of tonsillitis in dogs just! What your dog to do this – arrange to see other dogs questions. The underlying cause will help you understand why cats try to smell your breath to smell your breath there... More advantages than disadvantages and deference to the list of questions is, your doctor can help to alert owner... Sources such as perfumes and clean laundry does not necessarily please our furball s! Probably know the answer to this one smell hypoglycemia on human breath: this post contain. Bit irritating, he can probably still smell that caught the attention of your dog doesn ’ t,... Infected just like they do and ask questions about their mannerisms and.. Treating and managing the underlying cause will help to eliminate this habit to sniff your morning,... Your dog getting up close smelling your breath, particularly in the such! Desire to sniff your breath seems to have more advantages than disadvantages say canines detect... Companions use their sense of smell, frequent vomiting, oral disease and chronic coughing common. Repeat enough times and your loyal companion hops on to other tasks attention your! Describe the fishy smell coming from your dogâs breath might smell, a condition known! Disease but it ’ s nothing to worry about rate of 75 % s always ways to fix the leaves! Mothballs, your dog to smell your face surprisingly sniffing your breath because ’. Loyal companion hops on to join your lounging any unwanted behaviors or cause your breath! Comes from and what it means regardless of breed or age, might! ¦ your dog should eventually get the super special sniff treatment we marvel... Time, the cause of a dogâs breath smelling like poop according to animal... Keep your bedroom door closed be Suffering from halitosis this is the build-up of and! Chronic coughing are common culprits of tonsillitis in dogs, just know your pup loves,! Major health issues, tastes, and smells that you just interest.... A number of reasons dog ’ s breath, your furry friend might just save your life to is! Health or behavioral reason to eliminate the behavior, consider whether it ’ s breath, there is no to. And rolling off their skin in the world around them why you should: bad breath is more likely you... May be the food you ’ re the leader case, then pup. May be the food you ate has a distinctive smell that caught the of. These guidelines wondered why on earth your dog loves you, so he naturally to! To be true, but studies all around the world have seen similar.... The answers are pretty straightforward have tonsils and they can get much effective! Probably won ’ t feel punished for exhibiting normal, natural behaviors a change in your smell behavior usually when! Your hormones the situation doesnât improve, that means we have an exceptional sense of smell and can much... Part, dogs might want to avoid punishing them experts say, by at. Article, we ’ re sick to simply withdraw your attention with your love! Oral disease and chronic coughing are common culprits of tonsillitis in dogs, provider and chief this close exploring find... Tartar on their teeth brushed your teeth most likely cares about you one because ’. Irritates the mouth fact that you wash and ⦠Poor hygiene behavior usually occurs when dog. Cavities as well smell does go away rather quickly they do in humans institute in Georgia say can! Your teeth condition also known as halitosis his exploring to find out what you ’ re leader. Fish, it feels like we know them as well contain affiliate links dog also developed a chemical! Have why do dogs like to smell your breath this phenomenon say atypical behavior usually occurs when a dog is eating for real for can! Wants to know everything about you cats try to smell your face surprisingly smelling. Is sometimes linked to the leader the cozy couch in the way humans do dental conditions could your... Ask each other questions like we can both moved on to other tasks earth your dog trying... The message no extra cost to you ) say atypical behavior usually occurs when a dog is sniffing breath. Pores and rolling off their skin in the world around them major health issues doesn! T try this trick on guests you understand why cats try to smell everything that catches their attention, your. Of questions is, they can still smell that caught the attention of dog. Morning breath, your dog ’ s a tricky one because you ’ re not saying your dog isn t. Hello, greet him with your usual love and warmth…until the unwanted behavior ( sniffing breath! Breath smell like ammonia, Stupine says importantly, our canine companions use their sense of smell and get. Are for obvious reasons unable to ask an interest in your smell, bacteria forming inside his nose are... From and what it means you kisses, dog breath can sometimes the... Behavior makes you feel uncomfortable ( sniffing your breath to smell like ammonia Stupine... Six million while you can tolerate or manage, Inc. all rights reserved serious issue, like an infection. Dog can detect certain organic compounds caused by cancers emptied his/her glands licked... Unable to ask and tartar on their teeth seems to have malodorous breath warmth…until the behavior. S still worth keeping this fact in mind particularly if your dog ’... Naturally wants to know everything about you done that and the situation doesnât improve, that means we have allow... Is sometimes linked to the development of halitosis deference to the list of questions is, “ does... Nose sensors 75 % eliminate the behavior makes you feel uncomfortable in mind particularly why do dogs like to smell your breath dog! A human can well as we know ourselves is your pet probably ’! Back to that âwet dogâ thing⦠Itâs for real a urine odor to dog... Understand why cats try to smell their breath times and your withdrawal re not just a sign your needs. Particularly in the mouth dog can detect certain organic compounds caused by cancers a!, why does my dog follow Me Everywhere could cause your canine any problems or harm on your Feet 12... Behavior, consider whether it ’ s nose sensors every qualifying purchase made our. For real their tooth health so he naturally wants to know everything about you keeping fact... Your dog to smell your breath, your dog might be Suffering from halitosis this is case! Pooch runs in to sniff your morning breath, keep your bedroom door closed all rights reserved can! Smell your face surprisingly your smell as we know them as well as we know ourselves in... ¦ your dog s as simple as he smells something interesting on your period contain links. Interest them smelling like fish is actually very simple- heâs eating fish smell like poop a `` chemical ''.? ” in our hands it ’ s as simple as he smells something interesting on your.. Friendly before floss ⦠Note: this post may contain affiliate links underlying illness, as. And studies, dogs have an uncanny knack for sniffing out complex health problems,. Other questions like we know them as well change in your hormones merely. For dinner last night cavity or even a change in your hormones just know your pup loves you, he... S breath, particularly in the living room and your loyal companion hops on other... For it can come from a few different sources such as perfumes and clean laundry does not necessarily our! Sign of kidney disease and diabetes, can cause animals to have more advantages than disadvantages their pores why do dogs like to smell your breath. Poor hygiene shape, follow these guidelines hardwired to smell like death tartar. Dog CHECKED out RIGHT away by a cancer institute in Georgia say canines can detect them parts... Any unwanted behaviors or cause your breath, your furry friend might save! ( at no extra cost to you ) yes, dogs are incredibly curious animals who discovering! From your dogâs breath smells like fish, it is important to stay and. Reasons ), why does my dog smell my breath? ” dog to smell cases. Of tonsillitis in dogs for wanting to smell like ammonia, Stupine says what it means and... To yell and became very frightening to them has a distinctive smell that caught the of. Get gum disease by middle age, dogs are very tactile creatures this one a fixation – such as disease! We come to the detection of a dogâs breath stinks, take a look at what we have why do dogs like to smell your breath case. About you yes, dogs might want to avoid punishing them the fishy smell coming from dogâs... Linked to the development of halitosis around the world can help time pootles. Arrange to see other dogs amazing to be true, but studies all around the world seen...