Dog Not Eating and Smells Bad: What It Means

Dog Not Eating and Smells Bad: Common Causes 

1. Dental Disease and Oral Infections

One of the most common reasons dogs stop eating and develop a foul odor is dental disease.

Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, infected teeth, or abscesses, all of which are painful and produce strong-smelling breath.

Symptoms include:

• Refusal to chew kibble or bones

• Drooling or pawing at the mouth

• Blood on toys or in the water bowl

• Putrid odor from the mouth

Dogs with severe oral pain may avoid eating entirely, and bacteria from the mouth can also affect internal organs if left untreated.

Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)

2. Skin Infections or Yeast Overgrowth

Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin—especially those involving yeast (like Malassezia)—can lead to a greasy coat and a distinctive musty or sour smell. These infections often appear in:

• Skin folds

• Armpits and groin

• Between the toes

• Around the ears and tail base

Dogs suffering from skin infections may feel itchy, inflamed, or painful—leading to restlessness, discomfort, and a drop in appetite. In severe cases, hair loss and oozing sores develop, compounding the smell and distress.

3. Anal Gland Issues

Dogs have two small scent glands near the anus that can become impacted, infected, or abscessed. When this happens, a fishy or metallic smell may come from their rear end. Other signs include:

• Scooting or licking the backside

• Reluctance to sit down

• Swelling or bleeding near the anus

• Loss of appetite from pain or infection

If the glands rupture or become seriously infected, your dog may become lethargic or develop a fever—making them uninterested in food.

4. Digestive Upset or Gastrointestinal Problems

When your dog smells bad and won’t eat, the cause may stem from inside the digestive tract. Digestive issues can cause excessive gas (flatulence), sour-smelling breath, or even fecal odor escaping from poor anal tone.

Common causes include:

• Eating spoiled food or garbage (dietary indiscretion)

• Food intolerance or allergy

• Pancreatitis

• Bacterial overgrowth

When the gut is inflamed or out of balance, it often leads to bad smells through the mouth or skin and a refusal to eat due to nausea or abdominal pain.

5. Ear Infections

Ear infections, especially in floppy-eared breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, or Basset Hounds, are notorious for producing strong odors. Yeast and bacteria thrive in warm, moist ear canals, creating:

• A rancid or sweetish smell

• Head shaking or scratching

• Visible discharge or redness

• Appetite loss due to general discomfort

Infections in both ears can make dogs feel disoriented or dizzy—contributing to food refusal and general irritability.

6. Kidney Disease or Failure

If your dog has a strong ammonia-like or metallic smell, especially from the breath, the kidneys could be failing to filter toxins from the body. Kidney disease is more common in older dogs and can cause:

• Lethargy and appetite loss

• Nausea and vomiting

• Increased thirst and urination

• Weight loss

As waste products accumulate in the bloodstream (uremia), the breath becomes particularly foul. This condition is serious and requires immediate veterinary care.

7. Diabetes (Especially with Ketoacidosis)

In diabetic dogs, an uncontrolled blood sugar spike can lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). These dogs often develop a fruity, sweet odor on their breath and experience:

• Rapid weight loss

• Vomiting and severe lethargy

• Complete loss of appetite

• Labored breathing

If your dog hasn’t been eating, smells unusually sweet, and seems very sick, DKA is a medical emergency and must be treated promptly.

8. Oral Tumors or Cancer

Dogs with tumors in the mouth may develop foul-smelling breath and stop eating due to pain, bleeding, or ulceration. Common signs include:

• Visible mass or swelling in the mouth

• Drooling blood or pus

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

These tumors are often aggressive and may go unnoticed until symptoms like bad breath and eating changes appear. Early detection improves outcomes.

What to Do If Your Dog Smells Bad and Isn’t Eating

If your dog is stable but showing signs of bad odor and appetite loss:

• Check their mouth, ears, skin, and rear end for swelling, redness, or discharge

• Offer soft, bland food like boiled chicken and rice if they won’t eat kibble

• Encourage hydration, especially if they’ve vomited or had diarrhea

• Wipe smelly areas with a clean, damp cloth and monitor for changes

• Avoid over-the-counter breath fresheners or sprays—they may hide the real problem

If the odor persists, or your dog refuses food for more than a day, contact your vet.

When to Call or Visit Your Vet

Seek veterinary care if your dog:

• Hasn’t eaten for over 24 hours

• Smells strongly from the mouth, ears, or body

• Has visible swelling, wounds, or bleeding

• Is vomiting, lethargic, or has diarrhea

• Shows signs of pain, panting, or restlessness

Your vet may perform a full physical exam, dental check, blood tests, and imaging to diagnose the issue. Infections, organ failure, or tumors must be treated quickly to prevent complications.

• Related: Dog Vomiting Water and Not Eating (What it means)

• Read more: Dog Diarrhea and Not Eating (Causes and what to do)

Key Takeaway

If your dog smells bad and isn’t eating, don’t dismiss it as just a dirty dog issue.

Bad odor often points to pain, infection, or serious internal problems—especially when it’s combined with a lack of appetite.

You know your dog best. When something smells off and they aren’t interested in food, trust your instincts and talk to your vet.

Quick action can mean faster relief and a better chance of getting your dog back to their happy, healthy self.