It’s never pleasant to catch your dog eating poop — and it’s even worse when their breath smells terrible afterward.
This combo can make cuddle time unbearable, but more importantly, it can signal underlying health or behavioral issues that shouldn’t be ignored.
We outline the common reasons for a dog eating poop and having bad breath, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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My Dog Eats Poop and Has Bad Breath — Why It Happens
When a dog eats poop and develops bad breath, it’s often due to a mix of behavioral habits and digestive or dental issues. Dogs may eat feces because of nutritional deficiencies, enzyme imbalances, or learned behaviors, while the resulting halitosis (bad breath) often comes from bacterial buildup in the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.
Conditions like dental disease, liver issues, or parasites can worsen both problems, creating a cycle of foul breath and gross eating habits.
My Dog Eats Poop and Has Bad Breath: Common Causes
1. Poor Oral Hygiene or Dental Disease
One of the most common reasons for bad breath in dogs is dental disease. When plaque and tartar build up, bacteria multiply in the gums and teeth, producing a strong, unpleasant odor.
If your dog eats poop, the bacteria from feces can compound the issue, further contaminating the mouth. Over time, gum infections, abscesses, or decaying teeth can make the smell unbearable and painful for your pet.
You may notice yellow or brown buildup on teeth, drooling, difficulty chewing, or bleeding gums. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to tooth loss or even infections that spread through the bloodstream.
Read more: Dog Eating Poop and Drinking Lots of Water (Why it happens)
2. Coprophagia (Poop-Eating Behavior)
Coprophagia — the act of eating feces — is surprisingly common, especially in puppies or dogs with anxiety, boredom, or nutritional deficiencies.
When dogs eat feces, they’re ingesting bacteria, parasites, and toxins that not only harm their gut but also make their breath smell putrid. The odor often lingers even after drinking water or chewing treats because it’s caused by internal bacterial growth.
Behavioral coprophagia can also be self-reinforcing: once a dog starts the habit, they may continue doing it for attention, stress relief, or simply out of routine.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies and Poor Diet
Sometimes, dogs eat poop because their bodies aren’t getting enough nutrients. Diets low in protein, vitamins, or minerals can make dogs crave feces as a misguided attempt to “recycle” what they missed.
When food isn’t properly digested, undigested nutrients pass through the stool, making it appealing to a nutrient-starved dog. This poor digestion can also cause gas, bloating, and sulfur-like breath — giving that unmistakable “rotten” smell.
If your dog’s breath smells foul even after brushing or dental cleaning, the problem might stem from their diet or nutrient absorption, not just oral hygiene.
4. Gastrointestinal or Liver Issues
Bad breath that smells sour, metallic, or like rotten meat can sometimes point to deeper internal problems, such as liver or gastrointestinal disease.
If the liver isn’t properly filtering toxins, waste products can build up and cause halitosis. Similarly, gastrointestinal imbalances — from infections, parasites, or inflammatory bowel disease — can make your dog’s breath smell worse, especially if they’re eating poop to compensate for nutrient loss.
You might also see signs like vomiting, diarrhea, yellowing of the eyes, or loss of appetite. In these cases, bad breath isn’t just unpleasant — it’s a red flag.
5. Intestinal Parasites
Parasites like hookworms or roundworms can lead to nutrient deficiencies, making dogs more likely to eat feces. These parasites also cause gut irritation, which produces foul-smelling gases and bad breath.
The cycle continues when a dog eats infected feces and reinfects themselves. Over time, this can cause weight loss, poor coat condition, and digestive upset.
Because some parasites are zoonotic (transmissible to humans), prompt veterinary treatment and good hygiene are essential.
6. Behavioral and Environmental Factors
Sometimes, poop-eating and bad breath are behavioral rather than medical. Dogs left unsupervised, bored, or anxious may engage in coprophagia for attention or stimulation.
Afterward, the bacteria in feces can cling to their mouth, causing the signature foul odor. Dogs in multi-pet households may also pick up the behavior from others or eat feces out of stress or competition.
Cleaning up quickly after your dog, providing more enrichment, and using deterrents can help break the habit before it becomes ingrained.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Poop and Has Bad Breath
If your dog’s breath makes you want to avoid kisses and they’ve been caught eating poop, the first step is to identify whether the issue is medical, nutritional, or behavioral.
Start by improving their diet. Choose a balanced, high-protein food free from fillers and artificial ingredients. Digestive enzyme or probiotic supplements can also help reduce nutrient deficiency-driven poop-eating.
Next, maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush your dog’s teeth daily with a vet-approved toothbrush and toothpaste. Regular dental cleanings are key, especially for small breeds prone to tartar buildup. Dental chews and water additives can provide added protection against bacteria.
Keep your dog’s environment clean. Pick up waste immediately, and supervise outdoor time to prevent access to feces. If the habit is behavioral, increase playtime and mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, training games, and exercise can reduce boredom-driven behaviors.
Lastly, schedule a vet checkup if your dog’s bad breath persists or you notice other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite loss. Bloodwork and fecal exams can rule out diabetes, liver disease, or parasites — all of which can cause poop-eating and halitosis.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should call your vet if your dog’s bad breath is persistent, smells unusually strong or sweet, or accompanies any of the following:
Frequent poop-eating despite dietary changes
Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty chewing
Yellowing of eyes or gums
Vomiting or diarrhea
Noticeable weight loss or lethargy
These could signal dental infection, metabolic disease, or organ issues that need immediate attention. Your vet can perform blood tests, dental exams, and imaging to pinpoint the cause.
Remember: bad breath is often a symptom, not the root problem. Addressing it early prevents further complications and improves your dog’s quality of life.
Read more: Dog Eating Poop and Losing Weight (What it means for your dog’s health)
Key Takeaway
When your dog eats poop and has bad breath, it’s not just gross — it’s often a sign that something deeper is going on.
From poor oral hygiene to digestive or behavioral issues, understanding the cause is the first step to breaking the cycle.
With a balanced diet, proper dental care, and quick veterinary attention when needed, most dogs can recover from this habit and smell sweet again in no time.
Your dog may not know better, but you can help them feel — and smell — their best.