From fruity breath to yeasty paws, your dog's smell could be an early warning sign of something far more serious than many owners realise.
Most dog owners expect wet noses, muddy paws and the occasional unpleasant smell. But according to Natural Animal Nutritionist Rachael Tricarico, some odours should never be ignored.
From bad breath and yeasty paws to fishy odours and even sweet-smelling breath, unusual smells can sometimes be among the first signs of underlying health problems, often appearing well before dogs show obvious symptoms.
“Dogs often show subtle changes in their health before symptoms appear,” Rachael says. “An unusual smell is often one of the earliest indicators that something has changed internally, whether that's inflammation, bacterial overgrowth, yeast imbalance or disease.
Recognising those changes early allows owners to seek veterinary advice before problems become more advanced.”
One of the biggest misconceptions among pet owners is that bad breath is simply part of owning a dog.
Studies estimate that periodontal disease affects at least 80% of dogs over the age of three*, making it one of the world's most common canine diseases. Persistent bad breath is often one of the earliest warning signs that bacteria and inflammation are already damaging the gums and supporting structures around the teeth.
However, dental disease isn't the only condition that can change the way a dog smells.
Five smells every owner should know
1. Rotten or foul-smelling breath
Often linked to periodontal disease, infected teeth or oral infections. Left untreated, dental disease can become painful and may affect a dog's overall wellbeing.
2. Sweet or fruity breath
A sweet or fruity smell can indicate dangerously high ketone levels associated with uncontrolled diabetes (diabetic ketoacidosis), which requires urgent veterinary attention.
3. Ammonia or urine-like breath
Breath that smells like ammonia may signal kidney disease, as waste products begin accumulating in the bloodstream when the kidneys are no longer functioning normally. Other symptoms include increased thirst and urination, and lethargy. Veterinary treatment is vital.
4. Fishy smell
A lingering fishy odour may indicate impacted anal glands. These small scent glands, located on either side of a dog's rear end, play a role in communication between dogs but can become blocked, causing discomfort and a distinctive smell. Fishy breath can also be linked to oral infections or advanced dental disease.
5. Yeasty paws or ears
Dogs with environmental allergies commonly develop secondary yeast infections that produce a distinctive musty or bread-like smell. Excessive licking, chewing paws and recurring ear infections often occur alongside the odour.
“Smell is often one of the first changes an owner notices because it can appear before more visible symptoms develop. Identifying a potential issue early gives owners the opportunity to seek veterinary advice sooner, which can support better outcomes and may prevent a minor concern becoming a more complex and costly problem.”
While an unusual smell doesn't always mean something serious, experts say any odour that is persistent, sudden or accompanied by changes in appetite, behaviour, energy levels or excessive licking should prompt a veterinary examination.
Rachael says prevention remains one of the most effective ways to protect a dog's long-term health.
Supporting good oral hygiene, feeding a balanced diet, maintaining healthy skin and gut function, and arranging regular veterinary health checks can all help identify problems before they become more serious, and more expensive.
“Preventative health is about recognising subtle changes before they become significant health concerns,” Rachael recommends. “Regularly checking your dog's mouth, ears, paws and skin, feeding a balanced diet that supports the gut microbiome, skin barrier and immune system, and maintaining good grooming habits all contribute to long-term health.
Nutritional supplements can help support everyday wellbeing, but they should always complement, not replace, veterinary care.
Dogs live in a world led by smell, but owners should remember that smell can also tell us a great deal about our dogs. When a familiar dog suddenly smells unfamiliar, it's often worth asking why.”
About Rachael Tricarico:
Rachael Tricarico is an Australian animal nutritionist and founder of Houndztooth, where she specialises in canine nutrition, gut health and preventative wellbeing. She partners with Guide Dogs Victoria and works with pet owners across Australia to help improve long-term health through nutrition and education.
