You love hanging out with your Frenchie, but when you go to give them a good scratch behind the ears, you’re hit with an unpleasant smell that just can’t be ignored. Even though you’re crazy about your batpig, there’s something stronger than that love that makes you want to steer clear of their snout. Bad breath in French bulldogs is one of the worst nightmares of every dog owner.
But what does this mean for your pup’s health? And more importantly, how can you fix it? Keep reading to find out.

Bad breath in French bulldogs: What could be the reason?
Dogs, like humans, can suffer from bad breath or halitosis for a variety of reasons regardless of their age. It’s crucial to pay attention if you notice that your French bulldog’s breath smells stronger than usual. Ignoring this unpleasantness can lead to potential health issues, so we recommend consulting a veterinarian to identify the root cause.
The primary culprits behind this unwelcome phenomenon are typically related to Frenchie’s diet, dental hygiene, and overall oral health, as well as digestive disorders and metabolic conditions. Bad breath in French bulldogs occurs when bacteria thrive on food debris that gets stuck between the teeth and gums, leading to foul breath. In addition, decayed teeth, plaque, tartar buildup, and inflamed gums are all common reasons your French bulldog may have bad breath.
Sometimes, if a Frenchie deals with digestive issues or if there’s a problem with stomach flatulence and the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach fails to close due to prolonged gastritis, it can lead to an unpleasant odor caused by the oxidation of undigested substances. French bulldogs with diabetes may have breath that smells like fermented apples.
Brachycephalic dog breeds like French bulldogs, and Pugs are more susceptible to bad breath. It’s because their physical features and compacted teeth, create a favorable environment for bacterial growth. Food debris, plaque, and tartar are more easily deposited, exacerbating the issue.
Accompanying bad breath, other symptoms may appear such as white scum on the dog’s tongue, plaque buildup on their teeth, and red and irritated gums around the tooth roots. If these symptoms aren’t appropriately treated, they can worsen over time. Bacteria can cause significant harm if not stopped in time. Prolonged exposure to bacteria and inflammation can lead to periodontitis, a common consequence that can harm teeth and gums.

How to prevent and treat bad breath in French bulldogs?
The solution really depends on the cause of the issue and how complicated it is. If you act quickly, it’ll be easier to handle. You know your dog best, so you can keep an eye out for any changes in behavior or smell. But to get the best advice, you should definitely talk to your vet.
After checking your pup out, your vet will probably recommend some good hygiene habits like brushing their teeth regularly and using special oral care products to fight off bacteria and inflammation that causes bad breath. They may also suggest a diet that can help reduce the issue.
How to fix bad breath in Frenchies at home?
Regular tooth brushing
No matter what breed of dog you’ve got or how old they are, you gotta brush their chompers every day. Trust me, it’ll help keep those pearly whites from getting all crusty and gross with tartar buildup, not to mention prevent any nasty periodontitis from sneaking in. So do your furry friend a solid and make sure to brush those teeth daily, or at least every couple of days.

Dental water
If you want to keep your French bulldog’s breath smelling fresh, try adding some dental water to their bowl. It’s an easy way to give your pup some daily protection and essential cleaning.
Celery sticks
Did you know that celery can actually help with your Frenchie’s stinky breath? Yup, it’s a natural ingredient that can really pack a punch. So, next time you’re looking for a way to freshen up your Frenchie’s breath, try giving them a few raw celery sticks as a treat!
BARF diet for French bulldogs
If you’re looking to freshen up your French bulldog’s breath, you might wanna think about switching them to a raw diet. Some vets swear by it! A BARF diet for Frenchies means they get to chow down on raw fruits, veggies, and meat. Plus, it’s a great option if your little gremlin is prone to allergies. It’s definitely worth a shot if you’re looking for a natural solution to those stinky dog-breath blues!