Why Do Yorkies Have Bad Breath? 7 Common Reasons To Know

Posted by

Tanya

June 24, 2025

On September 4, 2024

You’re sitting on the couch, having a nice evening and suddenly you catch a whiff of something gross. You look over and there’s your cute Yorkie snuggled up next to you and there’s no mistaking it—your Yorkie’s breath is awful! If you’ve ever thought “My Yorkie’s breath smells like fish” you’re not alone. This is a common problem many Yorkie owners face and it’s frustrating and worrying. We all know dealing with Yorkie bad breath isn’t easy. That’s why we’re going to give you tips to make your pet smell more pleasant.

There are several reasons why your Yorkie’s breath might be awful. Knowing these reasons will help you take the right steps to improve your dog’s oral health and overall health.

Why Does My Yorkie Have Bad Breath? Common Reasons

Yorkies can have bad breath (halitosis) for a variety of reasons. Identifying the root cause is the first step to finding the right Yorkie bad breath treatment. Here are the most common culprits behind a Yorkie’s smelly breath:

1. Poor Dental Hygiene

The number one reason for bad breath in Yorkies is poor dental hygiene. Yorkies are prone to plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth due to their small mouth size which can quickly lead to yorkie periodontal disease. This buildup is a breeding ground for bacteria which in turn causes bad breath. Yorkies with rotten teeth are especially prone to foul smelling breath due to the infection and decay in their mouths.

Unfortunetely, people often think dogs don’t need toothbrushing. But the truth is completely opposite. Just imagine how your teeth would look like without toothbrushing. Besides Yorkies, other small dog breeds such as Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are also prone to dental issues. Thanks to their small sizes of jaws, their teeth can grow in the wrong direction.

2. Diet and Eating Habits

Diet plays a big role in your Yorkie’s breath. If your dog’s diet is unbalanced or includes low quality food it can cause bad breath. Some Yorkies have a habit of eating poop, a behavior known as coprophagia which can cause very foul breath. If you’ve ever wondered “why does my Yorkie eat poop” it might be due to nutritional deficiencies, boredom or even behavioral issues.

3. Periodontal Disease in Dogs

Periodontal disease is a severe gum infection that can damage the gums and destroy the jawbone. It’s a common problem in small breeds like Yorkies due to the crowding of their teeth. The progression of yorkie periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and bad breath that’s hard to ignore. If your yorkie smells bad consistently periodontal disease could be the cause. If your Yorkie has yellow-brown tartar on the teeth, red or bleeding gums, or even loose teeth, these are signs of periodontal disease that can make their breath smell truly awful. In fact, severe dental disease can produce horrible odors.

4. Oral Infections and Abscesses

Infections in the mouth such as those caused by an object stuck or an injury can cause bad breath. Abscesses from broken teeth or gums infected due to lack of care can produce foul smell and be painful for your Yorkie. In some cases these infections may need veterinary attention.

5. Stomach and Digestive Issues

Sometimes bad breath in Yorkies is related to digestive issues. A dog’s bad breath from the stomach can happen if there’s an imbalance of bacteria or if your dog has indigestion or acid reflux. In these cases the smell might be described as “my dog’s breath smells like fish” or similar unpleasant odors.

6. Systemic Health Problems

Yorkie health problems can show up as bad breath. For example kidney disease or diabetes can cause unusual odors. Dog bad breath cancer is another concern as tumors in the mouth or digestive tract can cause halitosis.

7. Puppy Breath

Even 5-month old Yorkies aren’t immune to bad breath. A 5-month-old-puppy bad breath can happen due to teething where the loss of baby teeth and the emergence of adult teeth can cause inflammation and odor. Bacteria can also accumulate on the gums and cause bad breath in young puppies.

How to Fix Yorkie Bad Breath?

If you have a Yorkie with stinky breath there are several ways you can improve their oral health and reduce the odor. Here’s how to keep your Yorkie’s breath fresh and clean:

1. Regular Teeth Brushing

Learning how to brush Yorkie’s teeth is key. Regular brushing removes plaque and tartar buildup and prevents bacteria growth that causes bad breath. Use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste. Brush at least 2-3 times a week for best results.

2. Dental Chews and Treats for a Yorkie Bad Breath

Dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup and keep your Yorkie occupied. Look for chews that promote oral health and can be added to your dog’s daily routine. Always supervise your Yorkie when they’re having these treats to prevent choking hazards.

3. Professional Dental Cleaning

Consider scheduling regular veterinary dental cleanings. A professional cleaning can remove plaque and tartar thoroughly and reach areas that are hard to clean at home. It’s especially important for older Yorkies or those with advanced signs of yorkie periodontal disease. Your dog’s dentist can remove plaque and tartar with special dental equipment. Otherwise, your dog will start to develop gingivitis and periodontitis.

4. Dietary Changes

Feeding your Yorkie high-quality dog food can make a big impact on their breath. The best food for Yorkies will be nutritionally balanced and have ingredients that support dental health. Avoid foods high in sugars or artificial additives as these can cause dental problems and bad breath. And no matter how sorry you feel about not sharing your food with your dog, trust me you’re actually doing them a favor. Human food is high in sugars, carbohydrates, and spices that can harm your Yorkie’s digestive tract and teeth.

5. Dog Breath Freshening Products

Dog bad breath water additives can be added to your Yorkie’s water to help reduce bacteria in the mouth that cause odor. These are safe for dogs and a convenient way to have fresher breath. As your dog drinks, it’s like a constant gentle rinse for their mouth. A good dental water additive can help freshen breath and even improve oral health over time. Make sure to get a pet-safe product (never use human mouthwash!). Follow the instructions on the bottle for the proper ratio to mix. This is an easy dog bad breath home remedy because it requires almost no effort – just fill the water bowl. It’s not a miracle cure if there’s heavy tartar present, but it can make a noticeable difference in mild cases and help prevent plaque buildup.

6. Regular Vet Visits

Regular vet visits are important to catch health issues that may not be visible. Your vet can check for yorkie health problems and advise on how to keep your dog’s mouth and overall health. Early detection of periodontal disease or systemic issues makes a big difference. Not just you but also your pooch needs to regularly go on health checks.

7. Home Remedies for a Yorkie Bad Breath

If you prefer natural methods, there are several dog bad breath home remedies. Adding a little parsley to your Yorkie’s food is a natural breath freshener. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help reduce mouth odor when rubbed on the gums. Another famous product is adding a spoon of an apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water bowl. This ingredient is completely harmless and will do a miracle for your Yorkie’s bad breath.

8. Chew Toys for Treating Yorkie Bad Breath

Give your Yorkie safe chew toys to keep their teeth clean by scraping off plaque as they chew. Chew toys also promote healthy chewing habits and can be a good supplement to brushing. In our offer, you can find great chew and interactive toys for Yorkies that can help in keeping their teeth clean.

9. Monitor and Prevent Coprophagia

If your Yorkie eats poop, you need to find ways to stop this behavior. Clean up immediately after your dog goes potty and use deterrents that make feces unappealing. Also, make sure your Yorkie is well fed with the best food for yorkies to address nutritional deficiencies that may cause this behavior. Secure garbage cans with lids or place them out of reach. Essentially, puppy-proof your home to limit access to “snacks” that lead to stinky breath. Sometimes management is the best remedy!

10. Coconut Oil (Use in Moderation)

A trending home remedy for dog bad breath is virgin coconut oil. It has antimicrobial properties and can improve the coat, and some owners find that adding a tiny bit (like 1/4 teaspoon for a small Yorkie) to their dog’s food or brushing the teeth with it can help fight bad breath. Dogs often love the taste, so it’s easy to give. However, use it sparingly – coconut oil is high in fat and calories, which can contribute to weight gain if overdone, especially in a small dog. Too much can also cause upset stomach or diarrhea. If you try coconut oil, start with a very small amount and monitor your pup for any signs of digestive upset. It can be a helpful adjunct remedy, but it’s not a cure-all and should not replace brushing or vet care if needed.

11. Boost Hydration and Consider Probiotics

As mentioned earlier, dehydration can worsen bad breath. Always keep fresh, clean water available. You might even flavor the water lightly (with a bit of tuna water or low-sodium broth) to entice a picky Yorkie to drink more – more water intake means a cleaner mouth and healthier digestion. In terms of digestion, adding probiotics to your Yorkie’s diet can help with bad breath from the stomach.

Sometimes an imbalance of gut bacteria or mild digestive issues can contribute to halitosis. Plain unsweetened yogurt is a simple home remedy many dog owners use – a teaspoon of plain yogurt as a treat or mixed into food can introduce beneficial bacteria that reduce odor-causing bacteria. (Make sure your dog isn’t lactose intolerant, and only use plain yogurt with no artificial sweeteners.) There are also canine probiotic supplements available. Over time, better gut health can translate to fresher breath, especially if your dog’s bad breath has a gastrointestinal component. Yogurt is a popular dog bad breath remedy because it’s natural and most pups love it.

How to Get Rid of Bad Dog Breath Fast

Sometimes you just want a quick fix for bad dog breath – maybe guests are coming over, or you just want a tolerable snuggle with your pup. Some fast remedies to freshen your Yorkie’s breath in a pinch include:

Offering a dental chew or crunchy carrot to help scrub the mouth and add a fresher scent.
Wiping the teeth and gums with a dog dental wipe or a cloth dabbed in dog-safe breath spray.
Letting your Yorkie drink water with a bit of dental water additive for a quick rinse.
Brushing the teeth is actually one of the fastest ways to immediately reduce odor – even a 30-second brush will help if your dog lets you.
There are also dog breath freshener sprays and chlorophyll tablets on the market. If you have one handy (and it’s vet-approved), those can mask odor temporarily.

These quick measures can get rid of bad dog breath fast for the moment, but remember they only mask the problem. You’ll still want to address the underlying cause through the steps above for long-term fresh breath.

My Yorkie’s Breath Smells Like Fish!

A special call-out for that fishy odor many Yorkie parents report. If your Yorkie’s breath (or body) smells like fish, the most common cause is anal gland secretions. These glands produce a fishy-smelling substance, and if a dog’s glands are full or infected, you might catch a whiff of “dead fish” smell on your dog.

As mentioned, dogs often lick their rear ends, so the fishy smell ends up on the breath. The solution: have a vet or groomer check the anal glands. They can express (empty) them and treat any infection. Regular expression (usually every few weeks to months, as needed) can prevent that fishy buildup.Other reasons for a Yorkie smelling like fish include certain skin infections (especially yeast infections on the skin or paws) and even dental infections that have a rotten-fish odor.

Diet can play a role too – if you’re supplementing heavy fish oil or feeding fish-based food, that can sometimes come through the coat and breath. Also, consider if your female Yorkie is the one with the fishy smell. Sometimes a female dog with a urinary tract infection or vaginitis can have a fishy or foul odor from her backend. In any case, if a bath and teeth brushing don’t solve a fishy smell, it’s wise to consult a vet to check anal glands and rule out infections. (For a deeper dive into this issue, see our post “9 Reasons Why Your Yorkie Smells Like Fish” on this site, which covers causes and fixes in detail.)

Dealing With Yorkie Bad Breath: Conclusion

Bad breath in Yorkies is common but the good news is you can usually get it under control. I still remember the first time my Yorkie gave me a big slobbery kiss and I almost fell off the couch from the smell. Trust me I get it—it’s pretty gross. But after some trial and error, finding the right routine and a few vet visits, things started to get better. Regular teeth brushing, keeping an eye on their diet and using some breath freshening tricks made a big difference.

If your Yorkie’s breath is ruining cuddle time, try these out and see what works for your dog. And remember if things don’t improve or you see other health issues, don’t wait to call your vet. Our little fur babies deserve the best.

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