Bad breath in horses: It's not always the teeth

Created: 09/28/2022, 12:30 p.m

By: Lara-Sabrina Kiehl

As a rule, horses have a neutral breath.

If the smell becomes unpleasant, the causes can be manifold.

If the cat lies on the lap and yawns, this can trigger a wrinkled nose in humans.

Likewise when the dog pant in your face.

The reason: their unpleasant bad breath, which is mostly influenced by what they ate before.

Such as fish or meat.

It is much more comfortable with the horse.

The breath is naturally fresher and can also be related to what was previously eaten, perhaps hay or herbal muesli.

If the smell changes unpleasantly, you should get to the bottom of the cause.

Pay attention to six things.

Bad breath in horses: It's not always the teeth

Not only dental problems can cause bad breath in horses.

(Iconic image) © Panthermedia/Imago

One of the main causes of bad breath in horses is dental problems.

The culprits are usually bacteria that spread and multiply on bits of food that get stuck between the teeth.

Sometimes it is bad teeth or an abscess in the mouth that lead to bad breath.

The equine dentist or veterinarian should examine the horse's teeth.

An abscess needs to be opened to allow the pus to drain.

These five signs will tell you that the dentist needs to come for your horse.

However, dental problems are not the only possible cause of bad breath.

A respiratory infection could also be the reason.

Especially if the horse has bad breath, coughing, frequent snorting, nasal discharge or fever.

Because respiratory infections can be very serious and cause permanent breathing problems, the vet should be called.

Bad breath in horses: hunger and stomach ulcers as triggers

Another reason for bad breath in horses can be hunger.

Because if a horse eats too little, it produces less saliva and the less saliva in the oral cavity, the less it is kept clean.

The result: bad smells can develop more quickly.

If you observe loss of appetite in your horse, consult the veterinarian.

Here's why horses with cravings should always have access to hay.

Does bad breath indicate stomach problems?

Yes, that is also possible.

If your horse smells sour from its mouth, this is an indication that, in the worst case, can even mean a stomach ulcer.

Other indications of stomach problems are: tiredness, weight loss, belching or nervousness.

If you suspect it, contact your veterinarian.

But not only the stomach can be affected by ulcers, but the entire digestive tract.

Tumors can also be responsible for bad breath.

Bad breath in horses: possible indication of intestinal obstruction and kidney failure

In addition to stomach problems, a sour smell can also indicate an intestinal obstruction.

Red alert applies here.

Intestinal obstruction is the most common cause of colic.

Leftover food collects in the intestines and the odors reach up into the mouth.

If you have other symptoms such as looking at your stomach, biting your stomach, flehmen, rolling or lying down, you should call your vet immediately.

A woman meant well and fed someone else's horse, but she committed a crime by doing so.

kidney failure?

Yes, this too can be a serious cause of bad breath.

The accumulation of toxins, which are normally excreted in the urine, cause bad odors that rise up into the oral cavity, similar to intestinal obstruction.

In general, symptoms of kidney failure are poorly expressed.

Signs are increased urination, dull coat, tiredness and loss of appetite.