Burping in dogs is normal, but when your dog lets out a burp that smells like poop, it’s enough to make any pet parent gag—and worry. While it might seem like a simple case of bad breath, a burp that carries a fecal odor can point to something deeper in your dog’s digestive system. So, what causes it, and should you be concerned?
In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes of poop-smelling dog burps, when it’s a red flag, and how you can help your dog feel (and smell) better.
Is It Normal for a Dog’s Burp to Smell Like Poop?
No, it’s not normal for a dog’s burp to smell like feces. A strong poop-like odor can signal digestive disturbances, dietary imbalances, or even serious health issues. While occasional bad breath after eating something smelly might be harmless, consistent foul burps should not be ignored.
What Causes a Dog’s Burp to Smell Like Poop?
1. Gastrointestinal Imbalance or Dysbiosis
An imbalance in the gut flora (good vs. bad bacteria) can lead to excessive fermentation, gas production, and sulfur-like or fecal odors in the breath. Dysbiosis is common in dogs who’ve recently had antibiotics, poor-quality food, or food intolerances.
2. Coprophagia (Poop Eating)
If your dog eats feces—whether their own, another animal’s, or from the yard—you may notice burps that smell exactly like what they consumed. Coprophagia is surprisingly common and can be behavioral, dietary, or a sign of nutrient deficiency.
Signs your dog may be eating poop include:
- Bad breath with a distinct fecal odor
- Stool sniffing or consumption during walks
- Evidence of poop in their crate or around the yard
3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Dogs with acid reflux or GERD often produce burps that smell sour, rotten, or fecal-like. This happens when stomach contents, including partially digested food and acid, move backward into the esophagus.
Symptoms of canine GERD:
- Burping or gulping
- Licking lips or air
- Intermittent vomiting or regurgitation
- Reluctance to eat or pain while eating
4. Poor Diet or Low-Quality Dog Food
Cheap, highly processed dog food can disrupt digestion, causing gas, bloating, and smelly burps. Ingredients like by-products, fillers, and artificial additives contribute to poor gut health and waste build-up in the intestines—leading to foul-smelling burps and gas.
5. Intestinal Blockages or Slow Digestion
When food sits too long in your dog’s stomach or intestines, it begins to ferment, producing strong odors and foul-smelling belches. A partial blockage or motility issue can cause this, especially if combined with vomiting or constipation.
Seek emergency care if your dog shows:
- Abdominal bloating or pain
- Inability to poop or vomit
- Lethargy or restlessness
6. Dental Disease
Severe dental infections or abscesses can create a fecal-like smell in the mouth, which worsens when burping forces odor upward. Check your dog’s teeth for tartar buildup, red gums, or signs of pain when chewing.
7. Pancreatitis or Liver Disease
Dogs with pancreatic or liver dysfunction may have foul-smelling burps due to poor fat digestion and toxin buildup in the body. These conditions often come with vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or loss of appetite. Veterinary diagnosis is essential.
When Should You See the Vet?
Call your vet if the poop-smelling burps happen frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, appetite loss, or lethargy. Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms may indicate an infection, organ issue, or chronic digestive disorder that needs professional care.
Red flags include:
- Burps that smell rotten, fecal, or like sulfur
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or bloated abdomen
- Weight loss or sudden change in appetite
- Feces-smelling breath that won’t go away
What You Can Do at Home
If your dog’s burps are rare and you’re not seeing other symptoms, here are a few ways to help reset their digestive system:
1. Switch to High-Quality Dog Food
Choose a dog food with whole ingredients, no artificial fillers, and balanced protein. Avoid anything with “meat by-products” or “animal digest.” A better diet often equals better digestion—and better-smelling burps.
2. Add Digestive Enzymes or Probiotics
Probiotic supplements support healthy gut flora and improve digestion. Enzyme blends can help break down food more efficiently, reducing gas and odor.
3. Monitor for Coprophagia
Supervise your dog during potty breaks. Clean up poop quickly, use deterrent sprays if needed, and consider adding taste deterrents like pineapple or commercial supplements to make stool less appealing.
4. Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Large meals can overload the stomach and delay digestion. Feeding smaller portions 2–3 times a day can help reduce bloating, reflux, and burping.
5. Dental Cleaning
If your dog hasn’t had a dental checkup in over a year, it might be time. Oral infections can be a hidden cause of foul-smelling breath and burps. Regular brushing and dental treats help maintain hygiene.
Want to Curb Bad Habits That Lead to Digestive Trouble?
Many dogs develop digestive issues because of anxiety, boredom, or bad habits like eating too fast or chewing inappropriate things. That’s where behavior training can help—not just with manners, but with gut health too.
Brain Training for Dogs is a powerful tool to redirect behaviors that lead to digestive distress. This online course teaches focus, impulse control, and calm behavior through fun, science-backed games and lessons.
With Brain Training for Dogs, your pup can:
- Slow down eating and reduce gulping air
- Stop chewing on random or unsafe objects
- Stay mentally stimulated to avoid stress-related gut issues
Click here to start Brain Training for Dogs and help your pup feel better from the inside out.
Conclusion
When your dog’s burp smells like poop, it’s not just unpleasant—it’s a signal that something could be wrong. From diet and dental issues to parasites or reflux, the causes range from simple to serious. Keep an eye on other symptoms, adjust their food and habits, and always involve your vet if the problem persists.
And if your dog struggles with behavior that contributes to digestive problems—like anxiety, chewing, or speed-eating—training can make a real difference. Start today with Brain Training for Dogs and turn foul burps into fresh starts.