dogs smelly breath

[unhappychick]

Both my dogs have really bad breath...it stinks like a dustbin...any suggestions to freshen it up, thanks!

[Jugglering]

Awww,,, poor doggies and poor you ! Have you had your vet check out their teeth and gums ?

[Roughquest]

If your dogs will let you - you cant beat giving their teeth a good brushing! Works wonders for doggy breath! Or if they are not into having dental hygiene, try minty parsley chews/biscuits from any good pet food stockists....i used to find not feeding my dog 'wet' food helped keep him stink free both ends ! Just feed a complete dry food and make sure you leave plenty of fresh drinking water down for them.

[jules77]

Try this, I can thoroughly recommend it. I was sceptical, but it really does do what it says.

http://www.petzlife.co.uk/index.html

[andy-hughes]

I think as a first stop, I'd pop them into the vets for a look.

Smelly breath may indicate rotten teeth, or stomach problems, both of which need attention.

Have a chat about their diet while you are there, and if your vet reccomends a 'dental', it's a good idea. They give the dog a local and clean teeth very thoroughly, far better than you can do yourself as they have the specialist tools and the specialist knowledge.

That should solve the problem.

[jules77]

There could be a medical reason for smelly breath, but dont let the vet persuade you to have your dogs teeth scaled professionally as it involves sedation which is always a risk.

From experience, one of mine had his teeth scaled when he was having an operation for something else, and within a few months his teeth were as bad as before.

[andy-hughes]

I agree with jules77 that there is a risk with sedation for teeth scaling, but i do think you need to be guided by your vet on this.

If your vet advises that the scaling is going to lead to further problems which may included loss of teeth, or related gum disease, then a quick fettle will be in order.

It's not something vets offer like dental hygenist appointments for us, it is done if it is needed, not for cosmetic reasons.

If your dogs are healthy, then the mild sedation should not be an issue.

[lankeela]

Try the Pedigree Dental Sticks, they do seem to work and my dogs love them as a treat. There is also a homeopathic remedy called Fragaria, which is a tiny white tablet, totally natural, you give one a day for a month, then one a week for a maintenance dose. It loosens and clears any plaque, and this in turn will freshen the breath. They cost about a fiver for a bottle of 100, which will last one dog 18 months. Google Fragaria and you will find suppliers online.

[zzxxee]

try giving them parsley with their food

[Batterseadog]

Not sure how appropriate it is but I know someone who sprays a syringe of Listerine into their dogs mouth to get rid of a stinky fishy smell and they say the odour goes away for about a week. Brushing has to be the answer but it has to be done from when they are young or you could have a fight on your hands.

[LoftyLottie]

I have to disagree with Andy in this. Most vets I know happily recommend teeth scaling under anaesthetic even for just a small amount of plaque. Keeps the money rolling in! They would happily do it routinely every couple of years.

I would avoid it like mad, unless it's really necessary. One of my poor dogs is now 12 and has rotten teeth. He is a Yorkie and half his teeth were rotten at 6 years old when we first had him. We had the rotten teeth taken out at that stage but he hasn't had a scale since.

Our vets now charge �26.00 just for a consultation. I have the greatest respect for their knowledge and use them when necessary, but they have too many extra little money making schemes and sidelines these days!

They actually told me that the Pedigree dental sticks were a waste of time. I find them excellent and my dogs love them.

[LoftyLottie]

'on this' not 'in this'!

Ooh Lankeela, I have just looked up Fragaria to find it is the Wood Strawberry which I have growing profusely in my garden (I ate a load yesterday). Perhaps I should mash it in with the dog food. It certainly wouldn't hurt to try. All parts of the plant are said to be beneficial so I might make Fragaria salad for us and the dogs!