Bad Breath

[Sheltiemama]

Brandi has the worst breath of any dog I've ever had. I brush her teefies as often as I can and her teeth aren't tartar covered. I'm wondering if it's not her food that's doing it. Man it's like she's got garbage mouth. She's not much of a chewer but does like her greenies and I do give them once a day as well as the brushing. I'd like to get her off the lamb and rice foods she's eating and on to something else to see if it is her food but I'm very limited as to what I can feed her. She did smell better when she was eating the raw chicken wings but then the other end didn't cooperate (terrible diahrrea) so I'm not sure what my next step is. These so called designer dog foods aren't available to me here or at home so I can't feed them. I'm almost tempted to go back to feeding home cooked but I am somewhat concerned about her nutrition balances (because of her propensity toward displaysia)

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

[mara]

Try and have a look into her mouth, inspect all gums, the roof of her mouth, under her tongue to make sure there is no foreign body that's inflamed and causing the odor. You could take her to a vet and he could look down her throat.

[foxylady]

garlic granules on the food can help. its a tip i learnt working in kennels.

[Bosley Slave]

I'd eliminate all other possibilities, but first I'd really check her mouth. Many of us think we are getting all teeth surfaces when we brush. The back teeth often get missed, especially on the back side. I agree that a careful examination of the teeth and gums be done, be sure that you check for redness on gums. I think that I would take the dog to my vet for a mouth exam also just to rule this out. Sometimes the teeth can appear clean, but below the gum there is buildup.

After all mouth problems have been eliminated then I'd be sure that she has dried beef ligaments (tendons), bullies, knuckle bones to chew on.

I know my dog will get diarrhea from any chicken product, I know of a few other dogs with this situation.

But I would definately agree with the others that a vet visit it needed. dental problems can affect many other organs in the body. Good Luck

[foxylady]

rough collies and shelties are well known for having "collie breath". as offensive as it is LOL

[weezyNollie]

I use a great product that our hospital sells.. but you can get it online as well.

It's called OxyFresh Pet Solution. It's an additive to the water that has an enzymatic ingredient to cut back the plague and it helps the breath because of it. It's been amazing how white and clean my dogs teeth (and the cat drinks it too) since this stuff. And when I run out for a couple of weeks/days i notice a HUGE difference with breath and cleanliness.

http://oxyfresh.com/pet/default.asp
http://oxyfresh.com/pet/petoralhygiene.asp

It's about a teaspoon per quart.. and i have 5 quart water dish. I use a 16 oz bottle and it lasts me about 2-3 mos.

I'm thinking I should invest in the gallon pump!

But I think they even guarantee their product, so if you dont like it you could return it.

[SalemWitchChild]

Kota also had bad breath when I fed a lower quality food. So I think your best option right now is to either keep searching for the right food or go to raw. Nicole feeds bones to help clean the teeth. I know some dogs don't go for it (like mine) but it's worth a try. I believe it's knuckle bones she gives??

[foxylady]

have heard bicarb of soda is good for cleaning teeth too.

[BratBoxers]

I just give raw sheep leg once a week and we have no issues with bad breath.