My Pomeranian has very bad breath. I have her teeth cleaned, but it doesn't last more than a few days. We have also had her on antibiotics one week a month and used stuff in the drinking water. Nothing works; any suggestions? Also she is not a chewer so the fresh breath bones won't be used.
Mo from Dayton, OH
With people as well as pets, if their breath is bad and it's "not" their teeth, it's usually their stomach. He may not be digesting his food properly. I'd try changing his food or using digestive enzymes. These simple things can really make a difference. Also, try "Greenies". They'll send you a free sample. Not only do these have chlorophyll (which is great for bad breath), but they also have a process that helps plaque not stick to dog's and cat's teeth. They really work to help keep their teeth clean and my cat absolutely loves them!
I don't know if your dog will eat wheat grass (the kind you buy growing in flats at the pet store), but if he will, then this can really help his breath. You can also buy supplements that are high in chlorophyll. Remember anything green is high in chlorophyll.
You can plant your own wheat grass. Just buy unprocessed wheat in the large bins at the grocery, heath food store, or feed store and plant it in soil and water daily. It's best eaten when it's under 6 inches long, as this is when it's the most tender and sweet. Don't give your dog too much or he may throw it back up. Just a teaspoon several times a day for a medium size dog is enough and maybe 2 teaspoons for a larger dog. This does not have to be chewed to work (it's all about getting it into the stomach), but of course chewing the grass could help even more. (08/04/2008)
By Cyinda
You might try a few cheap and easy things first. Since your dog doesn't like to chew; I'd skip the Greenies. They're pricey and I haven't found many dogs that really like them.
Make sure your dog is really getting enough water. Bacteria and fungus tend to grow when we're dehydrated; not when our systems are well flushed.
Like with people, yogurt can eliminate bad breath in most cases where the cause is the stomach. Try mixing in some with the dog's food. As always, go slowly and stick with plain, low fat stuff.
Look at what the dog is eating in an unbiased way. People tend to treat small dogs like kings instead of dogs and it really is a disservice to the dogs.
Is the dog getting a lot of sugary or fatty foods? (Yes, crumbs and "bites" count too!) A lot of very processed foods so the snacks look like something else? Sharing some snacks of yours that he happens to love? Remember a small "people" cookie is a big portion to a 7 lb dog. If so, try going with healthier and less processed foods, but do it slowly. A fast change could cause more problems than it helps.
Even if your dog is not a chewer, you might try to get him interested in some natural snacks. Many dogs do like carrots, broccoli stalks, cantaloupe, etc. While the veggies are good for the dog; it's the chewing action that stimulates the flow of saliva that's important here. Again, a flushed system has less bacteria and fungus.
Good luck. (08/05/2008)
By pet Lover
I am thinking since your doggies breath smells good for a few days after cleaning that it might just be she needs her teeth brushed daily like we humans need to. Your vet can recommend and sell you an appropriate tooth brush and tooth paste. My dad had a poodle who needed her teeth brushed daily because of, not only breath, but also plaque problems. Once she got used to it, she loved it and my dad didn't have to smell icky breath or spend so much money on vet dental care as often after that :-) (08/05/2008)
By Deeli
Try to change her to a different food. It could be stomach/digestive issues. (08/05/2008)
Be careful giving your dog Greenies. I've heard that if they swallow a big chunk it can get stuck in their intestines. Make sure to supervise your dog if you decide to give a Greenie. (08/05/2008)
By Oberhund
I have to add to those saying "No Greenies", since pieces not only get stuck in the intestines, they swell up with water and become a life-threatening agonizingly painful crisis in a short time, so usually the surgery is too late!
Yes, every dog needs its teeth brushed. There is nothing special about an official dog brush, just use a kiddie brush that is soft and comfortable on the gums. It is important to clean the gum edge, so don't back off from brushing there. My dog likes the cheese that comes in a spray can and squirts out like noodles. I put it on the toothbrush and all the time she's licking, I'm brushing, and a couple good scrubs per spot is all I try for. I started by just letting her lick it off. I never hold onto her head, I only do what she will allow and I do turn her head left and right with one finger on the side of her muzzle.
She may be a chewer if you give her something else to chew on. Dogs who chew real bones, marrow and all, from the butcher or meat counter usually do not have bad breath. For a couple of bucks, it's worth a try. (08/06/2008)
I also have a Pom who had a problem with bad breath. I learned that corn in the kibble can cause it. We bought her a good kibble made without corn and the problem disappeared. Give it a try! (08/07/2008)
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