Oct
31
I have a rat terrier, about 4 years old with extremely bad breath. Any solutions besides going to a vet?
Posted by admin under Dogs
Mellie asked:
She only eats dry dog food, her teeth don’t appear to be bad, she acts normal in every other way. It’s so bad you can’t stand to be by her! I’ve bought breath mints, etc and nothing seems to help!
Get Rid of Poop Breath
She only eats dry dog food, her teeth don’t appear to be bad, she acts normal in every other way. It’s so bad you can’t stand to be by her! I’ve bought breath mints, etc and nothing seems to help!
Get Rid of Poop Breath
December 13th, 2008 at 9:37 am
do you scale her teeth on a regular basis? she could have a rotting tooth in the back… a vet check would be my best guess
December 16th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Our dog had bad breath to and we bought a toy from wal mart that is a white ball and has blue nubs all around it to scrub their teeth and it actually worked and he still chews on it and is a large breed so for it to withstand for a few months is great sorry don’t know the name of it but hope the description helps good luck
December 19th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Animals have natural bad breath, you can buy flavored dog chews, brush her teeth, or live with it.
December 19th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I have a jack russel terrier who is 13 — and she has had bad breath since about the age of 3. Try brushing your dogs teeth – it should help — but even with vet visits my dogs breath returns to stinky after about a week or so. I have been told that little dogs tend to have bad breath.
December 21st, 2008 at 4:00 am
Even though the teeth look fine, I suspect a tooth or gum problem. This is something your dog probably should see a vet about – sorry. I know you were looking for other solutions but possibilities include painful infections which can be corrected if you intervene now. I have seen a lot of people wait until too long and their dogs lose the ability to eat normally prematurely and they are facing much more serious decisions about whether to euthanize the dog. She’s young. A little money spent today might just add many, many years to her life.
December 21st, 2008 at 4:51 am
Are there any tarter stains on her teeth at all? That would be the first thing a vet would examine for bad breath. Bad teeth will cause organ failures if left too long adn overall sepsis.
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:03 am
buy her some of those dog bones that get rid of smelly breath or the dog food that is formulated with something in it to prevent this problem if this doesnt work take her to a vet and have her teeth examined for rotting or something good luck
December 26th, 2008 at 1:26 am
I have a toy fox terrier that is two that had the same problem, so I thought I would share with you what worked for us.
Teeth brushing can work wonders if you can get your dog to allow you to brush his or her teeth. Also make sure to brush the gums and tongue as this is where much of the bacteria that creates bad breath lurks. They sell pet-friendly tooth brushes and tooth paste at most pet stores.
There are bones that are made specifically to target bad breath in dogs. Usually they are nylon or another pressed material and they have spikes or prongs made to break up tartar on your dog’s teeth. These are usually available at pet stores as well.
Rawhides are known to help fight bacteria and bad breath. Most dogs love them and it can help entertain them while it is cleaning their breath, teeth, and gums. There are also dog, “cookies,” that are made to combat bad breath. We use one that has the picture of a tooth brush on it and feed them every night right before the dogs go up to bed (after going outside for the last time). There are other biscuits that are mint-flavored that would do the same thing in helping with breath.
I do believe there are also products that are sold that create a tooth brushing experience for dogs without you having to do the actual work. I have seen them in pet stores and they would be worth a look, but I do not know especially what they are called, how much they cost, or more about them.
Pet stores also usually sell dog mints. I do not know if they actually work, but they are very cheap and may solve the problem on their own.
Either way, best of luck with your dog. I love the little terrier breeds!
December 26th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
There may be more reasons for bad breath, like lots of dental tarter, or broken teeth that are infected. It is a good idea to go to the vet and invest in a dental cleaning, ESPECIALLY since you have a small dog. My dog had 2 fractured teeth that were so far back in his mouth, I never even saw them- good thing the vet did, or else he might have ended up with a raging infection!
Dental tarter builds up and eventually, it forms a barrier on the tooth, so bacteria can grow underneath it, and eat away at the enamel of the tooth. Once the gums begin breaking down, bacteria can get into the gums, and then into the bloodstream. This can result in abscessed jaws, tooth loss, or a blood infection. Once bacteria get into the bloodstream, theres no stopping it from going to the liver, kidneys, or heart. Ever heard of endotoxemia? Well it’s a blood-borne infection. Small dogs are even more prone to the effects of dental disease because they have smaller bodies, so less distance for the bacteria to travel.
So what can you do at home? You can start brushing your dog’s teeth, but since the dental tarter has built a wall on the tooth, brushing will NOT remove it! You need to go to the vet so they can use professional dental tools to scrape and clean the teeth. You should never attempt to scrape your own dog’s teeth. Leave this to the professionals. Once you get a dental cleaning, you can begin brushing and then he will have lovely teeth for years!
If tarter isn’t the issue, ask a vet. She could have an infection in her mouth or an abscess somewhere that is causing the smell. By 4 years of age though, it is time for a dental cleaning.
December 27th, 2008 at 1:40 am
What do you think your mouth would look like if you ate solid food and never brushed your teeth and never went to the dentist – at least not for 4 years. Think your breath would stink so bad that no one wanted to come near you?
If you want to eat food, not brush your teeth and not go to the dentist for 4 years, then go ahead, and its ok to treat your dog that way. But if you brush your teeth regularly, see the dentist regularly, then do the same for your pet.
After 4 years, it is indeed time to get your dog’s teeth cleaned, no ifs, ands, or butts about it.
December 29th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
My dog had dragonbreath and a friend recommended a product called Petzlife. It comes in a gel or spray you put in his mouth and it worked! The tarter is receding on his teeth and he can come kiss me anytime now without my holding my breath. : )
December 30th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I would strongly recommend that you get your dogs teeth and mouth evaluated if the odor is as bad as you describe it. Good Luck.
January 2nd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
If you pony up for this initial cleaning, and are willing to do daily cleaning after that, you will find the smell gets better. I have only gotten my finger pinched once (and that was enough). I use a course wool cloth wrapped around the finger. It’s the only material that is gentle on my little guys gums, yet cleans away the majority of the food particles. The back molars and interior surfaces tend to be harder to clean.
Think about this new habit from your dog’s perspective. It shouldn’t be forced or traumatic. Keep the interaction lighthearted and short, while he or she acclimates. And for heaven’s sake, don’t put your pinky between the back molars, because you’ll stimulate a chew response. Eventually your dog gets used to the process and relaxes. Eventually, you will have to go in for another cleaning.