Bad Breath

Bailey&Casey's Mom asks:

Hello all,
My 5 month old baby has developed horrible breath....almost makes me ill..and she so loves to give kisses.
Can anyone give me ideas on what could cause this, and how to make it go away?

Thanks,
Leslie

DarStar responds:

Leslie,
Hopefully, it is just gingivitus, maybe a bad tooth.
She should see a vet to make sure whatever it is can be taken care of.
If it is a bad tooth, the toxins produced by the infection can make her seriously ill.
Probably all she needs is teeth cleaning or maybe just take your fingernail and chip off any brown tartar you may see around the gum line. However, if it is really tender around the gums, that may be too sensitive and you may need the vet's help. My vet sold us a wonderful toothpaste that I can use on my doggies and kitties that has totally changed their breath to very nice and their teeth to very white and they all love the taste!!! I probably only brush their teeth 3 times a week and that has made all the difference.

The name of the toothpaste, which comes with a great toothbrush, is C.E.T. Enzymatic Dentifrice for Dogs & Cats by Virbac. The doggies & kittes say it tastes like chicken--I am serious here :) It also comes with a little rubber thimblelike thingy that is put on your finger if they object to the toothbrush at first. But after a while they will come to love it. They just think you're kind of weird at first.

Melissa M responds:


Bailey's problem is probably temporary. A pup's breath becomes rather fetid when they're cutting teeth. Bailey is at the age where her permanent teeth will be coming in.
If you haven't already started, now is a good time to start oral care. Massage her gums with a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger, gradually working up to a soft tooth brush. The build-up of tartar on her permanent teeth can lead to gingivitis and possible tooth loss.
While she's teething she'll need to chew. I have a braided and knotted string rope for my guys. I wet it, put it in a plastic bag, then put it in the freezer. When they're cutting teeth, they love to chew on it. It's a great toy, because it also flosses their teeth.
I bet you're having a ball with Bailey. All of my bichons are out of the puppy phase, but one would never know it when they decide it's playtime. The breed is a joy!

Bailey&Casey's Mom updates:

I want to Thank all of you for your advice.

And Yes it was Bailey's teething that was causing the problem....poor wee thing has so many teeth coming out and coming in at the same time!
However, its all over now and we actually look forward to her welcoming kisses all over our face!
She is an awesome breed, I believe we will always have a little bischon..:)

GidgetLpM responds:

Hi Bailey Lover! I just read an old message of yours when Bailey had bad breath..... did you try that toothpaste? Did she let you do her teeth? Bailey is giving me a hard time about the teeth....hates me doing anything to his mouth. If they can't spit out the toothpaste, is it ok then to swallow it? Thanks for any advice... tty soon...Lori

Melissa M responds:

Good Morning!

The sudden onset of bad breath at this age is usually caused by the fact that your pup is cutting her permanent teeth. She's going to want to chew, so get her some indestructable dog toys, or she might start chewing on shoes, rugs, etc..
A rope "flossy" is great when pups are teething. I tell people to wet the flossy, put it in a plastic bag, then place it in the freezer until it gets cold and hard. It feels good on the pups gums, and satisfies the urge to chew.

Sincerely,
Melissa

GidgetLpM responds:

Hi Melissa! Thanks for the advice...Bailey loves to chew snow so a cold rope-toy would be fun for him!
Lori and Bailey- **(Buddy)

**New Nick -Name the kids threw in!

Bailey&Casey's Mom responds:

Well Thank Goodness it was her teeth...LOL...
I am not sure what we would of done if it had been something else.
We LOVE her little kisses. I heard human toothpaste was bad for dogs...

Bailey has a couple rope toys and loves them. I am sure freezing them would help with the teething pain. Sure she has nice white straight teeth now...and fresh breath...
I find that if I buy her a nyla bone, it helps keep her beard and moustache free from stickiness..nothing worse than a stinky face...LOL

Oh and Lori...my kids call my Bailey...Bailey Bean...?? who knows why...LOL

Leslie

Jean responds:

That is a great tip Melissa. Thanks for sharing.

There is also a product called "Happy Breath". It is a powder and you give a squirt in their mouths.

My Checkers was a poop eater (ate her own, "hot lunch"). So gross! She had to be watched at all times so she would not do this and eventually, she forgot all about it but it took a long time. We kept the Happy Breath people in business.

GidgetLpm responds:

Thanks for even more tips! Bailey's breath was so bad last night I made him move away from me.
Jean, I did notice him eating something in my backyard the other day..hidden behind a little hill of snow...When I went to investigate there was only a little-bitty poop...he did vomit the next morning...do you think he ate the rest???? EEEWWWWW! LOL. (No wonder his breath is bad!!!)
Lori&Bailey -(Buddy)

Desert Mom responds:

Hi,
I use children's toothpaste on my one year old Bichon Rocky. The adult is to spicy and he loves the taste of the children's toothpaste. He practically opens his mouth for me. It works for me and maybe for you?
Shari and Rocky

GidgetLpM responds:

Thanks to all! I'm going to try a few of your suggestions and see what works best...I was at PetSmart today and purchased the Nyla(dental) Rope thing...and I couldn't decide on the tooth- paste/and /or brush..so I will have to go back...AGAIN!
I have some questions on grooming too, so I better post a message there.....ttyl.
Lori&Bailey