Posts tagged "BadBreath"

Meet jet-setting show dog Curry, Paw Nation's newest advice columnist. In between competing at the top dog shows, Curry finds time to answer the questions all dogs long to ask. From grooming advice (Curry's competing at Westminster, so she knows a thing or two about looking gorgeous) to tips on getting along with the craziest of canines (she lives in Manhattan so she has to make friends with the many other dogs on the block), this 3-year-old Glen of Imaal terrier has all the answers to your crucial canine queries.

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I'm a 2-year-old poodle mix who is totally adorable in every way... except for one big, smelly problem. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I have horrible breath. I can tell that the humans I live with don't like it. Deep in my heart I know this is probably why they don't let me sleep on the bed. I don't know what to do. Can you help me?
Daisy from Texas

Don't be ashamed, Daisy. I too once suffered from slightly smelly breath, but I found an amazing solution that I'm happy to share. It's called doggie toothpaste. I'm partial to the beef flavor (yummy!), but there are other flavors like chicken and mint to suit your tastes. But you have to use it!

You may not realize it, but most cases of bad breath are caused by not looking after your teeth. If you don't start taking care of them soon, you'll need to get a professional cleaning from a veterinary dentist, which requires being put under general anesthesia. Yuck. So get your human to brush your teeth every day and your problem should go away. Your breath truly will smell as fresh as a daisy, Daisy! Well, a beef-flavored daisy.

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Ask Curry your questions by e-mailing her at curry@pawnation.com.

Your pooch comes to you for kisses and you get a whiff of something horrible. No doubt about it: Your dog has some nasty breath. What causes it and how can you prevent it? We sought out an expert, veterinarian Donna J. Spector, of the VCA Animal Hospitals, to answer our questions. Here is what she had to tell us about stinky dog breath and how to make your dog's smooches minty fresh again.

What causes bad breath in dogs?
Bad breath is just a minor symptom of the more serious periodontal disease occurring in your dog's mouth. Periodontal disease is one of the most common and serious dog health problems, affecting approximately 80% of dogs by age 3! It can result in tooth and gum infections, pain, loss of teeth, and even organ damage in dogs.

Could bad breath be a sign of illness in dogs?
In addition to dental/periodontal disease, bad breath can be a sign of other mouth problems (abscesses, growths, etc), digestive ailments, kidney failure, diabetes, or other more serious illnesses. Pets with these problems usually have signs other than just bad breath.

What are some ways to cure bad breath in dogs?
You must get to the "root" of the problem! Start with a thorough examination and dental cleaning with your veterinarian, and then start twice daily tooth brushing to prevent periodontal disease and bad breath. While you are getting up to par on teeth cleaning, give your dog juiced parsley leaves or fennel. These fresh herbs have antibacterial properties and can help mask the bad breath.

What are some ways to prevent a dog's bad breath?
In addition to twice daily tooth brushing and regular dental checkups (at least once yearly!), ask your veterinarian if your dog needs special dental treats or a more rigorous dental care plan to help keep the bad breath away and maintain your dog's health for years to come.