Bad Breath

[Norman]

Lately Simon has had some obnoxious breath.Nothing is different,same food,same treat.The only thing I can think of is that on occasion if the cellar door is not fully latched he'll push the door open and get to the cat's food dish.This doesn't happen very often but its the only thing I can think of.

Can cat food cause this?

[papbouv]

Usually bad breath may = gum disease or a bad tooth smaller dogs have more problems with their teeth than larger dogs.All dogs & cats should get their teeth brushed at least three times a week and a dental from the vet or at least have the vet check their teeth once a year.Bad teeth and gum disease can cause all kinds of problems infections in their hearts check with the vet on everything that bad teeth can do.
I try to brush Patches teeth everyday last time she had her teeth cleaned at the vets it was over $200.00 so trying to make sure I do not have to come up with that much monies again.Take better care of the dogs teeth than I do my own.

[Norman]

Simon gets a full vet teeth cleaning once a year.Being that we inherited Simon from my dad(he's physically unable to care for him),he pays for this.He never had breath issues until lately.I don't clean his teeth nor did my dad,other than the vet visits.

The cat food is the only new thing.That and because of the really bad Winter we've had,Simon's just not getting as much "toy time".

He's a very cooperative guy so I'll start cleaning his teeth anyways,which begs the question:What's the best method?

[papbouv]

You can google how to brush a dogs teeth will find all kinds of help. Also Drs. Foster & Smiths web site has a video on how to do it know you cannot use people tooth paste dogs cannot spit have to use dog & cat toothpaste you can get at pet stores. happy brushing Good luck

[David C.]

Sometimes a stomach ailment can cause bad breath, or if they are ingesting something they shouldn't.  I tend to agree with papobouv that teeth and gums are the likely culprit.