Bad breath

[puppylove]

My 13 month old doxie mix has always had bad breath! She eats a very good quality dog food and treats. She chews on sterilized bones, but her breath would still gag a maggot, it's almost fishy smelling! She doesn't get anything that contains fish. She will not let me brush her teeth no matter how hard I try, even after a breath freshening treat, a short time later it smells again.

Her teeth are bright white, and from what I can see she has not decay or teeth problems.

I was told by someone that doxies have naturally smell breathes, can anyone with a doxie confirm this, or do anyone else know why her breath is so smelly?
What to do about it?

Thanks!!!

[foxi7778]

Hi, not sure about Doxies being known for having bad breath, but there may be a possibility that she is over producing a certain bacteria in her mouth which is causing it???.... a friend's dog suffered from this, but it was easily treated with a course of antibiotics...or there could possibly be decay somewhere that you can't see.
How do you try to brush your dog's teeth?? You don't actually have to physically brush them, just rubbing the toothpaste over their gums and teeth works just as well. I started cleaning my dog's teeth from the 1st day I had them...poor things The easiest way to get them used to it is to start by just letting them lick the paste of your finger and progress onto rubbing it on their gums etc after a few days have passed. Best of luck

[puppylove]

Foxi7778,

I didn't know that I didn't have to actually brush her teeth. I had a beagle mix that wasn't pleased with me brushing her teeth, but would let me do it. Keira will have no part of it! I have the doggy toothpaste, so I'll start giving that a try. I don't do antibiotics for dogs unless it is a matter of life or death. I had a dog that had nothing but problems when it came to antibiotics, she got horrible yeast infections that turned into secondary bacterial infections from chewing the itchy skin after the use of antibiotics . It turned into a vicious and highly costly circle that I never want to go through again!!!

I'll try rubbing the paste around her teeth. If that doesn't work, I'll check with her vet. I just try to avoid them as much as possible!

Thanks for your reply and insight!

[foxi7778]

Don't blame you for avoiding antibiotics or the vet!!! Good luck with the tooth brushing