11 month old pup with bad breath

[kid]

T had lovely breath (for a dog!) until very recently. It has quite suddenly become pretty nasty. If he licks us or even dribbles on anything, the smell he leaves behind is not very pleasant.

I did start giving him some wet meat recently as he wasn't eating his dry food. I'm giving him wainwrights from pets at home with some dry food mixed in. The only reason I'm mixing it is for the biscuits to keep his teeth clean.

His teeth still look nice and white and his gums look normal. I have some doggy wipes which I have cleaned his face with. The wipe was a bit mucky when I wiped his mouth but I still think the smell is coming from inside his mouth rather than around. I also cleaned his teeth today with dog toothpaste which I'll continue to do for a week or so.

Should I cut out the wet food and just assume he will eat the dry food when he is hungry? Or does he needs to be seen by a vet?

I had to change my dog's food over to kibble for this reason, 'wet' food seems to get stuck between his teeth and were causing dental problems; gums looked red and inflammed, stinky breathe etc. Get him checked by your vet just to be on the safe side (no dental abscess), then perhaps review his diet.

I managed to have a proper look at his teeth this morning and two at the back are a bit discoloured. I brushed those particular teeth a bit more than the others and I saw a little blood but he wasn't bothered in the slightest.

I just gave him dry food today and also got some dental chews which he has eaten one of already. I don't think his breath smells as bad as yesterday tbh. I will continue brushing, dry food and dental chew and see what it's like by next weekend. If it gets worse or he stops eating, I take him straight to the vets.

I've changed my mind and will be taking him vets as soon as I can get an appointment. Our vets are closed today but pets at home vet are open. But as he isn't registered with them, they were going to charge £90 just to see him! He is still eating and going to the toilet but I'm still worried so I'll ring our vets in the morning for an appointment.
I really hope it's just a case of medication as I won't be able to let them operate. I am of course just thinking the worst case scenario and dreading it

It won't hurt to take him to the vets, but neither dry kibble nor dental chews will help keep his teeth clean and his breath fresh. It's a total myth that chewing kibble keeps teeth clean, although it doesn't usually get stuck in the teeth as much as wet food will. I don't find teeth cleaning helps much either personally.

Raw bones and plenty of chew toys are the best way to keep the teeth clean and breath fresh IMO, as well as feeding good quality kibble as poor ingredients can make a dog's breath stink too.

Vet appt booked for this evening. I am dreading it and really don't want to go but of course I know I have to take him. At least its nothing major (hopefully not) so this should be good practice for me as when there is an emergency, I'll have to buck up my ideas and act pronto.

I would have a close look around his lips being a spaniel they can be prone to infections particularly in the lower lip area.

Wel I hope the vet puts gloves on first!
I don't think its as bad today but I think I might be getting used to the smell. I feel so bad for him when everyone (DH and DC) keep sending him away because of the smell, but I don't blame them.

He also has a brownish discharge coming from around his mouth which is only evident when I wipe his face. Its not as if ts only there when he has eaten, its always there. He is a naughty boy for making me worry. Once the vet tells me Teddy is ok, I'm going to ground him and take his toys away

back to the vets tomorrow for a check up, will find out if he needs a second injection or not.
He has been very good at letting me wash his face in salty water, although he does try to drink the solution before I can wipe his mouth

Kid... my old lady leaves a brownish discharge where she sleeps and the vet found a small fold on both sides of her bottom lip which seems to harbour "oomska". I clean it with a hibsicrub solution every now and then and that particular little problem is thus sorted.

I'm interested in the smelly breath though as she also has that - not just dog breath - far worse... and every time she picks up a tennis ball/chew toy she leaves blood on it - but the vets say her teeth are improving since I first got her about 7 months ago... and they are certainly whiter, but her breath is still unbearable.

Interested in what you say about raw bones Midori. I know not to give cooked bones to Staffords - does anyone know if raw bones are ok? Mini-hijack (sorry Kid) but does anyone know if I should be asking more questions at the vets, too? They have discounted liver problems on her appearance of being well. Ta

I don't mind the hijack MotherJack

We went back to the vets tonight and the vet was very pleased with Ts mouth. The smell has completely gone and we have a lovely smelling dog again (thank God for that!)

I have to was the folds around his mouth with salt water to keep it nice and clean. By doing that, no scar tissue will build up and he won't need to have any op to remove the excess skin. Just as well really as I wasn't going to let them operate anyway!

He was such a monster in the waiting room. Pulling to get all over the place to be nosey. Once inside the room, the vet lifted T onto the table and he just laid there wagging his tail. I swear he can smile, it certainly looked like he was smiling while the vet fussed over him anyway. I really do like this vet, I will refuse to be seen by any other vet (if I am allowed to that is!)

Thanks Kid . Glad you are sorted. I always used to try to insist on the same vet in his latter years, but mostly because he was the only one licensed to do acupuncture so a few needles cost a couple of quid on top of the consultation fee. Seeing the other vets from time to time when he was doing the rural rounds meant I got on top of his dicky tum tho, and he got acquainted with them all in the end. I just wish they loved him like the nurses at his previous vet - they used to be delighted when he was coming in and all piled in for snuggles throughout the day. No wonder he loved them so . The personalities of the ones that give the most care for whatever reason are SO important in a pet's care.

MotherJack after my experience with my previous vet (well Moby's vet) I need someone that I feel is going to take care of my puppy. This vet is very good and clearly loves animals which helps if you chose to work with them!

I couldn't agree more, Kid. It amazes me the number of times I hear of vets who seem to really dislike animals. Beggars belief!