Lip fold cleaning

[heatseeker14]

I noticed my pup’s breath smelt bad the other day (seems connected to teething), so I cleaned his teeth and used an old sock over my hand dipped in cool, boiled salt water to clean his skin folds, and he smelt much fresher afterwards. Is this a good way to clean skin folds? Is there anything else I can use? Thanks.

Lip folds can be safely cleaned with:

• CLX wipes (can be bought from amazon)
• douxo pyo pads (also amazon)
• diluted hibiscrub (about 10% solution)

It also makes a massive difference to keep your dog's teeth clean as it reduces the bacteria in his salvia, that then drips into the fold. Even better, use a chlorhexidine toothpaste, rather than an enzyme one (e.g. dentisept).

You'll have to experiment with the best routine for your dog but I have found daily, last thing at night, to work best for both wiping folds and also cleaning teeth.

p.s. salt water isn't a bad option either but I found it wasn't massively effective

Thanks @FeedThemFlumps. I found the salt water helped, but his breath is still a bit iffy. I will try using one of the products you have suggested. I use denti fresh toothpaste on him at the moment (puppy & kitten) non-enzyme formula. It is probably not that effective though, so I will have a look at buying something else. Thanks again 😊

There is a lip fold reduction surgery that can be done if he has persistent problems.

If you ever see the folds are inflamed or raw or sore in anyway then take him straight to the vet - you won't get on top of that by yourself at that stage and antibiotics can be given that will help within just a few days.

Will do, thank you 😊

It can be really hard to see any soreness if you just casually look. You need to gently pull the skin flat so you can see right into the fold.

Hopefully you won't ever need this info. Just passing along what I've had to learn along the way

Make sure he has no gum ulcers which are infected- our lab get ulcers on top jaw line and her breath smells awful

I will take a good look at his gums tomorrow, thanks @Whitegrenache. Just googled dog gum ulcers, and they look nasty 🙁 I hope it is because he is teething. He lost three baby teeth this evening, poor boy.