Pet food shop recommended charcoal..worried

[somewhereoverthechipshop]

I went to my local pet store and asked if they sold anything for my 10 year old dog’s bad breath. He will not let anyone clean his teeth and becomes extremely distressed. Obviously we have tried dental chews and raw carrot etc. anyway the lady at the pet store recommended a spoonful of charcoal from a tub they sold each day on his food. I think it might be working and my dog enjoys it. I’m worried though surely it’s carcinogenic and it doesn’t seem right..my dog has been checked by vets and is in extremely good health for his age otherwise. Thanks any advice?

vet can’t see anything wrong with his teeth I should have said.. they are just a bit yellow at the back but not too bad

Charcoal has been used for centuries for teeth cleaning or digestive issues. If it's working I would carry on.

Have the vets had a good look at his teeth and cleaned them under GA/sedation? I would think that is the only way for sure to know it is not a tooth issue.

If not teeth, could be diet, how is his poo? Is it compact and firm indicating good healthy digestion. What is his diet like, some dogs struggle to digest grains and switching to grain free might help. Acid reflux could also be an issue. Bacteria on tongue, bad gut bacteria a probiotic might help with.

Charcoal can help absorb odour but it doesn't get to the bottom of what is causing it which might also be making him uncomfortable, but finding out what it is could be very vet expensive.

Thank you this is really helpful. His poos seem good and he's been checked over by the vet and is in excellent health for his age. I think he has some brown plaque on his teeth and yes probably needs them cleaning under anaesthetic. Sounds expensive but will look into it. Thanks for advice

Thanks that's good to know I suddenly had a wobble about it and couldn't find much info online..only about using charcoal tablets to make dogs sick after they have eaten something poisonous