Funky breath all of a sudden...what gives?

[Lily and Rocky]

Ginger's losing her baby teeth left and right, and I noticed yesterday as I was checking the tooth count that her breath SMELLS.  Like, well, dog breath.  Is this just a maturation thing?  I haven't changed her food or treats recently, but I also haven't been going after her with a toothbrush (she's even nippier since she's teething).  Any recommendations for tooth cleaning products?  Breath freshening products? 

Thanks!

[Laura and Angus]

We have that same thing too! I did a little "internet research" briefly to find answers to the same question and found several sites that explained the same thing - bad puppy breath can develop (or increase) during teething because they have some bleeding and gum things going on during that stage that can make the mouth a better environment for bacteria. Sounds like it's normal...not cute..but normal. I know some treats/chew items are devoted to freshening breath, so you could try those? Angus' breath is also better after he has a little water, so I encourage him to drink. He's a busy boy and sometimes forgets to get water, so reminders help when his breath is particularly yucky...

Good luck! Fingers crossed we all get through this teething stage unscathed ;)

[Dexter Doodle]

My son has been asking me to give Dexter something for his breath! He is teething too. So far we went through a shedding phase, stinky coat phase, and now a stinky breath phase with increased mouthing! Luckily another new phase came along which is a snuggling one. He curled and napped with me 2 times yesterday. This is a pup that would always go off and sleep on his own.

It has been quite the journey so far!

[Robin & Josie]

My Wheaten Terrier used to get blocked anal glands that caused pretty bad breath. The vet had to "express" them periodically, although we could have learned to do it. But chose not too.

You may also likely see "scooting", when your puppy drags his rear end across the floor trying to express the glands himself...

Something to consider...

[Rica + Margot]

I like Get Naked Puppy Health Dental Chew Sticks. I break them in half and give it to Margot before going to bed. She loves them. She's really happy to go to her crate for bed since she knows she'll get this special treat. Anyways, I wasn't going to start the dental treats until she got her adult teeth, but I wanted something for her puppy breath and she doesn't have it anymore. It comes in two sizes. She's a mini and I give her half of the small ones each night.

http://www.chewy.com/dog/get-naked-puppy-health-dental-chew/dp/39128

[Michele Kiss]

It didn't happen with Fenway, but it happened with a kitten I had previously. While he was teething his breath was HORRIBLE. And because cats lick themselves all over, he stunk SO bad! It should pass, but you can look at dental chews (and also start brushing his teeth, if you don't already) in the meantime.