Really Bad Breath - what would cause this?

[Meg (Murphy's Mom)]

About 4 or 5 nights ago I noticed Murphy's breath was just horrible smelling. I had never noticed this before. It seems to be getting worse. It is so bad I can smell him from across the room.

Nothing has changed at all in his diet. He is on the same dry food and treats that he has been on for over a year.

Since the smell I have been brushing his teeth a couple times during the day but it hasn't helped.

His breath smelly kind of fishy.

He is under foot all the time and is completely an inside dog, never out without being on a leash so I know he hasn't gotten into anything.

I also noticed that the hair around his mouth has started to yellow. I don't know if this has something to do with the smell or not.

Does anyone have a clue as to why this would have started all of a sudden? Or what would cause such a stink???

[Tracy]

I would suggest calling a Veternarian if this is something sudden. Sudden bad breath in dogs can signal all kinds of problems, dental issues, Intestinal Obstruction (Emergency!), foreign body stuck between teeth, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Sinus Infections, Kidney Infections.

Personally, I wouldn't take any chances given the seriousness of some of the possibilites. If it is something serious and can be prevented, best bet is to call the vet.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I agree with tracy--it sounds like the dog is not likely to have gotten into something and it could be some kind of infection. The only other thing i can think of is a new toy--but that doesn't seem likely.
When my son had his adnoids removed he had this horrible smelly breath that the doctor said was from dead tissue sloughing off--don't know if there is any connection her, but there could be something suspicious going on!