Expert: Delores Beck - 5/3/2009

Question
We have a 1 year old cocker spaniel. She has really bad breath. You can smell it all the time. She won't let us into her mouth to clean her teeth. What should we do about it?

Answer
She needs your vet to take a look since she could have an infected tooth or an abscess.  

At age one it'd be rare for her to need a cleaning but you will have to work with her on brushing her teeth.  At this point, something may "hurt" and so she won't let you.

I'd also like to know what you're feeding her?  Does she try and avoid chewing?

Definitely needs a vet visit though.
Delores