Dog Food (Canine Diet and Nutrition)/Doggie bad breath

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Expert: Laura Murphy - 12/21/2007


Question
Hi...I meant to send you this question but for some reason it went to Labman
and other than telling me I was using my dog as a lab experiment, he gave
me no answers.  Anyway, I switched my chihuahua over to a home cooked,
grain-free diet about 6 months ago and I'm extremely happy with the
results...his allergies are gone, his coat is thick, soft and shiny again, and the
best part is no more ear infections!  The only downside is he's developed bad
breath.  His breath never smelled at all when he was eating Innova Evo.  I've
supplemented with parsley, alfalfa, kelp, and probiotics, but I don't brush his
teeth because he won't let me.  I use Petzlife every now and then which is
okay but I don't feel comfortable using it all the time.  He chews on his
bullysticks everyday as he always has, and his teeth are beautiful, white, and
tarter free.  So I'm wondering if it's something I should be worried about, is
there anything I can do that I haven't tried, and what in his new food is
causing the bad breath?  It's not totally awful, it's just that he loves to give us
kisses and I preferred them when he didn't smell LOL.  Thanks for any help
you can give me!

Answer
Alli,

LOL. Yes, my fellow expert and I definitely have polar-opposite ideas about canine nutrition, don't we? Don't worry -- there is life after dog chow.

Congratulations on your switch to a more natural diet. The bad breath could be several things.

First, you should get him checked out for dental problems. He may have a bad tooth or a gum problem that's causing the bad breath. There's a mild antibiotic called Anarobe, that is often used for gingivitis, and it is relatively effective.

The moister food could be sticking to his teeth. Give him plenty of opportunities to chew - raw carrots, ice cubes, soup bones, marrow bones are all good choices.

The other major cause of bad breath is digestion. Probiotics are a great dietary supplement, but I would give him digestive enzymes. My favorite is Prozyme (available many places online). You can safely give him both - my guys get them every day. The enzymes should make a difference almost immediately.

I also like the Petzlife products. Don't be afraid to use them more often.

Good luck.

Laura Murphy
Pets by Nature
www.petsbynature.com

Dog Food (Canine Diet and Nutrition)

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Laura Murphy

Expertise

Do you have a question about nutrition, including which food is best for your pet and which should be avoided? If you’re researching homecooked or raw diets, this is the place. I can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about raw feeding. Do you want to know whether or not you need to supplement your pet’s diet and, if so, which supplements are for you? I can help you with just about any question regarding canine and feline nutrition and feeding. Although I believe in the benefits of raw feeding, I respect anyone trying to do the best thing for their pets and will answer questions on any type of pet food.

I can address many areas of holistic pet care, including illness, homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, and flower essences. We can talk about everything from vaccinating (and when not to), to skin problems, to cancer. Please note that I am not a veterinarian and any health-related information is from my personal experience and research, but I can be a good resource.

I can also answer your questions about pet rescue, including when to use them and what kind of pet is right for you. And I love controversial subjects like puppy mills and animal experimentation. If I don’t know the answer to your question immediately, I’ll research it for you.

Basically, if you’re got a pet question – fire away. Chances are, I’ll have something you can use.

Laura Murphy

Experience

An animal lover and owner all my life, I spent years as a foster parent for a national rescue group and as a volunteer at my local Humane League. Many years ago, I began researching and using natural health care methods to treat both my pets and my family. I have worked with holistic vets to develop and provide custom homeopathic and Bach Flower Essence blends for their clients. In 2002, I started Pets By Nature to give pet owners who are seeking a healthier and more natural way to feed and care for their pets a reliable source of education, support, guidance, and products. Relying on honesty, integrity, and openness with respect to natural health care for companion animals, I am able to provide quality products, services, and information with the intent of helping interested pet owners learn about and practice a more natural method of pet nutrition and health care.

Education/Credentials
I am a college graduate and full time Business Systems Analyst. I have written many articles for publication on my web site and throughout the local pet community. I have been a vendor at local dog shows and do public speaking on the topics of pet nutrition and holistic health care.

Past/Present Clients
My clients range from new pet owners to 4th generation raw feeding breeders. I enjoy a wonderful professional relationship with several veterinary practices who refer my diets, supplements, and homeopathics to many of their clients. I ship supplements and flower essences all over the world, and provide a quality frozen raw food to the Central Pennsylvania area. Virtually all of my marketing is word-of-mouth referrals from my current clients and I consider them all my extended family.

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