Why does my dog’s breath *occasionally* just REEK!!?

Well, I’ve noticed my dog has this weird “symptom”. Like 80% of the time her breath is totally normal/fine, but occasionally it just gets HORRIBLE. I mean like literally dead rotting flesh horrible. She just went to the vet recently (yesterday, actually) for “routine maintenance”, and she doesn’t have any tooth problems.

Have you ever had her anal glands checked?

My guess is that either she is emptying her anal glands herself when she is frightened and then licks her behind; or, she occasionally gets those glands impacted and then licks her behind, successfully unblocking one. My dog occasionally does the latter, and she will have just unbelievably bad breath for a few minutes afterward.

The anal glands do smell just horrible, like a combination of rotting flesh and dead fish. These glands give your dog it’s unique scent. Some dogs can voluntarily express them when excited, too, so all the symptoms fit.

Here’s a good link on it, and although it doesn’t mention the breath issue, dogs can definitely get temporary bad breath from expressing those glands and then licking. http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_anal_sacs.html

How can I treat my cat’s gingivitis?

My 2 year old cat (Doodle) was diagnosed with kidney failure 3 months ago. Recently I have noticed sever bad breath and opened his mouth to check his teeth. His gums were bright red around his teeth. My 12 year old cat (Tinker) has FIV and he also has the same problem. The vet said gingivitis is just one of the many side effects that come with his disease. I was sent home with a mouthwash kinda thing but it is IMPOSSIBLE to use on either cat, especially twice a day! Anything that I can administer to him in his food? Suggestions? Please help. Thanks
I have had their teeth cleaned a dental work done before. Yes, Doodle is on sub-q fluids and predisone for his cancer and he does not have FIV. Anything easier than brushing teeth?

The treatment for gingivitis in cats is to have the cat’s teeth professionally cleaned. In addition to cleaning above the gum line, a vet surgeon will do ultrasonic scaling or cleaning below the cat’s gum line. Cats are typically put under anesthetic for this procedure because it can be very painful. Your veterinarian may also choose to put your cat on antibiotics if an infection in the gums is present.

Of course, the best treatment for gingivitis is prevention. It is best to begin a home dental care routine with your cat when he or she is young, if at all possible. Brushing your cat’s teeth will take time and patience. You need to slowly acclimate your cat to having his or her teeth brushed. To do this, make teeth brushing sessions short and positive and praise your feline throughout each session.

First, set aside some time everyday to brush your cat’s teeth. Sit down with your cat on your lap and gently stroke your kitty’s cheek. After a few sessions of that, you can progress to the next step. Get your kitty used to having things placed into his or her mouth by dipping your finger into some tuna water and allow your cat to lick it off your finger. Next, gently rub your finger over your feline’s gums. Repeat these steps for a few sessions before moving on to the next step.

Doctors Foster and Smith recommend wrapping some gauze around your finger, dipping it into some tuna juice or other liquid your cat may enjoy, and massaging your cat’s gums in a circular motion. Again, wait until your cat is comfortable with this procedure before you move on to the next step.

To get your cat used to the texture and consistency of a toothbrush, put something tasty onto the toothbrush and allow your cat to lick it off. You can purchase a toothbrush from the cat section of your local pet store or you can purchase a child’s size toothbrush for your kitty.

Next, get your cat used to pet toothpaste by putting some on your finger and allowing your feline to lick it off. Rub toothpaste gently over your cat’s gums. You may purchase pet toothpaste in beef, poultry, or other flavors your cat may like in the cat section of your local pet store.

Finally, you are ready to begin brushing your cat’s teeth with the toothbrush and toothpaste. Put some pet toothpaste onto the toothbrush and begin to brush your cat’s teeth. Pay special attention to your cat’s gums and his or her gum line. Start by brushing one or two of your cat’s teeth and progress slowly to brushing more teeth in future sessions. Remember to praise your cat for being good throughout the sessions and talk to him or her in a happy and soothing voice.

Gingivitis can be a serious problem for your cat. Taking your cat to regular checkups at the vet as well as using home dental care practices, you will be able to catch and treat feline gingivitis early so that it doesn’t develop into anything more severe.

Good luck.