Article: Bad Breath Can Be A Symptom of Illness

Dear Dr. Fox:

My 11-year-old Pomeranian has halitosis. I have been brushing her teeth every morning with a poultry-flavored toothpaste.

Is there anything you can recommend to control my dog's halitosis?

-- A.G.

Annandale

Halitosis can be a sign of poor health rather than dirty teeth or infected gums. In Pomeranians, especially, chronic kidney disease is often associated with dental problems and halitosis.

I advise you to have your dog examined thoroughly by a veterinarian. Older dogs such as yours should have a wellness exam at least once a year.

Remember, prevention is the first medicine, and an ounce of it is worth a pound of cure. If the toothpaste was manufactured in China, do not use ...

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