Why does my 7-week toy poodle have skunky breath?

2627 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by mercymoon, Dec 31, 2008

tangerineman

Discussion Starter · Dec 30, 2008

K. So after much contemplation, and after never owning a dog smaller than 60 lbs at least, I've purchased an adorable 7-week-old Toy Poodle.

Does anyone know why he might have skunky breath, and how to pretty it up?

Also, I'd love to give him a bath. Does anyone have any recommendation on what shampoo to use? Or should I be waiting a bit longer?

Many thanks. I'll post photos.

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mercymoon

· #2 · Dec 30, 2008

Most dogs do have skunky breath, lol.
You can always try brushing the teeth or buy
a product that will freshen the breath, like a
chewable tablet of some kind. Good dental
hygiene is important though.

As for bathing, I think it will be fine to go ahead
and give your new poo a bath.

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Blue Fox

· #3 · Dec 30, 2008

I wouldn't think a 7 week old pup should have bad breath, perhaps depending on what he is eating eg. cat food ewwww now that reeks on puppy breath! Have a good look in his mouth to be sure he doesn't have an infection, could be as simple as a small cut that is harbouring bacteria. Shouldn't be teeth at this age I wouldn't think.

You can certainly start a dental proram brushing with a canine toothpaste. And make sure he has lots of raw meaty bones to help keep his teeth clean, I have read that the toys are more prone to dental issues than the larger guys so prevention would be a good idea.

As for the bath - go right ahead. My boy had been bath weekly or fortnightly since he was 3 weeks old with no effects except a squeaky clean dog :rofl:

The question of which shampoo will probably give you more answers that you care to receive. Lots of use use different products depending on what seems to work for our particular dogs. There are lots of really good brands out there and mostly it's trial and error to find what you like and what works for the dog. If your anything like most of us you'll end up with a cupboard full of shampoo and conditioner that you just had to try and then found something else :biggrin:

If you can't easily get a puppy shampoo you could use a baby shampoo so no tears and make sure you rinse extremely well - when you think the pup has no more shampoo left rinse again as left in shampoo is the cause of many skin problems and easily avoided.

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WonderPup

· #4 · Dec 30, 2008

For the bath I would suggest a tearless puppy shampoo, baby shampoo will do in a pinch. At 7 weeks old though I would take care to dry him well after his bath so he doesn't get chilled, espeicaly this time of year. A hair dyer with a "cool" setting on low should work fine. If you don't have or can't find one with a cool setting be extra extra careful to hole the dyer pretty far back from the skin, and only use it on the low setting. You can really burn a dog if you aren't careful. For the future I would consider investing a dryer desinged for pets for at home use.

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tangerineman

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 30, 2008

Many, many thanks for all these helpful replies....and if you think of anything else, I'm all ears.

I've been reading about dental care being of extra importance with Toys. Thanks for the suggestions.

Sandra

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mercymoon

· #6 · Dec 30, 2008

Blue Fox said:
Shouldn't be teeth at this age I wouldn't think.

Yeah, if there is any it is very few...or little white teeth bumps coming
through the gums, it took forever for Maddie's teeth to come in, i had
thought something was wrong with her, lol.

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Sivaro

· #7 · Dec 30, 2008

For starters shoot the breeders for selling a puppy too early :banghead: They should be vaccinated at 6 weeks and not leave till 8 weeks. It takes 10 days for the vaccine to go through the body properly.

Ok skunky breathe could also be worms, or he could be eating his own poo. Yes this happens with some dogs :moneymouth: Not a very pleasant thing. What the others suggest, apart from giving him a wormer just incase. Clean his teeth, also dog bones help a heap. I would put him on a raw diet, just do this gradually if he is on can food. Just add a little raw at a time, each day just a little more. If you give it all at once he can get diahrea and get sick.

Shampoos I agree with the baby shampoo. Smells lovely.

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momofchance&charlie

· #8 · Dec 31, 2008

I have a 13 week old toy, and I asked my vet this question too because I thought he had an infection or something. The vet told me that it was normal and would go away with time. It has since gone away. I'm glad to, because his breath was pretty bad..

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tangerineman

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 31, 2008 (Edited)

Sivaro, warning, stupid question coming.....raw what? food, I know, but what kind of raw food?

Many thanks in advance. This is all really appreciated.

The age concerns you. He was 7 1/2 weeks when we picked him up (he's 8 weeks today). I hope they didn't let him go too early. I can say that he has shown absolutely no signs of separation anxiety as far as we can determine, in fact he seems as cheerful as imaginable. He's drinking water well and munches on his kibble through the day just fine.

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tangerineman

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 31, 2008

One other question. A worm treatment. They require a vet visit, right?

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mercymoon

· #11 · Dec 31, 2008

tangerineman said:
He was 7 1/2 weeks when we picked him up (he's 8 weeks today). I hope they didn't let him go too early. I can say that he has shown absolutely no signs of separation anxiety as far as we can determine, in fact he seems as cheerful as imaginable. He's drinking water well and munches on his kibble through the day just fine.

He will be fine as for leaving at that age, the only reason most breeder's
keep them until they are 8 wks. or longer is due to emotional problems
and for their overall well being, most still aren't even weaned! A good
breeder will not let them leave any earlier than eight weeks.
Sometimes it is illegal to sell them any earlier than eight weeks,
here where I reside though people sell them as early as 6 wks old,
something I'm definitely not going to do when I produce a litter in
the future (If I ever do).

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