Doggone Dog Days

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Our 13-year-old dog, "Muttley," appropriately named for her mixed ancestry, has terrible breath! We've tried to feed her a few more milk bones, but things are just worsening. Is there anything we can add to her food to clear the odor? —Kevin Moore
 Bismarck, North Dakota Dear Kevin, Before thinking about adding something to her food to cover up the odor, it's important to find out exactly what is causing Muttley's bad breath. For starters, dogs and cats, like humans, are prone to dental disease, and this is probably the most common cause of halitosis in animals. In fact, some experts have estimated that 60% to 75% of the small animal population needs a regular cleaning. Any dog over two years of age probably has some form of mild to moderate dental tartar and may even have more serious oral problems. Silly as this all sounds, many of our four-legged friend's may be in real need of some toothbrushing (your veterinarian can show you how). Personally, I recommend plain old baking soda on a slightly abrasive piece of cloth, two to three times per week. A recent study shows there is some benefit to using "tartar control" dog biscuits as well-in moderation of course. Bad breath may also be a sign of other serious illness in dogs, including renal (kidney) disease, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. So if Muttley's breath doesn't clear up after a few good brushings, have her checked out. Dear Andrea:
Tucker, my golden retriever, was diagnosed with inhalant allergies last summer. He's not sniffling or sneezing, but he is itchy. Could this be a problem? —Ida Wheeler
Spokane, Washington Dear Ida,
While allergies are a problem, there are simple solutions. First a few words of explanation about allergies: Whereas people react to inhalant allergies with their respiratory system, dogs and cats (even some large animals) react with their skin. Estimates vary, but a majority of animal health-care folk believe that 2%-15% of the canine population suffer from allergic dermatitis, or atopy, as it's known in veterinary medicine. It can occur in any breed of dog, but a few breeds are at increased risk, including Irish setters, Labrador retrievers, dalmatians, and, of course, yours truly, golden retrievers. The hallmark of inhalant allergies in dogs is "itchiness." There are other signs as well. When dogs become allergic to pollens, grasses, weeds, etc., their coat becomes discolored due to saliva staining, or even raw or reddened from chewing on the area around the irritation so much. Most dogs become allergic early on (by the time they are one to three years old) and may be much worse during a specific season. Ask your vet to do skin or blood testing on Tucker to identify the specific allergens affecting him. Following this, you may try to avoid those allergens. However, if Tucker is allergic to something such as grass or weeds, it may be tougher. Your vet may want to prescribe antibiotics, antihistamines, a topical medication, or even start Tucker on a series of "allergy injections." The best topical I have found is cleanliness and air (and maybe a bit of aloe). If a "hot spot," a localized area of excoriation, forms, clean it with mild soap, dry it manually but gently, and increase the air circulation by clipping long hairs over the wound until medication can be prescribed. Best of luck with Tucker.

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