Shooting UK

From guns and gundogs to the latest shooting news; the complete online network for the British shooting community.

Can you solve bad breath in gun dogs?

Can you solve bad breath in gun dogs?

Regular checks on teeth and gums will make sure a gun dog’s breath remains as fresh as possible.


By Mark Whitehouse

Thursday, 03 September 2009

I have noticed that my three-year-old spaniel’s breath has started to smell.

What advice could you give me to solve this problem?

MARK WHITEHOUSE SAYS: Bad breath could be a sign of dental disease or simply a build up of tartar/plaque around the top of the teeth where they meet with the gums.

A good clean and polish could resolve all smells.

Look inside your gun dog’s mouth. Gently raise the front lips as this will give you a good view of the incisors and canines and ensure that you raise the lips far enough so that you can see the gums as well.

Any build up of tartar/plaque will show around the top of the teeth and any gum infection will also show in the same area.

If any tartar has built up it will encroach onto the gums and this could lead to small pockets of infection developing inside of your gun dog’s mouth.

Healthy gums should be an even pink colour, but infected gums will look reddish around the margin where the teeth meet the gums. This area can also become swollen and bleeding will occur when food is eaten.

There are plenty of dental chews on the market and a monthly inspection of your dog’s teeth should keep them in good condition.

For more gun dog health advice click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


CompPrevious
SEGS water winners

SEGS water winners

There was a good entry of 44 runners, 25 novice an...

CompNext
What'll it be like when my gundog has puppies?

What'll it be like when my gundog has puppies?

MARK WHITEHOUSE SAYS: The duration of a dog's...


Gundogs Training

Why doesn't my gundog like strangers?

Why doesn't my gundog like strangers?

My otherwise confident and approachable gundog gets erratic around vis... Read more


More in Gundogs Training...


Gundogs Events

United Retriever Club open working gun dog test

United Retriever Club open working gun dog test

The Buckinghamshire area of the United Retriever Club held their summe... Read more


More in Gundogs Events...


Gundogs Health

Can you solve bad breath in gun dogs?

Can you solve bad breath in gun dogs?

I have noticed that my three-year-old spaniel’s breath has starte... Read more


More in Gundogs Health...



Comments

Shooting Gazette Magazine

What's in this issue?

A GLORIOUS READ - From grouse to guns, the very best in driven shooting

Subscribe to magazine

Pay only £31.99 for a one year subscription to Shooting Gazette, subscribe today!


Latest articles

Shooting Gazette at the Game Fair

Shooting Gazette at the Game Fair

Visit our stand for superb subscription offers and more... Read more


Shotgun certificate up for renewal?

Shotgun certificate up for renewal?

There's an app for that... Read more


More in Latest articles...


Subscribe to Shooting Gazette

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Pay only £31.99 for a one year subscription to Shooting Gazette, subscribe today!