Increased shedding and stinky breath

[bkv123]

Over the past few months Tucker has had stinky breath and much more shedding than usual. He has been on Natural Balance for about a year now and I am pretty strict with his diet as he has a very sensititve tummy. I recently purchased the "furinator" and it has helped a lot. I can't believe there is that much loose hair though in the first place. Do you think the sudden bad breath and increased shedding is anything to be alarmed about? He acts like his normal playful self but just wanted to get some feedback from everyone. I need to start doing fish oil and Vitamin E which I have not been doing...will this make that much of a difference? What does should I be using...he is 60 pounds? Thanks for the help!

 

[Cami]

Bad breath can be related to many medical issues from a bad tooth/gums to kidney issues and even thyroid.
If this is something that you are noticing that isn't food related (near to finishing a meal) then I would have it investigated. They should NOT have bad breath for no reason.
An abnormal amount of shedding isn't normal either especially if it is lasting for months.
Two months *might* be related to a season change but even then it would be pushing it!
My girl is 60 pounds and takes three 1000 mg fish oil caps daily. 2 with breakfast and another with dinner. I started her with one per day for a week in the morning then added one at dinner for another week. Added the third (or 2nd pill in the am). Tried a 2nd with dinner but it made her stools a bit softer than I wanted.
Really depends on the dogs tolerance but other posts suggest about 1000mgs per every 10 pounds as being what owners strive for.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

I agree with Cami. And hair loss can also be a sign of a thyroid issue.

I also give fish oil to my dogs. The 1,000mg per 10 pounds is usually for dogs with problems such as arthritis where you're trying to acheive a therapudic level in them, for just supplemenation for a nice coat, etc typically 1,000mg per 20 pounds is just fine. My boy is 67 pounds and takes 3,000mg a day (2 in the AM and 1 in the PM) my girl with arthritis who is 61 pounds takes 6,000mg a day (3 in the AM 3 in the PM).

Good luck!

 

[Bruisersmomi]

How are Tucker's BM's? Any vomitting or weight loss? Not to scare you but When Kona had the Obstruction she had really bad breath and was shedding a lot.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

How are Tucker's BM's? Any vomitting or weight loss? Not to scare you but When Kona had the Obstruction she had really bad breath and was shedding a lot.

We had that too, but it also came with not eating, drinking, profuse vomiting, and not wanting to move. and I think the OP said "over the past few months", I doubt an obstruction could last a few months without surgery, we were lucky to get through 1 week.