Does your Pom have bad breath?
You are not alone! As a Pommy Mommy of two Poms that used to have bad breath – one of which recently had to have a tooth extraction – I can speak from some experience in this department.
Bad breath is often an indicator of poor dental hygiene (I wish I would have known this a long time ago!) Poms, and many other toy breeds, are prone to dental problems and early tooth loss, but the good news is that much of it can be prevented by providing your Pom with the proper care.
One of the most important things a Pommy Mommy can do to prevent and treat bad breath and other dental problems is to brush their Pom’s teeth every day.
Before you say, “There’s no way my Pom is going to let me do this,” trust me when I say it can be done – and it must be done for your Pom’s health. I thought the same thing, neglected my Poms’ teeth, and then my little Foxy got an infection and had to have a tooth pulled. I felt terrible!
It’s important to make teeth-brushing time a part of your Pom’s daily routine so he or she will get used to it. Starting when they’re still a puppy is ideal, but it’s never too late. Before you charge right in with a toothbrush, try running your finger over your Pom’s teeth. Once they’re used to that, you can try putting a dollop of canine toothpaste on a finger toothbrush, which is a small, soft piece that fits over your finger but has brush-like bristles. If they adjust well to that, you can go for a doggie toothbrush with the doggie toothpaste. (Note: Never use your own toothpaste when brushing your dog’s teeth, as it contains toxins harmful to dogs.)
If your Pom’s mouth is simply too small or they haven’t warmed up to the toothbrushing – as was the 
case for my Poms – try using a small washcloth or wrapping a piece of gauze around your finger to smear on the toothpaste and clean their teeth. My vet suggested the gauze-around-your-finger method for Foxy and Bear-Bear and that was what worked for us.
Another big help? They love the chicken-flavored canine toothpaste! My Poms have come to like the toothpaste so much they see it as a treat, and therefore the teeth-brushing routine has become much more enjoyable for all of us!You can find several flavors of canine toothpaste at the pet store that will make toothbrushing much more palatable for your Poms. (If you want to skip the canine toothpaste, you can also just mix some baking soda with water.) And of course, remember to praise your Pom in the process of introducing them to the tooth brushing.
If you’ve tried and tried and brushing of any kind isn’t working, there’s also dental gels, sprays and wipes that can be used.
In addition to brushing/cleaning on a daily basis, it’s also crucial to get your Pom to the vet for a professional cleaning at least once a year. Daily brushings help remove plaque, but the professional cleaning will remove tarter build-up. It’s also a good chance for the vet to get a look at your Pom’s teeth and make sure no serious dental problems are surfacing.
Feeding your Pom dry dog food, along with dental bones and chew toys, can also help keep their teeth healthy.
Hopefully after all of this your Pommy no longer has bad breath. However, if you’ve tried all of these tactics and your Pom’s breath is still less than stellar, it could be a sign of a more serious dental problem and you should see your vet immediately.
Happy brushing!
Peace, Love & Pomeranians,
Pom Mom Jaime Mowers
Jaime Mowers is the Pommy Mommy of Foxy and Bear-Bear.