Flea medicine dosing has been reported to give pet dogs copper smelling breath, among other side effects. Coppery breath can be an indication of gum disease in your dog. Flea medicine may weaken your dog's immune system. A dose of antibiotics may cure your dog's gingivitis in the short term; strengthening your dog's immune system will be necessary for the prevention of gingivitis in the future.
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Warning
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Flea medicine has been reported to have numerous side effects in dogs. The right dosage for the size of your dog is an important aspect to prevention of adverse side effects from any medicine. Flea medication has been known to cause lethargy, seizures, and immune depletion.
Immune depletion may lead to gingivitis in your dog (and, hence the coppery breath) due to infection buildup under its gums and subsequent ineffectiveness of the overtaxed immune system to fight off the infection.
Prevention/Solution
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Studies show that decreased immune function can lead to bacterial overgrowth in a dog's mouth, which is known to lead to gingivitis and a coppery breath smell.
Natural treatment for fleas, including use of foods that repel fleas, can strengthen a dog's immune system while reducing its attractiveness to fleas at the same time. Additionally, avoiding toxic substances such as flea medication can support a dog's ability to naturally stave off infection. Putting apple cider vinegar in a dog's water bowl can have a dual use, by keeping bacteria down in the mouth, as well as keeping the immune system strong. Hiding garlic in dog's food can also keep bacterial growth down in the mouth, which will also help repel fleas at the same time.
Expert Insight
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Flea medications are known to tax the liver of a dog, and also make the dog prone to other infections as well. If the liver is not functioning well, the dog is also prone to gingivitis.
Veterinarian Dr. Harvey recommends three herbs for the general immune health of your dog. When your dog is on flea medication, ask your natural pet care practitioner for dosage recommendations of milk thistle supplements to help your pet detox its liver after flea medication treatment. Milk thistle can also be obtained in supplement form, and can help support a dog's liver particularly while on medication.
Time Frame
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Most dogs have some form of gingivitis after two years of age. As a result they are likely to have coppery breath even if not on flea medication at the time. Dr Harvey recommends the herb calendula for topical infections. Additionally, colloidal silver may be used topically on a gum infection to stop and prevent gum infection in dogs.
A rawhide chewbone and/or breath fresheners containing parsley and chlorophyll can help a dog maintain good oral health if the copper smell persists after the course of flea medicine has been completed.
If the copper breath continues, your veterinarian may recommend gum massage and/or tooth brushing to maintain good gum and dental health in your dog.
Prevention/Solution
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Flea medication can dehydrate your dog. Dry mouth is known to lead to gum infection and gingivits as well as coppery smell.
Good hydration can also help a dog maintain good immune function while taking medication. Adequate water can also prevent bad breath in your dog by providing a dilution factor from the bacteria present in your dog's mouth.
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