I know this sounds really stupid, but Mollys breath smells of chocolate!

It's not just me - everyone notices it and sometimes it's quite strong.  She def hasn't been eating any as there is none in her reach.  She's an 8 month Westie who's just finished her first season.  We only noticed this smell about a month ago.  Does anyone have any ideas why it is?  I'm not complaining as it smells much better than normal dog breath but we'd just like to know why it is.

I've never had that problem before,but like you said-it's better than dog breath.

Do you use coco mulch in your garden?   If yes, she is probably eating some of that.  It's poisonous to dogs and should be removed.

If not, I'm sure I've heard of a health reason for chocolate breath, but just can't remember and can't come up with anything on a google search.  It may be worth phoning your vets to ask.

Hi

Thanks for the reply.  No I don't use anything in the garden so it can't be that.  I have noticed that in the last week the smell has all but disappeared so I'm now convinced that it's linked to her season.  Although I don't know how!  Maybe she's like most girls and gets chocolate cravings??? LOL

I am taking the cat to the vets next week so I will ask about Mollys breath at the same time.

Thanks

Diabetes can cause sweet smelling breath in dogs (and humans) but I not sure if it can be chocolate flavour! :)

Kath.

yeah i was thinking possible diabetes too, they sometimes smell of rice pudding...

I was thinking along those lines too .Pear drop smell. i think other signs are excesive thirst/urination.Im sure i'll be corrected if im wrong but im sure its more common in middle aged dogs

Hi all-

A long as its not a sign of a medical problem, I'd say enjoy it while it lasts!  You wouldn't want to know what my dogs breath smell like when they've been out... don't worry they do get brushed afterwards.
Ali :)

lily smells permanently of tripe... mmmm

coco shells in pot plants are very poisonous worse then chocolate. funny enough coco powder is worse then dark choc i dont know why read it today on the rspca site

According to this, cocoa powder can contain as much as 50% more theobromine than dark choc. Maybe it's because it's dry it's more concentrated.

http://www.supervet.co.uk/dog/chocolate.html

Kath.

Thanks Kath for putting that site address about chocolate very interesting,

Thanks everyone for your replies.

The chocolate smell has def disappeared after the end of her season so I'm convinced the two are related.  However, the cat is due at the Vets on Monday so I'm going to take the opportunity to ask about Mollys breath at the same time to put my mind at rest!

At the moment her breath def doesn't smell of chocolate - I caught her eating something earlier and after shouting a lot about 'who's given the dog something to eat' I founf out it was a piece of cat poo...........lovely.........no kisses tonight! lol