It’s not always pleasant to smell pets. It’s not uncommon for curious pets to get into stinky situations. Bad odors can also signal serious problems. It might be time to seek professional help if a bad scent persists after eliminating external factors, like rolling in something foul-smelling. There may be a medical issue with your pet. Be sure it isn’t a medical issue by contacting your veterinarian.
Dr. Heather Berst, veterinarian and medical lead at Zoetis, says your dog and cat have their “normal” smell. Some common medical conditions manifest in odor changes, according to Berst and other experts. If your pet’s smell changes, don’t try to mask it with shampoo.
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Diabetes Can Cause Fruity Breath.
Diabetic dogs and cats can have very sweet-smelling breath, Dr. Sarah Wooten, a veterinary expert with Pumpkin Pet Insurance, said. Pets’ breath smells differently after dental treatment, which can be a sign of diabetes complications. Weight loss, drinking, and peeing are common in these dogs and cats.
The mouth may also smell foul when suffering from respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, or stomatitis.
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Diet May Cause Excessive Gas
It’s hard not to notice excessive gas, Dr. Dana Wilhite, a consulting veterinarian with pet treat company Full Moon Pet, said. Diet may play a role in this, as may the amount and type of fiber in food. Regarding gas production, some ingredients may work better for dogs and cats than others.” A change in diet might be necessary when your pet has flatulence. If it persists, consult your vet.
Wilhite said that non-dietary causes of gas are often related to how much air a dog swallows, but they can also be gastrointestinal diseases. If your dog is experiencing excessive gas, your veterinarian can advise you.