Stinky Pets

Both dogs and cats have anal sacs that may become impacted or infected if not emptying properly. This causes itching, scooting, bad odors, and sometimes pain, too. Severe cases may abscess and rupture. Learn the signs of anal sac problems and how to keep your pet comfortable and scoot-free.

Smelly pet questions are common. A typical email goes something like this:

My dog has had a terrible odor for weeks. We have tried 4 different shampoos, and none of them have helped! Please let me know what the smell is from, and what would be a good shampoo to get rid of it.

Here are some thoughts to consider.

Skunks normally mind their own business, but sometimes they are provoked to spray by an unsuspecting curious pet. The questions of what they spray, why they spray, and how do you get rid of the odor are answered here.

Also, is the spray toxic? Find out what you need to do for post-skunk first aid for your pets to be safe.

Questions about pet odors are common. Often a bad smell indicates a problem or disease process, but not always. What should you do if you notice that your dog's feet have a odor, often described as smelling like corn chips or old popcorn? Is this something to worry about? Read this FAQ to find out more about "Frito Feet."

A viewer asks: "My Shih Tzu has an bad odor around his eyes. What causes that?"

This is a common problem and one that needs daily attention to help keep odors and skin inflammation under control.

A viewer asks: "My puppy is about 7 months old and today she came in with a leakage from her anus that is a light brown color and smells like oil, should I be concerned?"

Getting your pet used to having their mouth examined and teeth brushed is a good start to healthy teeth and gums. As pets age, dental tartar, gum disease and bad breath often appear. This affects not only the mouth, but the heart, liver and kidneys as well. Here are some dental health resources to keep your pet healthy.

Ear infections (also known as otitis externa) are characterized by itchy ears, redness, local swelling, often a discharge with very bad odor. The nature of the odor and discharge depends on what the causative agent is.

A hot spot is a localized area of skin inflammation and infection. The infection can be superficial or deep. These common skin lesions are usually caused (and made worse) by biting, licking, or scratching. The important thing for successful long term treatment of a hot spot is to find the underlying cause to break the cycle of continued skin trauma and resulting inflammation.

Sometimes a limp tail is due to injury. Sometimes there are other causes of odd tail movement, reluctance to wag tail, or tail flaccidity; some of them serious and requiring immediate veterinary attention.