Pets are a part of the family. They provide comfort and support when you’re feeling down and entertainment when you’re bored.
As amazing as those little fur babies are, they can leave an odor everywhere they go. Most of us will be able to recognize that characteristic ‘wet dog’ smell or the strong smell of wet cat food.
There are a number of reasons why pets smell. Some odors are easily explained, while others might have a not-so-obvious cause. No matter what type of smell your pet is radiating, it’s important to rule out any underlying medical conditions or diseases.
Getting rid of pet odors can be tough, and if your home remedies aren’t effective, you can call a professional pet odor removal company. They’ll use specialized equipment and substances to get your home pet odor-free!
Here are some of the most common causes of pet odors.
Skin Infections
Yeast or bacterial infections on the skin can cause an unpleasant stench. Usually, microorganisms like to hang out in warm, moist areas, such as behind your pet’s ears.
If your pet has a strong scent and is also showing the following symptoms, it’s likely that they have a skin infection:
Excessive itching and scratching, especially behind the ears
Licking more than usual
Rubbing their body against walls, furniture, or people
Changes in the color of the skin or dry patches
Ear Infections
As with skin infections, bacteria and yeast can grow around the ears. Infections in the ears are more common in dogs than cats, especially in dog breeds with long, floppy ears.
Ear infections can cause strong, unpleasant odors that are unmissable. If your pet’s ears smell, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible to resolve the infection.
Wet Fur
One of the most common causes of pet odors is wet fur. If your cat has been sitting out in the rain or your dog has been rolling around in puddles, its wet fur will start to smell.
While wet fur isn’t an unpleasant smell, it’s essential to wash your pet if they’ve been outside in the rain and mud. Wet fur is a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, so keeping your pet’s fur nice and dry will prevent the development of infections.
Bad Breath
You might have noticed a foul smell when your dog or cat yawns or licks its fur. Unlike humans, pets can’t brush their teeth, and while a slight odor is typical, it shouldn’t be foul.
Bad breath is known as halitosis. If your pet’s breath begins to smell more than usual, it could be a sign of gum disease, tooth infection, kidney disease, or diabetes.
It’s essential to take your pet to the veterinary clinic if its breath has a foul odor so they can identify the root of the problem and provide treatment if needed.
