Without proper veterinary attention, anal glands can become impacted or abscessed and quite painful to your pet. Internal parasites such as roundworms also can cause an animal to scoot. They sometimes can be visible in a pet's stool, but more commonly must be identified by a microscopic examination of your pet's feces. Please call us if you notice your pet scooting excessively so that we may quickly and effectively diagnose and treat the problem. This condition has many potential causes that may require medical attention.
Dental disease can lead to bad breath and is common in all animals at some point during maturity.
And while a diet that consists mainly of dry, hard food will help to keep your pet's teeth healthy, it will not prevent the eventual decline in oral health that all animals experience. Tartar and gingivitis produce large amounts of bacteria that can spread into your pet's bloodstream and lead to heart, liver and kidney disease. Dental disease also can lead to a decreased appetite, weight loss and a poor hair coat in many pets. If your pet shows signs of dental disease, the veterinarian can perform a dental cleaning and also can provide information and instruction on continued good dental care for your pet, which will include a healthy diet and good oral hygiene. Occasionally, other medical conditions can alter a pet's breath odor.