Perform a Sniff Test on Your Dog
You show your love for your dog in so many great ways. You dish up healthy food. You take your dog for daily walks. You book regular veterinary exams. You may also see the value of taking a pet CPR and first aid course.
For all of that, I say, take a well-deserved play bow!
But when was the last time you smelled your dog’s breath? Or peeked inside the ears and took a whiff?
Don’t ignore any yucky, stinky smells. They could signal a health problem.
Don’t ignore any yucky, stinky smells. It is your dog’s body signaling it needs help. In my Pet First Aid 4U classes taught in person, via interactive ZOOM and through self-paced online, I educate my students on how to be their pets’ best health allies. My classes are attended by pet professionals and pet parents from all over the world.
Let me identify these three odor-related issues that will not go away on their own:
Do be down in the mouth. Get in the habit of opening your dog’s mouth at least once a week and inhale. Offensive doggy breath doesn’t go away on its own. It can signal your dog has a dental issue such as tarter building or bleeding gums, or it could indicate that one of your dog’s organs (the heart, liver, lungs or kidneys) are not functioning well. Book a vet appointment to find out what is wrong and how it can be addressed.
Sniff and look inside each ear. Your dog’s ears should never smell like dirty socks or stale corn chips. The culprit could be parasites, waxy buildup or fungus.
Don’t poo-poo doggy farts. A dog who farts a lot could be a clue that he has some type of digestive issues that needs veterinary care.
Your takeaway: Perform a head-to-tail health assessment on your dog at least once a week. Look, listen and yes, smell your dog and report any abnormalities to your veterinarian.
Final tip: Be your pet’s best health ally by enrolling in one of our Pet First Aid 4U classes. We are the only pet safety company to offer three ways for you to learn and earn veterinarian-approved two-year certificates in pet first aid/CPR. Your options:
In-person classes primarily aimed at pet professionals.
Interactive via ZOOM classes are offered once a month and on demand.
Self-paced online for those who prefer to learn anytime, anywhere on their own schedule.
Pick your option and sign up today for one of these classes.
About the Author:
Arden Moore, founder of Pet First Aid 4 U, is a Master Pet First Aid/CPR Instructor who teaches veterinarian-approved, hands-on safety courses alongside her teaching team of Kona (dog) and Casey (cat). Known as “The Pet First Aid & Safety Coach,” Arden is also a nationally recognized behavior consultant, bestselling author of over 25 pet books, and the award-winning host of the “Oh Behave!” podcast. A Fear Free Certified Professional, she brings decades of pet expertise to all her endeavors — with a mission to help pets live safer, longer and healthier lives.
