Does Your Pet Pass the Sniff Test? Health Issues Could Be the Reason Your Home Smells

AUSTIN, Texas (April 15, 2025) – Spring cleaning season has arrived, and pet owners everywhere are freshening up their homes. However, if your house smells like you have pets despite regular cleaning, the real culprit might be your dog or cat’s health. Thrive Pet Healthcare’s veterinarians warn that persistent odors, whether from bad breath, skin issues, or bathroom accidents, can indicate underlying health problems that need attention.

While some pet owners turn to air fresheners, deodorizing sprays, or pet breath fresheners to mask unpleasant odors, these products only provide temporary relief.

"Simply masking odors without looking into the deeper health issues won’t really help," says Dr. Patricia Ainsworth, Medical Director at Greenbriar Veterinary Hospital in Frederick, Maryland. "That’s why regular wellness exams and routine blood and stool checks are so important! They can spot potential problems early on, keeping your furry friend healthy and your home fresh."

Pet owners who notice persistent odors should first consult their primary care veterinarian. Depending on the circumstances, the veterinarian may refer them to a specialist.

Common illnesses that might cause your dog or cat to have an unpleasant odor include:

“A sweet or metallic smell coming from your pet's breath could be an early sign of diabetes or kidney disease,” said Dr. Ainsworth. “These health issues can be tricky since they don’t always show obvious signs right away. Even something subtle, like a faint ammonia smell around the house or odors from your pet’s backside, could point to a urinary tract infection, anal gland issue, or kidney problems.”

“A healthy mouth shouldn’t have a strong smell,” said Board Certified Veterinary Dentist Dr. Jennifer Montebello at Arizona Veterinary Dental Specialists in Peoria, Arizona. “If your pet’s breath is stinky, it might be a sign of bacteria and infection lurking below the gumline. It’s important to address this, as it can affect their teeth, gums and even their overall health if not taken care of.”

Board Certified Veterinary Dermatologist Dr. Kaitlyn Peden at Dermatology for Animals in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, notes, “If you notice a corn chip, ‘Fritos’ or other abnormal smell from your dog’s ear or skin, it may be a sign of an underlying infection. Allergies can be a common underlying cause of skin and ear infections in dogs, and many treatment options are available. While these issues may seem minor, they can make your pet quite uncomfortable and can get worse without a little help. It’s always a good idea to check in with your vet.”

To help pet owners stay ahead of potential health problems, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers Thrive Plus memberships, making preventive care more accessible and affordable.

Thrive Plus membership provides:

Visit thrivepetcare.com to find a location near you that offers primary, specialty, emergency, and urgent veterinary care services, as well as participating Thrive Plus membership hospitals.