My year old Shih Tzu male, drooled a last night
and this morning. What would cause that? He ate
today and drank water. He drooled a lot all over
the bed. Please help. Thank you

Naomi
Park City, KS

There are many causes of drooling. You can read all about them here:

http://drbarchas.com/drooling

I am worried about my 14 year old cat, I just
discovered she had peed in her bed and has still
been sleeping in it after the urine had dried. I
had always thought that cats and dogs do not sleep
where they releive themselves.

Deb
Cincinnati, OH

There are several reasons why a pet may urinate in an unusual or inappropriate location. Please check here for more info:

http://drbarchas.com/feline_housesoiling

My beagle is three years and he has breath that smells
like he is rotting from the inside out. This has
only been in the past year. His diet has not been
changed what could be causing this and how do I
correct it?

Annette
Lafayette, Indiana

Dental disease is the most common cause of halitosis (bad breath) in pets. But there are other causes. Read here for more information:

http://drbarchas.com/halitosis

Unfortunately, I can’t answer all of the questions I receive through Catster and Dogster. If you submit a question that doesn’t get published, you may still be able to find an answer at my website, drbarchas.com. It’s completely free!

Share this entry with your pawple anywhere:

• Why do Pets Urinate Inside the House?
• Why do Cats Urinate Outside of the Box?
• How Can I Stop my Dog’s Bad Breath?
• New Website is Better Than Sliced Bread!
• How Effective is Anesthesia-Free Dental Work?

Is there something safe that I can buy OTC that I
can give to my dog for bad breath? It is only the
occasional bad breath, not constant.

Jenny
Versailles, KY

The other day I was walking on the streets of Washington, D.C. when I saw a billboard promoting scientific knowledge among children. The billboard featured the a young person stating that she knew her Golden Retriever’s bark was transmitted as vibrations through the air. She then, however, made a confession: “But I still don’t know what causes his stinky breath.”

It appears that the organization promoting scientific knowledge among children is itself somewhat lacking in scientific knowledge. The cause of bad breath in dogs and cats is very simple. Bad breath is caused by bacteria growing on the teeth and releasing malodorous waste products.

The bacteria that cause bad breath will, if allowed to grow unchecked, cause dental disease, dental abscesses, gum loss, and tooth loss. They can spread to the heart, kidneys, and blood. They may contribute to cancer, arthritis, and premature death.

Fortunately, the best way to prevent bad breath also prevents the other negative consequences of dental disease. And, the products involved are affordable and available without a prescription: a toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste.

Brushing your pet’s teeth is, by far, the best way to prevent bad breath and dental disease. Several other products (doggie breath mints and certain chew toys, for instance) may temporarily cover up bad breath. But only tooth brushing reliably prevents dental disease.

I recommend that you brush your dog’s teeth. It will help his breath. It will also help his health.

Photo: Leo’s teeth are looking good.

Share this entry with your pawple anywhere:

• Don’t Forget to Check my Website if you Have a Question in the Middle of the Night
• How Effective is Anesthesia-Free Dental Work?
• Can Any Product Eliminate the Need to Brush Teeth?
• Las Vegas Enacts Mandatory Spay/Neuter Law
• New Registry May Help Relieve Microchip Confusion . . . Eventually