A veterinarian specializing in the care of elderly animals warns of a sign that owners do not always pay attention to, even though it can signal a serious illness or even an advanced condition.
Pets occupy a central place in many homes. Dogs and cats share the daily lives of their owners for years, but, as with humans, their physical condition changes with age and certain illnesses can appear gradually. This is why veterinarians emphasize the importance of regular medical monitoring as well as careful observation of a key symptom.
In recent years, several professionals have used social networks to make owners aware of the signs that should alert them. Among them, Dr. Faith Banks, a veterinarian specializing in geriatrics and palliative care for animals, regularly publishes videos intended to explain the physical changes that can accompany aging in dogs and cats. Some of his interventions focus on signs little known to the general public but nevertheless indicative of a health problem.
In one of her videos, she recounts a situation encountered during a home intervention. She had been called to a couple’s home to euthanize their sick cat. When speaking with the owners, one of them explained to him that they had noticed something unusual before the animal’s condition deteriorated. Their cat’s overall smell seemed different, but the change was most noticeable in the mouth. This detail, seemingly innocuous, nevertheless had a very precise medical explanation. The veterinarian then explained that this was a phenomenon observed in animals suffering from certain serious illnesses.
It also specifies the biological mechanism behind this phenomenon: “This is explained by the accumulation of toxins in the body: the blood, which passes through the kidneys, is no longer filtered correctly. This waste then accumulates and causes this odor.” Moreover, according to the veterinarian, this olfactory change can take a particular form. She explains that the smell can be reminiscent of ammonia.
Other illnesses can also change the odor of a pet’s breath. The veterinarian mentions in particular diabetes, which can produce a more “sweet” odor, as well as certain liver diseases. In all cases, these variations are often a sign that the body is no longer functioning normally. They must therefore encourage owners to quickly consult a professional in order to obtain a precise diagnosis and evaluate possible treatments.
