Q: My dog's breath has really been foul lately. Is there any type of mouthwash for pets that can help with this? A: Typically, bacteria is at the root of the problem for dogs that have bad breath. The bacteria may be associated with plaque and tartar on the teeth, gum disease, abscessed teeth, tumors or foreign bodies in the mouth. It's a good idea to periodically inspect inside your pet's mouth. Red or bleeding gums, debris on the teeth, or any unusual lumps or bumps in the oral cavity should be reported to your pet's doctor. There are a variety of pet products available for maintenance of oral hygiene, however, any strong odors from a petÕs mouth should be evaluated by the veterinarian. Besides infections in the mouth, other conditions such as diabetes, or kidney disease may cause a change in breath.

Q: My cat Mittens likes to get up on my kitchen table that has a white table cloth. After she has left her place there I frequently see little"pepper like" spots on the tablecloth. I don't even use pepper, so I don't know where this is coming from. I also know that it's not dirt because she is only in the house, and very clean. What could cause this? A: Odds are that what you are seeing is "flea dirt", or the digested blood droppings of the flea. Even though your kitty stays strictly indoors even one or two fleas could sneak inside to start an infestation in your home. Fortunately with a choice of monthly products available from the veterinarian, typically fleas can be eliminated quickly without the use of harsh insecticides in the environment.

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