Does your pet smell? Here's what to do

If the smell is because of a messy rear or urine soiling, then the underlying cause must be identified and treated. For example, if your dog has diarrhoea, then his rear will need washing repeatedly until the diarrhoea has been resolved.

A musty-smelling dog may have a skin problem, which will need specific veterinary treatment. The same could be true of a dog or cat with an ear infection, which may smell musty or even offensive if there is pus in the ear canal.

A dog or cat with impacted anal sacs may wash excessively at its rear in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort, resulting not only in smelly breath but also a general smell from transference to the coat during grooming.

There may be a localised infection, such as an infected wound or abscess. A dog may have a weeping area of skin due to acute moist dermatitis, known as a hot spot and commonly just below the ear or over the rump. Cats often develop abscesses at the site of cat bites a day or so after fighting - pungent pus is released when they burst.

A smelly rabbit may be flyblown, especially if also unwell - look carefully around the rear for maggots, a telltale sign. This need not be fatal if detected early, but needs radical treatment for a successful outcome.

Good luck - and don't forget, we want to hear your experiences.