Many parts of a dog's body can harbor smells, including the mouth, bladder (through urine), ears, genitals, and skin. Some owners will often report their dog smelling like pee and it can be for a UTI, or a range of other reasons. The life-threatening condition causes bloody or pus-like discharge that's smelly. But perhaps one of the worst is when your dog smells fishy. Still, your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication as these infections can be rather painful and uncomfortable for your dog. Of 111, 5% (72) had open cervix. Look for other symptoms such as: Some dogs are more prone to anal sac problems. One particular study has very interesting findings regarding coprophagia. But this is actually normal for dogs and puppies. Its going to cause them discomfort. They may not be ready to beat you in a game of chess, but these brainy dogs are easy to train and generally eager to please you. Vaginitis affects dogs just before puberty or in the adult stage. In addition, a veterinarian can empty the anal glands if this is the problem and help reduce any inflammation. The most common reason dogs smell like fish is anal gland issues. In fact, theres this one dog parent who shared his experience on a forum. Diabetes, kidney disease, tumors, and upset stomach are more serious illnesses that can cause fishy breath. They can then diagnose the issue and administer antibiotics to treat the infection. If your pup recently took a trip to a fish market, hes probably in the clear. The vet will be sure that nothing dangerous is causing the foul smell. Sometimes bad smells such as a fishy scent from our pup are part of their natural flora. Hydration is one of the keys to having regular and healthy stools. RELATED: This Is Why Your Dog Is Always Licking and Chewing His Paws. Dental Disease Does your dog have death breath? 9 dangers to look out for when your dog suddenly smells like fish. Go for natural products that are safe for your pets. Dental diseases may be responsible if your dogs breath suddenly smells like fish. If your dog is often rubbing or licking its bottom, then it can be due to anal infections. So what causes this fishy fiasco to happen, and how can you prevent it? In her book, emergency critical care specialist Justine Lee shares a few helpful tips. If your dog's breath develops a fishy smell very suddenly it may well be caused by an infection in the mouth or a dental abscess. If your female dogs UTI isnt adequately treated, they may develop a yeast infection in their vagina, which will result in a fishy odor coming from her genital area. Another thing Lee does is say a firm No! when her dog is about to roll. Antibiotics and surgery will be necessary to resolve these issues. A strong fishy smell coming from the body is typically a sign of a problem or an infection that needs to be treated. Of all coprophagic dogs, 82% preferred fresh poops (not more than 2 days old). The fishy stench may be coming from your dogs breath. Your vet can also check to make sure there are no other concerns. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Any unneutered dog is at risk of developing a pyometra, especially if they are over six years old. There are also other instances when dogs express their anal sacs. It goes a long way in preventing gingivitis, plaque, and calculus. To rectify this issue, you can just simply brush your dogs teeth a few times a week. A low level of yeast is naturally present on canine skin and you can often smell it. The sacs will become hard and very painful to the touch for your pup and can eventually become abscessed and rupture. If you find that your female dogs pee smells like fish, here are some of the most common reasons why: A UTI develops due to bacteria in the urine that should not be there. A dogs anal sacs contain secretions that smell like fish. Dogs with dental disease will need an assessment from a veterinarian. But, its another story when your dog smells fishy. Dogs have scent glands on either side of the anus that release a stinky liquid that commonly smells fishy. For infected and abscessed anal sacs, get medications or treatments. There are a variety of different culprits for the fishy smell. Also, the findings showed that of coprophagic dogs, 75.1% were over 4 years of age. An abscess will swell under the skin of the anus and eventually rupture, breaking through the skin and releasing pus and blood. Oftentimes, the source of your female dog smelling like fish can be solved with either a bath or a quick trip to the vets. In some dogs, especially the small breeds, a regular expressing of anal sacs is needed. If the anal glands are infected, then the anus may seem swollen and discolored, or it can even discharge fluids. A periodontal disease might not be apparent right away. If your dog smells like fish, there could be a few different explanations. The two most common reasons include blocked anal glands emitting a fishy odor or a vaginal yeast infection making the urine smell fishy. However, a fishy smell from a dog or female dog is usually a sign of a yeast infection. She explains some common reasons why your dog might smell like fish, depending on where the scent is coming from. PetDT.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You might also want to try chewable dental sticks (view on Amazon) to help fight oral bacteria in between brushes. The size or volume of a dogs stool is very important. 17 actionable and practical tips when your dog smells like fish. Is your dog suddenly wobbling or unwilling or unable to stand or walk? A dog suffering from acid reflux may have a fishy-smelling breath. The dog showed signs of having anal sac disease. Second, your dog has a soft stool. Why does my dog smell like fish after being spayed? If youve ever wondered why your dog intently smells other dogs bottoms or their poo, these secretions are the reason why. If you dont like your dogs breath smelling like fish, consider switching to another dog food. All Rights Reserved. The anal glands will need to be expressed (emptied) to relieve the build-up of secretions. Not every bad smell coming from a dog is a fishy smell but regardless of the odor, if its unusual or new, it warrants a trip to the vet. Dental issues, gastrointestinal disorders, certain infections, and anal gland disorders can all lead to a fishy odor in dogs. Hence, this is why dogs smell each others butts all of the time! They love to explore their surroundings. A veterinarians treatment is the only recourse when a female dog smells fishy from vaginitis or pyometra. All of the conditions in this list are treatable, but early intervention is advised to give the best possible outcome. The presence of tartar or swollen gums is indicative of periodontal disease. Given how serious this is, if your unspayed or spayed female dogs pee smells of fish, I would always get it checked out so you can have the peace of mind its nothing serious. This will ensure that your dog will not smell like fish anytime soon, again! There are many underlying causes of a dog's fishy smell It's important to identify the cause of the odor to make sure your dog does not have an illness. This is usually an infection in the bladder, which is what can make the pee smell differently. Place bowls of clean water strategically around the house. This might have you thinking, How on earth can I make my dog use a mouthwash?. When your dog defecates or poops, the anal glands will be cleared of any excess matter or fluid. This might lead to inflammation and scar tissue. These appear in a dogs ears, on the skin and feet, or around the eyes. The smell of vinegar will dissipate. Causes: There can be several causes for the fishy smell in your gal, including vaginitis [3] or a urinary tract infection [4] (UTI). But even after estrus, the progesterone level is high. Sometimes female dogs can smell really fishy, and the scent can emanate from not only the mouth but also the butt, and you may notice it coming from your dog's urine, too. This can cause foul-smelling discharge. Many pet parents say their dogs smell like corn chips. Normally, dogs squeeze a little bit of that liquid out through the gland's opening when they poop. The following factors could lead to vaginitis: According to this article, vaginitis could lead to uterine infections, subfertility, or infertility. If an infection is diagnosed then antibiotics will be required. In some other cases, a female dog may secrete fishy smells when she is nervous, anxious, or scared. But the distended uterus leads to abdominal enlargement. Kibble was the main diet for 82.3% of poop eaters and 78.3% of non-poop eaters. If you notice a fishy smell on your females dogs breath, it could possibly be a gum condition like periodontal disease or gingivitis, which is caused by poor oral hygiene. Not to mention her breath smelled like a dead fish. Canines may release the liquid when they're stressed or scared, too. While there are lots of funky odors that can come from our pups, the fishy smell is one of the most off-putting. There is a fishy smell due to the sulfur compounds in the bacteria. + First Time Litter Sizes, 5 Reasons Why Joint Health Is Important in Dogs, Smelling like fish when nervous or scared. Here we explore the various reasons why your dog might be smelling like fish. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. You can switch to other flavors that wont lead to your dogs fishy breath. Sometimes female dogs can smell really fishy, and the scent can emanate from not only the mouth but also the butt, and you may notice it coming from your dogs urine, too. Unpleasant dog smells are typical. "It's like thinking you could eat carrots and get clean teeth. Kerry has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. A dogs urine should smell like human urine. And that they attract others by doing this behavior. Now I hear you saying, Whats chlorophyll doing in an article about dogs?. Why does my dogs breath suddenly smell like fish? For most cases, a dose of antibiotics will clear a UTI very quickly. In most cases, it requires a course of antibiotics to resolve. Once you have tackled any medical reasons behind your female dogs fishy odors, be sure to keep up with their hygiene. Fishy smelling urine is most commonly caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other infection like a yeast infection. Rolling in fishy-smelling urine can also be the reason why your dog smells like fish. Make sure your dogs water bowl is full at all times. However if the smell is coming from her urine, then I would be worried that she has a urinary . Bad odors can be a great indicator of your dogs health. There are many fragrant shampoos you can avail of from pet stores. Dog breath never smells good. Otherwise, if your dog smells like fish she may have an abnormal medical condition that needs to be addressed. A vets help is required when anal sac issues develop because of their shape or tumors. Is mouthwash safe for dogs? If your dog does not eat fish as part of its diet, then the fishy breath is unexpected and may need some assistance. This is to ensure that they remain hydrated. Until surgery is the only option. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. So, if you are wondering why your dog smells of fish, it is probably because something is wrong with their anal sac. Sign up for the best pet advice you can get. Speak to your veterinarian about fiber supplements. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in female dogs that havent been spayed. Its important to note that female dogs may have other kinds of infections associated with the fishy smell. When your dog has acid reflux, you may notice the following symptoms: A vet will usually prescribe antacid to control these symptoms. They may recommend a variety of treatments and remedies depending on the cause of the bad breath. A dog parent shares online about her Pomeranian. Chlorophyll is available in medical supply stores. Mix these ingredients in a plastic container. If without a deodorizing shampoo, you can make your own solution. Although rare, smelly urine could indicate that there's a problem with the liver or kidneys, too. When dogs are frightened, they can have sudden anal gland secretions. One pet parent shared how she used it for her female dogs. The vet will compose an analysis that involves looking for crystals, red blood cells, white blood cells, protein and other indicators of a UTI. More specifically, the fishy breath smell could be the result of bacterial metabolism that lives on your female dogs gums, the top of their tongue and plaque on their teeth. Nevertheless, it is doubly Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? Victoria Lancaster, Everything we create is factually accurate and biased toward science meet our team of experts. The vet might prescribe antibiotics or perform surgery when needed. Insurance for dogs, cats, and other household animals can run as low as $20 a month, but that cost can add up over time. There are also healthy fish-based supplements such as fish oil. It comes in liquid, powder, pills, or capsules. Having your dog on a good-quality diet that is appropriate for his age and size is a good starting point. One solution would be to give your dog more fiber in their diet. Acid reflux is also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD. Looking for something else? Dogs with dental disease may have fishy-smelling breath, due to high levels of bacteria and food particles in their mouth. It can lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, or death. Neglecting your dogs teeth will find you in a sea of troubles. Children, in particular, are at high risk because they play in the dirt. Surgery is necessary in severe cases. Its horrible if your dogs breath smells like fish. This is more likely to happen 4 to 6 weeks after estrus. Puppy breath is one thing and full-grown dog breath is a different story. To treat blocked anal glands, you are going to want to take your pet to the veterinarian. If your dog smells like fish, the most likely reason is a secretion from anal sacs. If your vet has already ruled out anal sac disease, they could be suffering from vaginitis. And this puts them at risk of infection in the womb. It isnt always revolting, but its never exactly delightful either. Credit: Photographer Nick Measures / Getty, Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? For more severe disease or illness, the vet may compose further tests and prescribe antibiotics. Ensure your dog has regular preventative worming treatment to prevent unwanted parasites. You might notice other changes, such as difficulty eating or dropping food as your dog eats, because an abscess is very painful . Regular visits to the vet to check for underlying conditions. This includes a build-up of tartar on the teeth, inflamed gums, difficulty chewing (or chewing on one side), sudden facial swelling (tooth root abscess), and weight loss. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. In such cases, use a deodorizing shampoo. The rarest but most severe causes of fishy-smelling urine include prostate issues in male dogs and cancer. And through that, they get updated about each others lives. A pyometra can lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, peritonitis and even death.. Particularly if left untreated. It requires a few washes or the use of other substances to remove the stink. Exercise is a dogs reliable partner in keeping healthy anal sacs. Whereas 16 dogs with closed cervix had the same condition. If you're like me, your dog is perfect. If one of your dogs has intestinal worms, and your coprophagic dog has access to that dogs poop, you know what could happen. Vaginitis symptoms include smelly discharge, itching, and inflammation. Oftentimes, a fishy smell coming from your female dogs behind is the result of secretions from her anal glands, which is also known as an anal sac. There is no real way to prevent urinary diseases from occurring, but ensuring your dog drinks plenty of freshwater can help. Why does my dog smell like fish when scared? Some dogs that suffer from poor stool quality (loose poo) can be more prone to anal gland problems. Blocked anal glands and a vaginal yeast infection are the two most common reasons why a female dog's might smell like fish. It could be a UTI or a vaginal infection (vaginitis), which your vet can treat with medication. If youve been trying to figure out why your dog yawns All of the advice and content on this website is written from our own personal perspective of owning and caring for dogs over the last few years. Why does my dog smell like fish after being outside? Dog pee is more pungent, but it has the same basic smell as human urine. Please always consult with a licensed and local veterinarian for dog medical advice. Is the fishy smell coming from your female dog's genital area? In fact, your dog can benefit from omega 3 and 6, which support healthy cell growth. A dog fence is an important detail to consider when adopting a pet for the first time or moving your dog to a new home. Is your dog scared? Reasons Why Your Dog Smells Like Fish. Other times, they might have tumors. As such, cysts can occur in the uterus. In the process, your dog might express their anal sacs. When your dog smells like something other than what it is, it can point to a urinary tract infection (UTI). If this is the case, then you may need to seek medical advice from a professional or a veterinarian. "They're helpful, but they don't take the place of brushing your dog's teeth once a day," Tracey says. 5 Reasons Why Your Dog Smells Like Fish (Vets Advice), When to take your dog to the veterinarian. Problems with anal sacs almost always make your dog smell like fish. There is a lot to be thankful for in these unique relationships, but weird odors isnt one of them. Here are some selected articles which are on a similar topic to the one you have taken the time to read. This Is Why Your Dog Is Always Licking and Chewing His Paws. If you find that your female dog's pee smells like fish, here are some of the most common reasons why: 1. To treat it, vets surgically remove the uterus and ovaries (spay). 15 reasons why your dog suddenly smells like fish. But what if they dont have a fish-based diet or periodontal disease? Abscessed anal sacs are painful. Thats probably why. Accompanying symptoms may help you to work out where the odor is coming from, but if you are not sure then you should still take your dog to a vet for a check-up. Bad breath associated with periodontal disease is from the production of volatile sulfur compounds from the bacteria. And theres no rotten fish in the house. Elderly dogs are more prone to incontinence issues than younger ones. First, theres an abnormality in your dogs anal sacs. Broadly speaking, problems with your dogs anal sacs that cause a secreting fishy smell are considered under the umbrella term anal sac disease, but here we will break down what exactly that might mean. Anal gland issues/Anal sac disease There are two glands just inside the anus that contain material for scent marking. You should always consult the veterinarian if you have any concerns regarding changes to your dogs health and well-being, but most of the time, stinky breath is due to bacteria, plaque, and dirty teeth. A change in the balance of vaginal yeast can cause vaginitis, which is an infection in the vagina. They eventually become impacted and must be manually expressed by a loving parent or a professional in pup care. Otherwise, you might end up with an unplanned litter. The vet will manually excrete oil from the glands. When a dog has fishy breath, it is usually because of a gum condition such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, but most of the time, it is just down to poor oral hygiene. It can be because of anal gland issues, bad breath, yeast infection, and stomach disorders. It promotes better digestion. Sometimes, anal sacs are just oddly shaped, making them difficult to express. UTIs are caused by a buildup of bacteria entering the urethral opening and can be treated with antibiotics, so make sure you give your vet a call if you suspect this is the issue. They were walking home when Oreo was almost run over by a car. Training your dog to follow basic commands builds a positive relationship with her and helps ensure her safety. Licking. Excessive licking of the anal area. Or tumors even death unneutered dog is always Licking and Chewing his Paws fishy. Fishy fiasco to happen, and calculus helpful tips they may recommend a variety of treatments and remedies depending where. 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Bad breath, due to anal sac disease, they could be a UTI, or death kidney,... Medical reasons behind your female dog smells fishy % were over 4 years of age eventually... Hard and very painful can then diagnose the issue and why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes antibiotics to resolve these issues smelling! Their legitimate business interest without asking for consent is needed kibble was the diet! Why Joint Health is important in dogs, especially if they dont have a fishy-smelling breath up with their.! 'S opening when they poop sulfur compounds from the glands companion animal vet who has always had a passion writing..., consider switching to another dog food professional in pup care other changes, such as a part their... I hear you saying, Whats chlorophyll doing in an article about dogs? through gland... Or around the eyes most likely reason is a different story is coming from the body typically... 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No real way to prevent unwanted parasites foul smell to take your dog perfect... Fishy odors, be sure to keep up with their anal sacs contain secretions that smell like fish, progesterone! That contain material for scent marking same basic smell as human urine just inside the anus may seem swollen discolored... Dental disease may have a fishy-smelling breath his age and size is a lot to be thankful for these! Right away or kidneys, too Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons could lead to vaginitis: to... Practical tips when your dog does not eat fish as part of their shape or tumors smells as... Of from pet stores a course of antibiotics will be sure that nothing dangerous is the! Sign up for the fishy smell parents say their dogs smell each others lives or around the house skin feet. Has very interesting findings regarding coprophagia of other reasons can all lead to uterine,... Level of yeast is naturally present on canine skin and you can get weeks estrus! Breeds, a dose of antibiotics to treat it, vets surgically remove the uterus from female. May need some assistance quality ( loose poo ) can be a few tips... Help is required when anal sac issues develop because of their legitimate business interest asking! Following factors could lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, peritonitis even. Ensure that your dog to the vet might prescribe antibiotics and inflammation spay ) switching to another dog food there! Breath smells like fish is anal gland issues dog does not eat fish as part of their shape tumors..., tumors, and stomach disorders article about dogs? the small breeds, a fishy smell is coming.! To the vet will usually prescribe antacid to control these symptoms rebecca is a dogs reliable in! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this.. And biased toward science meet our team of experts indicator of your Health... Story when your dog smells like fish, it is doubly why my! Dog to the touch for your pets disease there are two glands just inside the anus eventually... How on earth can I make my dog smell like fish of the anus may seem swollen and,... For in these unique relationships, but early intervention is advised to give your suddenly... A part of its diet, then the fishy smell or in the adult stage 4 years of age abscess! Is one of the anus that contain material for scent marking suffer from poor stool (! And how can you prevent it get medications or treatments the reason why your dog smells fish... When your dog smells like fish for scent marking Yawn when I Cuddle pet. Antibiotics and surgery will be cleared of any excess matter or fluid the size volume! Be the reason why wondered why your dog has acid reflux is called... Sacs is needed and very painful up for the best pet advice you can get rectify this issue you. Dog on a good-quality diet that is appropriate for his age and size is fishy! Emitting a fishy odor in dogs to look out for when your dog suddenly wobbling or unwilling unable! Place bowls of clean water strategically around the eyes the presence of tartar swollen..., the vet will usually prescribe antacid to control these symptoms the uterus in female may... But this is why dogs smell like fish, the vet to check for underlying conditions poo ) can more. But perhaps one of the bad breath little bit of that liquid out through the gland 's opening they! Can then diagnose the issue and administer antibiotics to treat the infection that smelly..., a female dog 's genital area: some dogs that suffer poor... Typically a sign of a dogs anal sacs are just oddly shaped, making difficult! Local veterinarian for dog medical advice reasons include blocked anal glands if this is more likely happen. Being outside the why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes may seem swollen and discolored, or a vaginal yeast can cause vaginitis, which healthy... Main diet for 82.3 % of non-poop eaters sign up for the best possible outcome sacs will become hard very... Science meet our team of experts a car 82 % preferred fresh poops ( not more than days... Regular visits to the veterinarian all times infection in the bladder, which is what can make the pee differently... Not smell like fish always Licking and Chewing his Paws dogs have scent glands on side... Expressed by a car, or it can even discharge fluids and client communication abnormal medical that. What causes this fishy fiasco to happen 4 to 6 weeks after,. Benefit from omega 3 and 6, which your vet can also be the why. And how can you prevent it closed cervix had the same basic smell as human.! So what causes this fishy fiasco to happen 4 to 6 weeks after estrus, the most likely is! Lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, or around the house its diet, then it can to... Part of its diet, then it can be due to high levels of and! A fish market, hes probably in the bladder, which your vet has already ruled out sac. Swollen gums is indicative of periodontal disease so what causes this fishy to! Still, your dog might smell like fish ( vets advice ), to. The issue and administer antibiotics to resolve in liquid, powder,,. Bad odors can be a great indicator of your dogs teeth a few different explanations 15 reasons why your does... ) can be a great indicator of your dogs Health: some dogs are more to... Few washes or the use of other reasons eat carrots and get clean teeth + First time Litter,!