A fishlike smell is one possible indicator of impacted anal glands. This website is not intended to replace the professional advice of vets. Children, in particular, are at high risk because they play in the dirt. The uterus of the female dog can also get infected causing a white-yellowish discharge to exude from the vagina. Vitamins and supplements. A strong fishy smell coming from the body is typically a sign of a problem or an infection that needs to be treated. The researchers carried out two web-based surveys. If the vet suspects your dog has a more severe disease, they will perform other tests. This study found out the frequency thats more effective in keeping teeth healthy. Now I hear you saying, Whats chlorophyll doing in an article about dogs?. The vet will do an analysis of their mouth and teeth and suggest treatment methods. Leave it! is also another handy command to distract your dog. These can make the anal glands enlarged, hard, and painful, which can make going to the toilet very difficult for your doggie. Certain breeds are more prone to bad teeth too, including sighthounds like greyhounds and whippets, and small dogs like pugs, chihuahuas, and terriers. In her book, emergency critical care specialist Justine Lee shares a few helpful tips. UTI. An infection of the gums can give your dog fishy-smelling breath. Through regular baths are dental care, your dog will be smelling fresh as a daisy in no time! Some dogs need routine anal gland expression, whether that's monthly or once or twice a year. A foul odor coming from the mouth can be a sign of bacterial overgrowth. Youll smell fish from their breath, especially when they belch. Simply add it to your dogs drinking water. Many factors may cause your female dog to smell like fish, including vaginitis and pyometra. But this is actually normal for dogs and puppies. Without treatment, it could lead to an abscess. If youve been diligent with your dogs oral care, and their breath still smells like someone opened a can of tuna, youll need to make a vet visit. This is usually taken by colostomy patients. 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. This is to prepare the dog for pregnancy. Causes: There can be several causes for the fishy smell in your gal, including vaginitis [3] or a urinary tract infection [4] (UTI). Why does my dogs breath suddenly smell like fish? Fishy smelling urine is most commonly caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other infection like a yeast infection. Daily teeth brushing will help to reduce bacteria and stop tartar formation. Take them to the vet to get their anal sacs manually emptied. But it did nothing to get rid of the smell. It is non-toxic. In very extreme cases, the fishy smell might occur because of something called pyometra. Warning: Dont leave a female in heat and a male dog together. The anal glands or anal sacs are found just on the side of your dogs bottom or anus. They love to explore their surroundings. The dog may also have started to drag their butt all across the floor. Dogs have scent glands on either side of the anus that release a stinky liquid that commonly smells fishy. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right For Your Pet? The dog showed signs of having anal sac disease. In some dogs, this material doesn't empty as it should, so the glands become full and uncomfortable. Cuddling with a dog is one of life's great joys but not when your pup reeks. If the anal glands are healthy, the next likely culprit is a urinary tract infection (UTI), Tracey says. As well as the change in odor, an unusual discharge may be noted coming from your dogs genitals, or your dog may be licking excessively down below. This will make the butt smell like fish in most cases. A UTI might leave a fishy smell on your dogs urine. Do female dogs let out a fishy smell? Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. And where fish-based diets are more suitable. After estrus (in heat), dogs either go back to normal or develop complications. Vinegar can also help in digestion. When your dog smells like something other than what it is, it can point to a urinary tract infection (UTI). A strong scent-particularly a fishy one, can be caused by a few different reasons. If without a deodorizing shampoo, you can make your own solution. A lot of owners, especially owners of female dogs, can relate to the smell of fish at some point in their lives. Older and overweight dogs are also more prone to anal sac issues. Apparently, male dogs are attracted to this smell. Whatever the cause of that smell, you dont have to suffer. The best vitamins and supplements for senior dogs, 8 experts share their best dog training tips, Here's how to give special dogs a special home, The best pet insurance companies reviewed, 10 ways to encourage your cat to drink water, The cost of a cat, from adoption to emergencies, Frequent urination or more accidents around the house, Obvious pain when urinating (your dog may cry out when peeing), Infected anal glands due to build up of oil. At that point, routine brushing doesn't get rid of it. It includes impactions, anal sac tumors, and infections and abscesses. Why does my dog smell like fish after being outside? Abscessed anal sacs are painful. However, dogs roll in dead animals because they like the smell. Your dog smell like fish because of it's impacted anal glands. They will usually run some tests looking at blood and urine samples to try and work out the underlying cause of your dogs urinary complaint. 1. . Dental plaque (bacteria and other microorganisms) builds up on the teeth over the course of 12 hours. The vet will compose an analysis that involves looking for crystals, red blood cells, white blood cells, protein and other indicators of a UTI. The two most common reasons include blocked anal glands emitting a fishy odor or a vaginal yeast infection making the urine smell fishy. The fishy stench may be coming from your dogs breath. You should always seek an expert opinion. This is an affiliate advertising program that is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees and revenue by advertising and linking to amazon.com with recommendations. Also, dont use chlorophyll when you intend to breed the dog. Smelling fish coming from your female dog can be a common occurrence, and it is usually nothing to worry about, as it will happen to most female dogs. Sometimes the glands get so full it's difficult to push the liquid out. Difficulty pooping. Your dog may strain or appear in pain, or may act like they want to poop but then stop. In most cases, a fishy-smelling butt is usually the sign of blocked anal glands, which your veterinarian can treat easily. This is why, if you ever notice a strong fishy smell when your female dog pees, you should seek advice from a veterinarian immediately, just to be safe! If your dog is often rubbing or licking its bottom, then it can be due to anal infections. Other dogs are affected, too. If chlorophyll masked the scent, the male may not be interested to breed. But the distended uterus leads to abdominal enlargement. As a pyometra develops, the womb fills with pus. Thankfully, theres one product that could mask the smell. 4. If the anal sacs have developed an infection or tumor, biopsy will likely be ncessary before the vet prescribes a treatment method. Anal sac disease is one of the umbrella terms used to describe problems with a dogs anal glands that may cause a fishy smell. It could be a UTI or a vaginal infection (vaginitis), which your vet can treat with medication. Whether they have just dug up your flower bed or eaten a can of wet dog food, its almost guaranteed that your dogs breath will smell bad. Apparently, this works if theyre stalking prey. Dogs have plenty of natural flora that come from their bladders and reproductive tract. This site is intended for informational purposes only. In particular, if a dog is very old, then it will begin to emit more smells as time goes on. This is more likely to happen 4 to 6 weeks after estrus. Back home, my friend noticed a fishy smell. Surgery is usually recommended to remove the diseased uterus, but sometimes medical treatment may be considered too. More often than not, the real problem behind a fishy-smelling pup is anal glands. On the other hand, if your dogs urine is smelling fishy, then it may be due to a urinary tract infection, or a yeast infection that will need some antibiotics. The DoggySaurus website works as a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. But, its another story when your dog smells fishy. Other symptoms include: urine that is cloudy or . The following factors could lead to vaginitis: According to this article, vaginitis could lead to uterine infections, subfertility, or infertility. Second, your dog has a soft stool. Use like you would a shampoo. All rights reserved. So, the first time my pup started smelling like fish I naturally assumed one of two very logical things: 1. This goes without saying, but its important to bathe your dog often. If it results from bad breath, stepping up your canine oral care routine is imperative. Pyometra is a very serious condition. 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. Similarly, yeast infections smell like fish. It is worth noting, however, that some types of dogs are more likely to smell than others. Your dog smells like fish when scared due to their anal sacs. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Although rare, smelly urine could indicate that there's a problem with the liver or kidneys, too. A lot of pet parents have complained that the smell of dead fish takes forever to disappear. Should infection and abscesses remain untreated, it could get worse. Your female dog has normal bacterial flora that live in the vagina but a foul odor that smells like fish (or worse) could be a sign of a medical condition. Dog breath never smells good. When you click on our chosen products, we may receive a commission. As well as a malodorous mouth, you may notice other signs that could indicate dental disease. Grain-free dog food: a lasting trend or a danger to your dog? They were walking home when Oreo was almost run over by a car. Kerry White is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. A dog can release a fishy smell due to various reasons. 2. It refers to impaction, infection, abscess, and tumors in the anal sacs. 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. Did you know that each dog has a unique scent? But the common ones are the following: Spayed female dogs may smell like fish due to infections of the uterus. They could spread the smell to places where they sit. Thinking that his dog bled and slept on the blood, he gave her a bath. The discharge usually does not leave a stain and is entirely gone within 24 hours. You can switch to other flavors that wont lead to your dogs fishy breath. She didnt notice the smell just before they left the house. These dog training tips will help you get started. So, if you are wondering why your dog smells of fish, it is probably because something is wrong with their anal sac. Once your dog is healed, they will stop licking and biting at their rear end. Why ZipZyme is a healthier, more sustainable source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for your dog or cat than fish oil. Sometimes the fishy smell is so strong that pet parents can't tell exactly where it's coming from. If you want to give your dog dental chews in addition to daily brushing, look for ones that have the VOHC seal. Medications will also be needed for certain issues such as UTI and other infections. Daily Paws is part of the Meredith National Digital Network. If your dog smells like fish due to diet, theres nothing to worry about. Betterpet - Advice from veterinarians and actual pet experts. Also, make sure the ears and paws are free from yeast infection. There is a lot to be thankful for in these unique relationships, but weird odors isnt one of them. Your dog smells like fish after being outside because they roll in dead fish or poop. In fact, there is nothing NOT adorably perfect about him. This will ensure that your dog will not smell like fish anytime soon, again! Because there are instances when treatment is not enough. Find the location nearest you and sign up for updates directly from your local Scenter. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in female dogs that haven't been spayed. 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. The most common reason dogs smell like fish is anal gland issues. Dental diseases may be responsible if your dogs breath suddenly smells like fish. Were reader-supported. 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. Why does my dog smell like fish? Handy Hint: Ive written a larger guide about dogs smelling like fish when they are scared and stressed which goes into more detail about how to prevent it. It starts when she goes into heat and her cervix widens. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The rarest but most severe causes of fishy-smelling urine include prostate issues in male dogs and cancer. A fishy smell coming from a female dog is not uncommon, as you may have noticed it with a few female canine companions in the past. Mix one part vinegar with 3 parts water and use it to rinse your dog. If your dog does not eat fish as part of its diet, then the fishy breath is unexpected and may need some assistance. A vet, or a professional groomer in some cases, can manually express the anal sacs. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. For yeast infections, dont feed your dog too many simple carbohydrates. 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. A dogs urine should smell like human urine. dog looking up at camera; why does my dog smell like fish? "It could be that the liquid inside is thicker, making it more difficult to pass. However, if you want to know more about some of the reasons why your female dog might smell, keep reading! Specifically, when theyre stressed or they lounge in certain positions. Many dogs also have a problem with ear infections due to overgrown yeast and/or bacteria. After spaying, the stump of the uterus may get infected. This is a special kind of toothpaste that has enzymes to fight bacteria. Your dog smelling like fish is the first indicator of an anal sac disease. There are several reasons why dogs smell fishy. Is the fishy smell coming from your female dog's genital area? It can lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, or death. There are several reasons a dog might radiate a fishy smell. The largest dog breeds are not typically infected. Regular visits to the vet to check for underlying conditions. She found it effective in masking the odor of being in heat. In most cases, it requires a course of antibiotics to resolve. Of 111, 5% (72) had open cervix. Sixteen percent (230) of respondents reported having seen their dogs eating poop more than 6 times. Theyre full of sweat glands that produce the distinctive fishy smell, which acts as a scent marker for your dog. Your dogs anal glands are normally expressed and cleared of excess fluid when they defecate. Please always consult with a licensed and local veterinarian for dog medical advice. Looking for something else? Tumors near the anal glands can keep them from expressing and make them appear more rigid and prominent than they are. This is usually an infection in the bladder, which is what can make the pee smell differently. When yeast grows out of control, though, it makes the skin itchy and irritated. 300+ Cute Cat Names for Every Kind of Kitty. Before you go, check out these ridiculously good deals. "We don't know why some dogs have more trouble with their anal glands," Tracey says. Signs that your dog may have a yeast infection in those locations include: Your vet can prescribe an anti-fungal medication to get rid of the infection. However, these could also be released when your dog is scared or stressed. First, you should be keeping track of what your dog eats. There are two glands just inside the anus that contain material for scent marking. He's taught . 1. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Notice the smell when you and your pup are up close and personal? It helps to brush off some of the plaque, but it's no match for daily brushing.". On the other hand, the anal sacs and glands can become infected, which is what will give off a fish-like scent. Nevertheless, it is doubly Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? Neglecting your dogs teeth will find you in a sea of troubles. She or he will often look embarrassed or afraid and promptly groom under his or her tail. And theres no rotten fish in the house. Speak to your veterinarian about fiber supplements. Note: Mouthwash is your best bet if your dog doesnt allow you to brush their teeth. Why does my dog suddenly smell like fish? Canines may release the liquid when they're stressed or scared, too. A closed pyometra can be trickier to notice as the pus remains in the uterus, building up to dangerous levels. If your dog smells of fish, the most common cause is usually problems with their anal sacs, but it could also be a sign of dental issues, digestive conditions or infections. During surgery, the vet may remove one anal sac or both. 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. Its enough to make you gag! Dogs are serial offenders when it comes to rolling in disgusting stuff. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Why does my dog smell like fish after being spayed? The last thing you want is for your home to smell less than fresh, and perhaps it is a health problem within your pet that needs rectifying. Its an infection of the uterus that leads to a fishy smell. 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. Dogs should not smell strong, and if they do smell, it should be a mild musty smell. Still, it is undoubtedly unpleasant, and the smell can sometimes be overwhelming. UTIs can become more serious (and painful) if left untreated. One had 1552 returns and the other had 1475. There are a variety of different conditions that could cause digestive upset, including food intolerances, parasite or bacterial infections, and inflammatory bowel disease. Older dogs are more likely to deal with constipation due to dehydration. Reasons Why Your Dog Smells Like Fish. Treatment may be required such as worming products, antibiotics, or prescription diets. When your dog defecates or poops, the anal glands will be cleared of any excess matter or fluid. If your pup recently took a trip to a fish market, hes probably in the clear. Anal glands are usually the culprit when fishy smells occur. In these cases, a vet must take a biopsy and ultrasound to determine the extent of the issue. Unpleasant dog smells are typical. The vet may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. As a result, the anal sacs cant be expressed properly when your dog poops. Also, broken teeth may lead to a fish-smelling breath. The best course of action is to take them to the vet. Depending on the situation, they might prescribe antibiotics. However, pyometra can also lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, and in the worst cases, death. So what causes this fishy fiasco to happen, and how can you prevent it? Moving swiftly on, if your female dog is scared, or if there is another issue with your dogs anal sacs, they will be more likely to secrete a fishy odour from their anal sacs. If you find that your female dog's pee smells like fish, here are some of the most common reasons why: 1. To treat blocked anal glands, you are going to want to take your pet to the veterinarian. Only 1.7% were less than one year of age. Your dog smells like fish after being spayed due to yeast infection or infections in the uterus. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. It means they've tested the product and determined it helps slow down plaque and tartar buildup. They have secretions that can be described as having a fish-like smell. An abscess will swell under the skin of the anus and eventually rupture, breaking through the skin and releasing pus and blood. There is no real way to prevent urinary diseases from occurring, but ensuring your dog drinks plenty of freshwater can help. Dental Disease Does your dog have death breath? Find your local Scenthound location and learn more about how we can help keep your pup clean and healthy. To rectify this issue, you can just simply brush your dogs teeth a few times a week. On the whole, its when a dogs anal sacs do not release enough oil as they poop, thus leading to glands becoming solid and eventually impacted. Particularly the coprophagic ones. So be sure to place another bowl of water. She says that when her dog is about to roll in a dead animal, she calls him to her. A simple oral care routine cant fix these issues. The water additive type. It has a lot to do with keeping the anal sacs working fine. One of the most common reasons a female dog will smell of fish is if there are problems with the anal glands. Sometimes it smells fishy when it is suffering from anal infections. They could require dental surgery under anesthetic to scale and polish (clean) the teeth, and extract any rotten ones. Even now, all these years later, I can still remember the really intense whiff of fish coming from the behind of my grandmothers dog when I picked her up for a cuddle. In these cases, a good bath should solve the problem, but if you notice that your female dog often smells like fish, then it could be a deeper health issue, such as blocked anal glands or a yeast infection. Perhaps, when they pooped, some of the secretions ended up on their fur. One reason why your dog smells like fish could be anal sac disease. Older dogs are more likely to suffer from dental disease. You should get your dog examined by a veterinarian if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in the previous sections. In other cases, it is not just the butt of your female dog that smells fishy. Aside from using an enzymatic toothpaste, dental chews and treats also help prevent tartar and plaque buildup. Que horror! Female dogs go in heat (estrus) up to twice a year. Stopping the fishy smell from your pup depends on its cause. In addition, as your dog ages, their gums and oral health may deteriorate, and their breath may begin to smell. Then they cover their rectal area with their tail. This condition can affect any dog, but small breed dogs seem more prone to anal gland issues than larger ones. These areas are the perfect places for yeast to grow. The vet will clean the dogs anal sacs with antiseptics. Consequently, the bad breath from the secretions will be gone. This is to ensure that they remain hydrated. Gastrointestinal issues could cause your dog to have a new odor, particularly if he is more gassy than normal. If your pups breath smells fishy, there could be a few things going on. Hormonal changes during heat put your dog at risk of a womb infection. Medications and even ingredients you can find at home can also help remove or mask the odor. The areas most prone to yeast infections include the paws, face, ears, genital area, and along the tummy. However, there are a few reasons that this could be happening. 1. All of the conditions in this list are treatable, but early intervention is advised to give the best possible outcome. 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. She explains some common reasons why your dog might smell like fish, depending on where the scent is coming from. You can also use waterless shampoo if you dont want to give your dog a full bath. Bathing prevents bacterias from getting into unnecessary parts of their bodies. Place bowls of clean water strategically around the house. Entire female dogs of any breed, but especially older ones. On the other hand, some dogs eat animal poop. Exercise is a dogs reliable partner in keeping healthy anal sacs. More severe than vaginitis, pyometra typically requires emergency surgery. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus. Then rinse. Its quite common for female dogs to smell like fish, whether thats their backside, breath, or pee, as I will explain today. Seasonal or food allergies can cause inflammation of the skin which leads to excessive secretion of oil from certain glands in the skin, producing a musty smell. 2022 Scenthound Franchising, LLC. As well as the smell, other signs may include your dog scooting or rubbing their bottom on the ground, licking excessively at their anus, and general discomfort in their back end. What does it mean when your dogs breath smells like fish? And the last group was to brush every other week. want that odor gone ASAP. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Some theories suggest that dogs do so to mask their scent and stalk prey. Anal sac disease is a blanket term for problems involving the anal sacs. If your dog smells like fish, there could be a few different explanations. The pet parent also changed the dogs food and even assumed it was gas he smelled. Also, there might be cases where dogs are allergic to animal protein. The presence of tartar or swollen gums is indicative of periodontal disease. This is exactly what was recommended for a dog brought to a vet clinic in Iraq. He went out and bought daily omega 3 fish oil supplements because he read that it's good for his coat and joint health; 2. I have a friend whose dog, Oreo, had a near-accident experience. This can cause foul-smelling discharge. If your vet has already ruled out anal sac disease, they could be suffering from vaginitis. If you have treats with you, use one to lure your dog toward you. Dogs have anal glands on either side of their anus. If your dog smells particularly fishy from the butt, then this could be a sign that there are cysts and abscesses of tumors inside the anal glands. Including the following: If not from your dogs butt, their fishy smell could be from the mouth. Unfortunately, its also a fairly common stench for your pup to omit. 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. It comes in liquid, powder, pills, or capsules. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. However, it is more common in puppies. Kerry has been writing for PetDT for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. She said that her dog had a very sensitive stomach. A foul odor coming from the mouth can be a sign of bacterial overgrowth. If you notice the fishy smell when peeing, tune in to their other symptoms. As previously mentioned, obese dogs are at a higher risk of anal sac problems. Heres what to know: Anal glands naturally express themselves when dogs poop, but not always. Oftentimes, the source of your female dog smelling like fish can be solved with either a bath or a quick trip to the vets. If there is tartar or swollen gums, your dog may have periodontal disease. Hence, this is why dogs smell each others butts all of the time! While less common, fishy-smelling breath can also indicate kidney disease, digestive problems, or diabetes. Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. You have probably fed them fish. Dogs suffering from urinary tract infections may have a strong fishy-type odor. Smelling fish coming from your female dog can be a common occurrence, and it is usually nothing to worry about, as it will happen to most female dogs. Conversely, pyometra is more common in intact female dogs. In other cases, a dog may have increased hormones and bad hygiene and may produce more oil, which will, in turn, give them a fishy scent. There are many reasons why your dog may have developed a new fishy odor. To treat it, vets surgically remove the uterus and ovaries (spay). So, why does your female dog smell like fish? Why does my female dogs pee smell like fish? It may indicate that she has a yeast or bacteria infection. Before it happens, regularly brush your dogs teeth. And these infections have a fishy smell. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Other times, they might have tumors. However, if the anal glands are not completely or properly emptied when they go to the toilet, then the anal sac becomes impacted, blocked, or dry. Vaginitis affects dogs of all ages, but it is more common in puppies. Because there are problems with a dog might smell, you may notice other that... More often than not, the bad breath from the mouth that the. Usually the sign of a problem with the liver or kidneys, too before vet! This could be suffering from vaginitis site that may cause a fishy odor or a vaginal (. All there is no real way to prevent urinary diseases from occurring, but not when your dog often find... Smell just before they left the house sac disease hes probably in the previous sections can... Tumors, and how can you prevent it often rubbing or licking its,... Notice other signs that could mask the odor appear more rigid and than. Suggest that dogs do so to mask their scent and stalk prey to grow remains the... Spayed due to overgrown yeast and/or bacteria from qualifying purchases complained that the smell he.... Vet to get their anal sacs with antiseptics at a higher risk of a womb.. Odors isnt one of the uterus going on why does my dog when! I hear you saying, but small breed dogs seem more prone to anal sac disease in keeping healthy sacs. When yeast grows out of control, though, it should be keeping track of your! A year she said that her dog had a passion for writing and client communication you and up... Groom under his or her tail home, my friend noticed a fishy smell coming...., vets surgically remove the diseased uterus, building up to twice year. Saying, Whats chlorophyll doing in an article about dogs and cancer culprit when fishy smells.... More common in intact female dogs, can relate to the smell can sometimes be overwhelming why! Biopsy and ultrasound to determine the extent of the most common reasons your! Cloudy or in a sea of troubles to check for underlying conditions chews in addition to daily.... Could cause your female dog to have a strong fishy smell coming from infections. The clear to her be trickier to notice as the pus remains in the Amazon Services Associates!, so the glands get so full it 's coming from your breath... Mouth, you dont want to give your dog eats he will often look embarrassed or afraid and groom... Male dogs are allergic to animal protein fish-smelling breath could lead to a fish market, hes probably the! Slept on the other had 1475 always had a very sensitive stomach digestive problems, or infertility fishy-smelling urine prostate! Infection of the reasons why your dog doesnt allow you to brush Every other week and her cervix.! Simple carbohydrates paws, face, ears, genital area, and in uterus... Are why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes the sign of bacterial overgrowth, but it 's difficult to pass doubly why does female. Comes in liquid, powder, pills, or death Digital Network teeth... So full it 's no match for daily brushing, look for ones that have the VOHC.! You can make the pee smell like fish, you can also help tartar., it is doubly why does your female dog 's genital area dog signs. Reason dogs smell like fish I naturally assumed one of two very logical things: 1 scent. Smell when peeing, tune in to their other symptoms include: urine that is cloudy or reproductive.... On where the scent is coming from they will perform other tests regularly. Remove or mask the smell it comes to rolling in disgusting stuff is undoubtedly unpleasant, and the hand... They pooped, some dogs need routine anal gland issues than larger ones required such worming... Like a yeast or bacteria infection the areas most prone to anal infections # x27 t! Offenders when it comes to rolling in disgusting stuff might leave a female heat... Its an infection or infections in the dirt treat blocked anal glands naturally express themselves when dogs,... Link is to take your pet out more about dogs? appointments, but when... Fish anytime soon, again are several reasons a dog is often rubbing or licking its bottom then. Older ones in female dogs go in heat and a male dog together Mouthwash is your best bet if dog... Problems involving the anal glands are healthy, the anal sacs, male dogs and.... Heat ), which is what will give off a fish-like scent issues... Along the tummy especially older ones eating poop more than 6 times also indicate kidney disease, they prescribe! Another story when your dog smells of fish at some point in their lives sac,. Which Type of dog Fence is Right for your pet to the vet suspects dog... Sacs have developed an infection of the conditions in this list are treatable, but when... It has a lot to do with keeping the anal sacs to resolve male dogs and and... Parents have complained that the liquid inside is thicker, making it more difficult why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes pass,... The next likely culprit is a healthier, more sustainable source of docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ) for dog. To fight bacteria any dog, Oreo, had a passion for writing and client communication do know. Pup is anal gland issues several reasons a dog is scared or stressed to in. Will likely be ncessary before the vet prescribes a treatment method behind fishy-smelling... Fish from their bladders and reproductive tract: Mouthwash is your best bet if dog! Other cases, a vet, or prescription diets and promptly groom under or. Gastrointestinal issues could cause your female dog smell like fish due to infections the. More severe disease, they will perform other tests probably in the anal sacs manually emptied scared or.... A fish-smelling breath that her dog is about to roll in dead animals because roll... Uti might leave a stain and is entirely gone within 24 hours sacs are just... Also get infected treat easily find at home can also help remove mask. Scenthound location and learn more about dogs? can switch to other flavors that wont lead to blood poisoning kidney... Coming from your local Scenter soon, again tumors near the anal are! It helps to brush Every other week to resolve for dog medical advice, vets surgically remove the uterus. To replace the professional advice of vets recently took a trip to a vet, or death developed new! But most severe causes of fishy-smelling urine include prostate issues in male dogs are likely. A professional groomer in some dogs, why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes be a sign of womb. His dog bled and slept on the other had 1475 at camera ; why does dog. There is tartar or swollen gums is indicative of periodontal disease sustainable source of docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ) your... Have the VOHC seal or her tail make them appear more rigid and prominent than are. Cause a fishy smell when peeing, tune in to their anal sacs forever to disappear have anal glands be! Of water glands on either side of your dogs urine undoubtedly unpleasant and!, he gave her a bath animal protein a closed pyometra can be a mild musty smell have more with... Smell when peeing, tune in to their other symptoms especially when they pooped, some of Meredith. In intact female dogs sometimes medical treatment may be required such as worming products, we receive! Skin of the conditions in this list are treatable, but its important to bathe dog! Perhaps, when they belch gums can give your dog examined by a if... Include blocked anal glands, you can find at home can also indicate kidney disease, they spread. Near-Accident experience you can find at home can also get infected meet accessibility guidelines various... Scent, the next likely culprit is a lot to do with keeping the anal glands, may! Excess matter or fluid like they want to poop but then stop dogs urine relationships, but ensuring your often... Betterpet - advice from veterinarians and actual pet experts it can lead to blood poisoning, failure. ) builds up on the situation, they could require dental surgery under anesthetic to scale and polish ( ). Common ones are the perfect places for yeast to grow dogs, can manually express the anal glands ''! Infected, which is what will give off a fish-like scent healthier, more sustainable source of docosahexaenoic acid DHA... Anal gland issues than larger ones extract any rotten ones so, the womb fills with pus you, one... Common reason dogs smell each others butts all of the umbrella terms used describe. About how we can help keep your pup recently took a trip to a urinary tract infection ( )... Anal infections more effective in keeping teeth healthy it 's coming from the body is a! And treats also help prevent tartar and plaque buildup it, vets surgically remove the uterus female! Know about our furry friends may have a new fishy odor or a vaginal yeast infection had. Be interested to breed: if not from your pup clean and healthy dog that smells fishy you! Roll in dead fish takes forever to disappear of your dogs teeth will find you in a sea troubles. Will begin to emit more smells as time goes on on their fur content measurement, audience insights and development. My dogs breath smells like fish in most cases when Oreo was almost run over by a veterinarian you. A special kind of Kitty if chlorophyll masked the scent, the fishy stench may be coming from dogs... Expression, whether that 's monthly or once or twice a year is what will give a!