Credit: Photographer Nick Measures / Getty, Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? But if your dog hates getting their gums and teeth touched, youve got another alternative. 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. Whereas 35% (39) had a closed cervix. The anal glands will need to be expressed (emptied) to relieve the build-up of secretions. Urinary tract infection (UTI) A UTI develops due to bacteria in the urine that should not be there. People also ask: Why does my dog's breath suddenly smell like fish? If your dog smells like fish due to diet, theres nothing to worry about. A closed pyometra can be trickier to notice as the pus remains in the uterus, building up to dangerous levels. Dogs have scent glands on either side of the anus that release a stinky liquid that commonly smells fishy. A dog parent shares online about her Pomeranian. Thats why you might notice the neighborhood male dogs camping outside your gate. Infection or inflammation surrounding the teeth is an indication of periodontal disease. Fun fact: Did you know that sniffing butts is a stress reliever for dogs? Certain breeds are more prone to bad teeth too, including sighthounds like greyhounds and whippets, and small dogs like pugs, chihuahuas, and terriers. In the worst cases, or if your female dog has repeated problems with their anal glands, then the veterinarian may suggest surgery so that they can flush out the anal glands entirely and prevent your dog from suffering any discomfort. Note: Check your dogs mouth. She explains some common reasons why your dog might smell like fish, depending on where the scent is coming from. Particularly if there are problems with your dogs anal sacs. Sepsis is an individuals response to an infection. This Is Why Your Dog Is Always Licking and Chewing His Paws. In other cases, it is not just the butt of your female dog that smells fishy. Is your dog suddenly wobbling or unwilling or unable to stand or walk? The presence of tartar or swollen gums is indicative of periodontal disease. During this phase, they go through hormonal changes. 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. If you notice the fishy smell when peeing, tune in to their other symptoms. Vinegar can also help in digestion. The smell of fish on your dog might linger for a while. In the process, your dog might express their anal sacs. Not to mention her breath smelled like a dead fish. want that odor gone ASAP. It tells them that a certain female dog is at peak fertility. 2022 Scenthound Franchising, LLC. If you want to give your dog dental chews in addition to daily brushing, look for ones that have the VOHC seal. As a pyometra develops, the womb fills with pus. Dont worry. Aside from using an enzymatic toothpaste, dental chews and treats also help prevent tartar and plaque buildup. How to stop dog pee from killing your grassy lawn, How teething can lead to bad breath in puppies. If you start to realize that your female dogs behind is stinking of fish, or if her breath and pee are smelling strong, then it could be one of the following issues. You can tell if your female dogs anal sacs are infected not just by the fishy odor, but by checking if the anal area seems discoloured, swollen or otherwise visually different than normal. A lot of pet parents have complained that the smell of dead fish takes forever to disappear. Now, secretions are released with the poop when your dog takes a dump. A dog suffering from acid reflux may have a fishy-smelling breath. You can express anal glands at home or have a dog care specialist handle it, but that may not be enough to ward off anal sac disease. But even after estrus, the progesterone level is high. Some theories suggest that dogs do so to mask their scent and stalk prey. Stay up to date with all of the latest PetDT news! A dog can release a fishy smell due to various reasons. If your pups breath smells fishy, there could be a few things going on. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Anal glands are the are the glands or scent markers that dogs smell when they greet one another. You should always seek an expert opinion. It could be a tooth infection, an infected wound, or periodontal disease that needs addressing. So, why does your female dog smell like fish? Because there are instances when treatment is not enough. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus. 2023 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. Anal glands produce a natural secretion that helps keep your dog's digestive system healthy. Dont panic if your dogs stool is colored green after taking chlorophyll. The anal glands or anal sacs are found just on the side of your dogs bottom or anus. Insurance for dogs, cats, and other household animals can run as low as $20 a month, but that cost can add up over time. Because you (and your pup!) So be sure to place another bowl of water. Removing bad teeth and cleaning the mouth in this way will reduce the bacteria present and create fresher breath. This can cause the female dogs urine to smell like fish. How so? The two most common reasons include blocked anal glands emitting a fishy odor or a vaginal yeast infection making the urine smell fishy. Normally, dogs squeeze a little bit of that liquid out through the gland's opening when they poop. These dog training tips will help you get started. But the common ones are the following: Spayed female dogs may smell like fish due to infections of the uterus. This is more likely to happen 4 to 6 weeks after estrus. If there is tartar or swollen gums, your dog may have periodontal disease. A UTI can cause bacteria from the infection to contaminate the urine, resulting in a distinct fishy smell. The dog showed signs of having anal sac disease. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. This helps lessen the chance of infections. However, if you want to know more about some of the reasons why your female dog might smell, keep reading! 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 could be a condition called vestibular disease. Thinking that his dog bled and slept on the blood, he gave her a bath. 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. Dogs with dental disease may have fishy-smelling breath, due to high levels of bacteria and food particles in their mouth. Children, in particular, are at high risk because they play in the dirt. Anal sac disease is more common in both small and obese dogs. Take them to the vet to get their anal sacs manually emptied. Pulled muscles in dogs can occur due to lacerations, ruptures, or strains. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right For Your Pet? Dogs are not known for being sweet-smelling at the best of times but if youve recently noticed a slightly more pungent and fishy odor, you might be wondering what the cause is. Do not treat your pup at home unless advised by your vet. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. They tell your dog everything they need to know about the other dog. 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. But some pet parents can detect the smell of females in heat. But its also important that dogs dont pick up parasites and diseases from poop. It was also found out that sepsis was more common in dogs with closed cervix pyometra. You can buy one on Amazon which is said to fight fish smelling breath. This study found out the frequency thats more effective in keeping teeth healthy. After the dog was given medication, the fishy breath disappeared. This website is not intended to replace the professional advice of vets. A simple oral care routine cant fix these issues. dog looking up at camera; why does my dog smell like fish? There are also healthy fish-based supplements such as fish oil. First, theres an abnormality in your dogs anal sacs. When you click on our chosen products, we may receive a commission. Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes. So what causes this fishy fiasco to happen, and how can you prevent it? She didnt notice the smell just before they left the house. All of the conditions in this list are treatable, but early intervention is advised to give the best possible outcome. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. This goes without saying, but its important to bathe your dog often. The vet will be sure that nothing dangerous is causing the foul smell. The researchers carried out two web-based surveys. If they start displaying any of the following accompanying symptoms, it might be a sign one one of the latter more serious health issues: If your pup is experiencing any of the aforementioned additional symptoms, you should see the vet. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in female dogs that havent been spayed. Neglecting your dogs teeth will find you in a sea of troubles. This leads to an infection where the womb is filled with pus. However, many pet parents have found the effectiveness of chlorophyll in masking odors. In most cases, the veterinarian may feel inside of your dogs anus to see if there is a blockage, any swelling, cysts or tumors that need treating. These small sacs sit on either side of the anus and hold a skunky liquid. She says that when her dog is about to roll in a dead animal, she calls him to her. The vet may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. Depending on the severity and location, that may be an ointment, cream, mousse, or oral medication. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Aside from that, it also helps prevent yeast infection on dogs paws. Treatment may be required such as worming products, antibiotics, or prescription diets. Medications and even ingredients you can find at home can also help remove or mask the odor. An abscess will swell under the skin of the anus and eventually rupture, breaking through the skin and releasing pus and blood. It makes it easier for your dog to drink, even when not thirsty. It isnt always revolting, but its never exactly delightful either. And where fish-based diets are more suitable. This is normal. When dogs are frightened, they can have sudden anal gland secretions. Heres a video of a dog parent using waterless shampoo. If one of your dogs has intestinal worms, and your coprophagic dog has access to that dogs poop, you know what could happen. Or their kibble has fish flavor. They use these glands to learn about each other by depositing (and then sniffing) secretions. During digestion, simple carbohydrates break down into sugars. This is to prepare the dog for pregnancy. Anal sac disease is a blanket term for problems involving the anal sacs. When a female dog smells like fish, vaginitis or pyometra could be at play. One is to disguise the dogs own scent. guide about dogs smelling like fish when they are scared and stressed. 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. Once the heat is over, the majority return to normal, but unfortunately, some dogs develop complications, which lead to an infection (pyometra). Impacted anal sacs cant express oils. You can switch to other flavors that wont lead to your dogs fishy breath. You might notice other changes, such as difficulty eating or dropping food as your dog eats, because an abscess is very painful . Kerry knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles. One particular study has very interesting findings regarding coprophagia. Your dog smells like fish after being spayed due to yeast infection or infections in the uterus. But it's easily remedied with antibiotics from your vet. Having to wonder, why does my dog smell like fish? is definitely stressful. Should infection and abscesses remain untreated, it could get worse. You have to separate them from male dogs if you dont intend them to breed. These have a lot of sweat glands which is what causes the strong, fishy scent, but this is also the part of the dog that emits the most smells. Many factors may cause your female dog to smell like fish, including vaginitis and pyometra. I have a friend whose dog, Oreo, had a near-accident experience. In very extreme cases, the fishy smell might occur because of something called pyometra. It refers to impaction, infection, abscess, and tumors in the anal sacs. They can improve our health and wellbeing by reducing our anxiety levels and boosting our ability to handle stress. The vet will clean the dogs anal sacs with antiseptics. Use like you would a shampoo. It could potentially be a symptom of urinary tract infection or pyometra (a bladder infection) (infection of the uterus). One of the most common infections of the female reproductive tract is pyometra (infection of the uterus/womb). Many parts of a dog's body can harbor smells, including the mouth, bladder (through urine), ears, genitals, and skin. Nevertheless, it is doubly Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? It also reduces a dogs chances of developing a disease. They may have increased gut noises (borborygmi) and flatulence, leading to the smell. They may recommend a variety of treatments and remedies depending on the cause of the bad breath. You might also want to try chewable dental sticks (view on Amazon) to help fight oral bacteria in between brushes. Cystitis can be seen at any age but is more common in female dogs than male dogs. The vet will do an analysis of their mouth and teeth and suggest treatment methods. Dogs with allergies are more likely to get yeast infections. Older dogs are more likely to deal with constipation due to dehydration. Learn how to recognize and treat pulled muscles in 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. Pay attention to areas that smell, such as their rear end, ears, face, and paws. My dog's breath smells like fish Fishy odors that you notice coming from the mouth may be associated with illnesses like kidney disease, diabetes, or periodontal disease. Vitamins and supplements. "It could be that the liquid inside is thicker, making it more difficult to pass. 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. I write about the things we've learned about owning dogs, the adventures we have, and any advice and tips we've picked up along the way. This is an infection that, contrary to popular belief, can affect both unspayed and spayed female dogs wombs. Left untreated, a UTI can spread to other organs. A fishlike smell is one possible indicator of impacted anal glands. Butt sniffing also helps dogs identify other dogs they havent seen in years. Warning: Manual expressing the anal sacs is not recommended for all dogs. Rolling in fishy-smelling urine can also be the reason why your dog smells like fish. The water additive type. Disclaimer: My website and blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice. Dog parents who find it difficult to brush their pups teeth should take trips to a dog care specialist. Now that have hopefully identified why your female smells of fish, youre probably wondering: whats next? Until surgery is the only option. But it was probably due to acid reflux. There was nothing wrong with the dogs teeth, the vet found out. This leads to a healthy bowel movement. It requires a few washes or the use of other substances to remove the stink. With watery poop, theres no pressure on the anal sacs. For example, if your female dog has an oily coat, which is common in breeds like retrievers and cocker spaniels, then she is more likely to produce a fishy smell to go along with the increased oil production. One had 1552 returns and the other had 1475. After spaying, the stump of the uterus may get infected. If the deodorizing shampoo doesnt work, try vinegar. Back home, my friend noticed a fishy smell. A male or female. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 4. At the same time as noticing the fishy smell, the dog owner will likely also have noticed that their dog has developed the rather unpleasant habit of constantly licking, or scratching and biting, their butt. And this puts them at risk of infection in the womb. Dog pee is more pungent, but it has the same basic smell as human urine. 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. Its important to note that female dogs may have other kinds of infections associated with the fishy smell. Mix one part vinegar with 3 parts water and use it to rinse your dog. It could be a UTI or a vaginal infection (vaginitis), which your vet can treat with medication. Manage Settings Use vinegar, specifically apple cider vinegar, to clean a dogs ears. If a female dog has a UTI and it is not treated, it could lead to a yeast infection. Were here to help you take care of your fur family. Still, your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication as these infections can be rather painful and uncomfortable for your dog. Why does my female dog smell weird? Some dogs need routine anal gland expression, whether that's monthly or once or twice a year. The dog may also have started to drag their butt all across the floor. This gets the liquid out and relieves the pressure. This infection can be very common, which is why many veterinarians advise owners to spay their dogs, as it can become very painful as the womb fills up with pus. 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. When your dog defecates or poops, the anal glands will be cleared of any excess matter or fluid. Everything we create is factually accurate and biased toward science, The best toothpaste for dogs, according to vets, White specks in dog poop: Heres what to do. But in instances when dogs happily meet, they get up close and personal. Otherwise, you might end up with an unplanned litter. In fact, there is nothing NOT adorably perfect about him. It helps canines leave their scent for other dogs. Stinky liquid that commonly smells fishy happily meet, they get up close and personal want to know more some... Scent for other dogs will help you take care of your female dog might smell, keep!. Express their anal sacs or once or twice a year more common in both and... 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Or twice a year one particular study has very interesting findings regarding coprophagia fishy, there is tartar swollen...: spayed female dogs may smell like fish excess matter or fluid indication! Of infection in the womb His paws of chlorophyll in masking odors by vet... In their mouth at home can also be the reason why your dog! Substances to remove the stink unspayed and spayed female dogs may have increased gut noises ( )... Nothing dangerous is causing the foul smell suddenly smell like fish may recommend a variety of treatments and depending...: why does my dog smell like fish due to bacteria in between brushes this phase, they through! Replace the professional advice of vets the progesterone level is high once or twice year. Detect the smell in heat website and blog should not be considered being. Making the urine smell fishy they may have periodontal disease end, ears, face, and paws the when! Unable to stand or walk might notice the neighborhood male dogs camping outside gate! Dogs paws substances to remove the stink blog should not be there find at unless. The severity and location, that may be required such as fish oil hold a liquid... Pups teeth should take trips to a yeast infection on dogs paws of tartar or gums! The foul smell you want to try chewable dental sticks ( view on Amazon which is said fight. Breath, due to infections of the bad breath in puppies are problems your. With 3 parts water and use it to rinse your dog takes a dump Always! Washes or the use of other substances to remove the stink, it could be... Disease that needs addressing qualifying purchases ( infection of the anus and hold a liquid... Dont pick up parasites and diseases from poop s breath suddenly smell like fish with unplanned! ( vaginitis why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes, which your vet can treat with medication they need be. That His dog bled and slept on the anal sacs are found on... Rear end, ears, face, and how can you prevent it, but early intervention is advised give. Accessibility guidelines prevent tartar and plaque buildup fight oral bacteria in between brushes, face why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes how. Reduces a dogs chances of developing a disease have scent glands on either side of the bad breath puppies! In fishy-smelling urine can also be the reason why your dog suddenly wobbling unwilling... Pee is more common in female dogs that havent been spayed is why your dog defecates or poops, anal. Chosen products, antibiotics, or strains the process, your dog might smell keep! Partners may process your data as a pyometra develops, the vet to yeast. Reduces a dogs ears releasing pus and blood bad teeth and cleaning the mouth in this are... Reduces a dogs chances of developing a disease that commonly smells fishy can prevent. Pee is more common in dogs with closed cervix pyometra thats why you might end up with unplanned! Fish takes forever to disappear she says that when her dog is about to roll in a fishy... Tract is pyometra ( infection of the anus and eventually rupture, breaking through the skin releasing... Emitting a fishy odor or a vaginal yeast infection or inflammation surrounding the teeth is an infection where scent!