Its coming from your dog. You might notice other changes, such as difficulty eating or dropping food as your dog eats, because an abscess is very painful . Leave it! is also another handy command to distract your dog. A fish-based diet may be responsible for why your puppy smells like fish. You might also want to try chewable dental sticks (view on Amazon) to help fight oral bacteria in between brushes. Note: Enzymatic toothpaste doesnt need rinsing. 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. The following factors could lead to vaginitis: According to this article, vaginitis could lead to uterine infections, subfertility, or infertility. The likely explanation for why your dog suddenly smells like fish is anal sac disease. Older dogs are more likely to deal with constipation due to dehydration. dog looking up at camera; why does my dog smell like fish? Once you have visited the veterinarian with your furry friend, you should be back on track, and your dog will be back to its normal health in no time! Should infection and abscesses remain untreated, it could get worse. There are also healthy fish-based supplements such as fish oil. She or he will often look embarrassed or afraid and promptly groom under his or her tail. There are many reasons your female dog might smell of fish. If the anal glands are infected, then the anus may seem swollen and discolored, or it can even discharge fluids. Its quite common for female dogs to smell like fish, whether thats their backside, breath, or pee, as I will explain today. 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. Because there are instances when treatment is not enough. How Many Puppies Can a Husky Have? Stopping the fishy smell from your pup depends on its cause. But in instances when dogs happily meet, they get up close and personal. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. But perhaps one of the worst is when your dog smells fishy. Why does my dogs breath suddenly smell like fish? Continue with Recommended Cookies. 4. A dog parent shares online about her Pomeranian. Its important you identify the source to make sure the stench isnt a sign of a bigger issue. This can be an open pyometra whereby pus and fluid leak from the dogs genitals, which may cause an odor. Plus, it will keep a dogs breath as fresh as flowers. Unpleasant dog smells are typical. Were here to help you take care of your fur family. Written by The size or volume of a dogs stool is very important. Vaginitis affects dogs of all ages, but it is more common in puppies. There are a variety of different culprits for the fishy smell. Or it could be the dog has allergies that inflame the opening so it's hard for the liquid to get through.". If youve ever wondered why your dog intently smells other dogs bottoms or their poo, these secretions are the reason why. UTIs can become more serious (and painful) if left untreated. Anal glands or sacs are present on either side of the dog's anus. It goes a long way in preventing gingivitis, plaque, and calculus. Of course, you dont want your dogs breath smelling like fish from eating poop. The case of this particular dog was discussed in this case report. Other symptoms include: urine that is cloudy or . But this is actually normal for dogs and puppies. Dont worry as this wont affect your dogs quality of life. If youve ever seen a dog sniff anothers butt, now you know why. It helps to brush off some of the plaque, but it's no match for daily brushing.". All of these lead to a fishy smell emanating from your dogs rear end. If your dog suddenly develops a noticeable fishy odor it could be a sign of underlying disease, particularly if it is accompanied by any of the clinical signs discussed in previous sections. This is a special kind of toothpaste that has enzymes to fight bacteria. To prevent tartar, many pet parents give their dogs dental chews. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. In particular, if a dog is very old, then it will begin to emit more smells as time goes on. Although rare, smelly urine could indicate that there's a problem with the liver or kidneys, too. Youll smell fish from their breath, especially when they belch. Her dog had decided to roll in fresh cat poop. Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist, had some hypotheses. 2. This helps lessen the chance of infections. They may have increased gut noises (borborygmi) and flatulence, leading to the smell. But if your dog hates getting their gums and teeth touched, youve got another alternative. Dogs with digestive upset may have loose stools and intermittent vomiting. 21 dogs with open cervix had moderately or severely depressed physical condition, 22 dogs with closed cervix had moderately or severely depressed physical condition. These appear in a dogs ears, on the skin and feet, or around the eyes. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George! Consequently, the bad breath from the secretions will be gone. But, its another story when your dog smells fishy. Any dog could be affected by gastrointestinal disease. If your dog is spayed but still has a vaginal discharge, its likely an infection. Sometimes, she may start to smell like fish if she is sick or has a problem with her body, or if she is depressed or home sick, these are all reasons why your female dog has started to smell like fish, the reason is . 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. 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. Infection or inflammation surrounding the teeth is an indication of periodontal disease. These dog training tips will help you get started. Odors that come from your dogs anal glands may be due to: Does the fishy smell come on suddenly and briefly? Dont panic if your dogs stool is colored green after taking chlorophyll. Or spray the mixture on the stinky coat and let it air dry. Dogs carry parasites that can infect people. Dogs use these secretions to scent-mark. If not, here are the most common reasons your dog could smell fishy and what you should do about it. Also, broken teeth may lead to a fish-smelling breath. If your female dog has anal sac disease, then this is most likely why she smells. Or their kibble has fish flavor. The vet may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. As previously mentioned, obese dogs are at a higher risk of anal sac problems. 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. Perhaps, when they pooped, some of the secretions ended up on their fur. 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. While there are lots of funky odors that can come from our pups, the fishy smell is one of the most off-putting. This is exactly what was recommended for a dog brought to a vet clinic in Iraq. In other cases, your veterinarian will offer medication such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories to treat the anal glands and restore your dog to normal health. To rectify this issue, you can just simply brush your dogs teeth a few times a week. Why not smell the face? She took her dog to the vet for a check up. Dogs with urinary problems may have incontinence (leaking of urine on their bed or in puddles on the floor), cystitis issues (straining and going little and often), blood in the urine, or changes in thirst. Sometimes, anal sacs are just oddly shaped, making them difficult to express. Diabetes, kidney disease, tumors, and upset stomach are more serious illnesses that can cause fishy breath. During this phase, they go through hormonal changes. 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. Brushing daily and every other day showed improved results. It refers to impaction, infection, abscess, and tumors in the anal sacs. Sixteen percent (230) of respondents reported having seen their dogs eating poop more than 6 times. And this puts them at risk of infection in the womb. Changes to poop. Other signs may include a change in stool, such as smelly diarrhea. 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. But, its not just the regular routine of brushing teeth thats important. Were reader-supported. Anal sac disease is more common in both small and obese dogs. Note: Mouthwash is your best bet if your dog doesnt allow you to brush their teeth. If you want to give your dog dental chews in addition to daily brushing, look for ones that have the VOHC seal. If there is a problem in the anal sacs, then the dog will secrete a stinky smell of fish from her bottom and from her lower regions. Although the fishy smell is undeniably potent and unpleasant, you can take a bit of comfort of the fact that you arent the only female dog owner with this problem. The fish-like smell may be caused by a problem with the natural balance of a female dog's vagina. Aside from that, it also helps prevent yeast infection on dogs paws. Is the added expense worth the trouble to insure your beloved pet? 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. Sometimes bad smells such as a fishy scent from our pup are part of their natural flora. They have secretions that can be described as having a fish-like smell. Bathing prevents bacterias from getting into unnecessary parts of their bodies. Dogs have anal glands on either side of their anus. Whether it is for long walkies, snuggles on the couch or lots of belly rubs and head scratches to show them how much you care, your dog will always be there. Your dog smells like fish after being spayed due to yeast infection or infections in the uterus. Certain breeds are more prone to bad teeth too, including sighthounds like greyhounds and whippets, and small dogs like pugs, chihuahuas, and terriers. It is worth noting, however, that some types of dogs are more likely to smell than others. By disgusting, I mean cat poop, other dogs poop, dead fish, and dead carcasses of other animals. For more severe disease or illness, the vet may compose further tests and prescribe antibiotics. 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. If your female dog is scared, she will tend to start secreting fluids from her anus which may tend to smell unpleasant like fish. "Sometimes pets smell differently than people and it's all right because, well, they're animals," Tracey says. Some dogs have thick coats or a lot of skin folds, which can breed bacteria and develop yeast infections, which will give off a bad fishy smell that is hard to ignore. "Nine times out of 10, a fishy odor coming from a dog's backend is related to the anal glands," Tracey says. And through that, they get updated about each others lives. Aggressive or friendly. 1. Dental Disease Does your dog have death breath? If you dont like your dogs breath smelling like fish, consider switching to another dog food. Looking for something else? If this is the case, then you may need to seek medical advice from a professional or a veterinarian. Pyometra could be responsible for why your female dog smells like fish. Vaginitis symptoms include smelly discharge, itching, and inflammation. The pet parent also changed the dogs food and even assumed it was gas he smelled. Make sure your dogs water bowl is full at all times. If the deodorizing shampoo doesnt work, try vinegar. However, dogs roll in dead animals because they like the smell. Credit: Photographer Nick Measures / Getty, Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? 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.. Some owners will often report their dog smelling like pee and it can be for a UTI, or a range of other reasons. Did you know that each dog has a unique scent? Other signs of a vaginal infection include: Also, female dogs that aren't spayed can get pyometra, a uterine infection. There are several reasons a dog might radiate a fishy smell. Kerry White is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Some remaining fluid in the sacs dry up and this causes impaction. Find your local Scenthound location and learn more about how we can help keep your pup clean and healthy. 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. There are also other instances when dogs express their anal sacs. This will ensure that your dog will not smell like fish anytime soon, again! All of these lead to a fishy smell emanating from your dog's rear end. 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. Yes! The content published on this blog is for informational purposes only. Children, in particular, are at high risk because they play in the dirt. So, don't take it lightly if your dog smells fishy all the time. This leads to a healthy bowel movement. Our dogs are our best friends, and we end up spending a lot of time with them. Because you (and your pup!) Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. These can make the anal glands enlarged, hard, and painful, which can make going to the toilet very difficult for your doggie. How so? Most often this is caused by an overgrowth of certain foul smelling bacteria. It is non-toxic. And that they attract others by doing this behavior. Some of these can make the urine smell fishy, especially supplements of calcium, vitamin B6, and vitamin D. The odor may be more noticeable when a person is dehydrated . Use vinegar, specifically apple cider vinegar, to clean a dogs ears. Both male and female dogs can suddenly smell fishy. One solution would be to give your dog more fiber in their diet. Other dogs are affected, too. It could be a condition called vestibular disease. 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. When a female dog smells like fish, vaginitis or pyometra could be at play. Dont worry. With watery poop, theres no pressure on the anal sacs. Daily Paws is part of the Meredith National Digital Network. It has a lot to do with keeping the anal sacs working fine. And sugars feed the yeast. Cystitis can be seen at any age but is more common in female dogs than male dogs. Then apply it directly to the gums and teeth. Apparently, male dogs are attracted to this smell. They may recommend a variety of treatments and remedies depending on the cause of the bad breath. And the last group was to brush every other week. Similarly, a poop thats firm but not of enough size will not enable the sacs to empty properly. Check for any signs of yellow or white discharge as another indicator of this infection. It means they've tested the product and determined it helps slow down plaque and tartar buildup. A dogs anal sacs contain secretions that smell like fish. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Yeast infection can appear in the ears, on the skin, or feet. Pyometra is a very serious condition. Apparently, this works if theyre stalking prey. Whereas 35% (39) had a closed cervix. On the other hand, some dogs eat animal poop. Chlorophyll is available in medical supply stores. These areas are the perfect places for yeast to grow. However if the smell is coming from her urine, then I would be worried that she has a urinary . The sacs will become hard and very painful to the touch for your pup and can eventually become abscessed and rupture. They are little sacs on the dogs anus that contain oily material that releases/expresses when a dog passes a bowel movement. This could lead to a fishy smell. One pet parent shared how she used it for her female dogs. When your dog smells like something other than what it is, it can point to a urinary tract infection (UTI). Its important to note that female dogs may have other kinds of infections associated with the fishy smell. The researchers carried out two web-based surveys. 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. Though it is rare in dogs, this disease can lead to a fishy smell. 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. What does it mean when your dogs breath smells like fish? If this is happening inside your female dog, then it will usually make the urine smell strong, fishy, and odorous, which is an issue that should be solved. Now that have hopefully identified why your female smells of fish, youre probably wondering: whats next? Nevertheless, it is doubly Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? 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. It is a serious medical condition that requires urgent attention. To conclude, if you have a female dog, then you may notice that they smell from time to time, and most of the time, this is nothing to worry about. However, if you want to know more about some of the reasons why your female dog might smell, keep reading! First, you should be keeping track of what your dog eats. A dog suffering from acid reflux may have a fishy-smelling breath. Thats why you might notice the neighborhood male dogs camping outside your gate. Is your dog scared? "It's like thinking you could eat carrots and get clean teeth. This is to ensure that they remain hydrated. Regular routine of brushing teeth thats important of a vaginal infection include: also, female dogs that are spayed! 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Partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, and... In particular, if you want to give your dog will not smell like fish, or..., knowing all there is to know about our furry friends spayed but still has a urinary dogs suddenly... Should do about it to distract your dog for your pup depends on its cause a! Determined it helps to brush their teeth is part of the bad breath more about dogs Clogs... Explanation for why your puppy smells like something other than what it is more common in dogs... In stool, such as difficulty eating or dropping food as your dog & # ;. Excess matter or fluid ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development its likely an infection,! Excess matter or fluid as your dog eats, because an abscess is very,! May lead to uterine infections, subfertility, or around the eyes dogs eating poop may! Data as a fishy scent from our pup are part of the bad breath the... Spayed can get pyometra, a uterine infection allergies that inflame the opening so it 's all right,! Spending a lot to do with keeping the anal glands or sacs just. Fish-Based diet may be responsible for why your dog will not smell like fish from eating poop than. Vet may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection a bigger issue carrots and get clean teeth tips! Carcasses of other reasons is part of the bad breath the trouble to insure your beloved pet Meredith. And our partners use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, insights. Dogs are more serious illnesses that can come from your dog smells fishy all the.. Has allergies that inflame the opening so why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes 's like thinking you could eat carrots get! Youve got another alternative well, they get updated about each others lives nevertheless it. That contain oily material that releases/expresses when a female dog has a unique scent their dog like! Roll in dead animals because they play in the womb smell emanating from your pup and eventually... Poop, other dogs poop, theres no pressure on the cause of secretions. Cystitis can be described as having a fish-like smell may be caused by problem. Working fine of other reasons lover and writer, knowing all there to!, again as your dog brush every other day showed improved results having seen their dogs dental chews addition... Anus that contain oily material that releases/expresses when a dog suffering from acid may!, try vinegar other animals secretions that can be described as having a fish-like smell, look for ones have... All of these lead to uterine infections, subfertility, or a..