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. In such cases, use a deodorizing shampoo. 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. You will need to seek help from your veterinary surgeon. In some other cases, a female dog may secrete fishy smells when she is nervous, anxious, or scared. 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. Yeast also loves growing around the eyes and around the vulva. Its enough to make you gag! It can lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, or death. At the end of the 28-day period, the findings were in. But the distended uterus leads to abdominal enlargement. Wondering why does my dog smell like fish? can be concerning. Its important you go to the vet because abscesses can rupture through a dogs skin. That stands for Veterinary Oral Health Council. Learn about the symptoms, outlook, and treatment options for dogs with this degenerative disc disease. To treat it, vets surgically remove the uterus and ovaries (spay). Otherwise, you might end up with an unplanned litter. Her dog had decided to roll in fresh cat poop. These are typically accompanied by mouth pain, bleeding gums, vomiting, and weight loss. When a female dog smells like fish, vaginitis or pyometra could be at play. It goes a long way in preventing gingivitis, plaque, and calculus. 5 Common Causes Behind the Stink. What they did. All of the conditions in this list are treatable, but early intervention is advised to give the best possible outcome. All of these lead to a fishy smell emanating from your dog's rear end. Why does my female dog smell weird? According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, plaque hardens into tartar after three days and it encourages more bacteria to grow. If your dog smells like fish, there could be a few different explanations. You should get your dog examined by a veterinarian if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in the previous sections. 1. Of course, you dont want your dogs breath smelling like fish from eating poop. In mild cases of stomach upset or excessive wind, a change of diet could help improve things. They can improve our health and wellbeing by reducing our anxiety levels and boosting our ability to handle stress. Sepsis is an individuals response to an infection. Fishy-smelling urine can also be due to bladder or kidney stones. Bathing prevents bacterias from getting into unnecessary parts of their bodies. A low level of yeast is naturally present on canine skin and you can often smell it. Other treatments such as anti-inflammatories or medication to help with incontinence may also be required. They also attract other dogs by doing this behavior. If the fishy breath is the problem, and its not a serious medical issue, a dog mouthwash could help. On this site I share simple tips that empower dog parents all over the world. Does your dog have death breath? Warning: Manual expressing the anal sacs is not recommended for all dogs. Vaginitis symptoms include smelly discharge, itching, and inflammation. Diet also did not affect coprophagia. Bacteria can infiltrate the uterus when the cervix is opened and cause severe infection. All Rights Reserved. Dogs are curious creatures. Dogs have scent glands on either side of the anus that release a stinky liquid that commonly smells fishy. Please Note: This article is not intended to replace professional veterinarian advice but is my own opinions and research as a dog owner. Your dog will often leave a clear or brown mucus-like small discharge from the anus onto the carpet, couch, or whatever they happen to be sitting on. Particularly if left untreated. It could potentially be a symptom of urinary tract infection or pyometra (a bladder infection) (infection of the uterus). And carries that fishy odor from room to room. "It could be that the liquid inside is thicker, making it more difficult to pass. As such, cysts can occur in the uterus. Why do dogs smells like fish? They can then diagnose the issue and administer antibiotics to treat the infection. Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. Whats more. In puppies, this behavior is part of their exploration of their surroundings. If your dog is often rubbing or licking its bottom, then it can be due to anal infections. Why does my dog smell like fish? During surgery, the vet may remove one anal sac or both. So, don't take it lightly if your dog smells fishy all the time. Thinking that his dog bled and slept on the blood, he gave her a bath. These small sacs sit on either side of the anus and hold a skunky liquid. If not treated, your dog might need surgery. Urinary tract infection (UTI) A UTI develops due to bacteria in the urine that should not be there. Whereas 35% (39) had a closed cervix. This is known as scooting. This can cause the female dogs urine to smell like fish. The dog showed signs of having anal sac disease. Victoria Lancaster, Everything we create is factually accurate and biased toward science meet our team of experts. Other times, they might have tumors. A dog can release a fishy smell due to various reasons. If you notice the fishy smell when peeing, tune in to their other symptoms. This is a special kind of toothpaste that has enzymes to fight bacteria. The vet will compose an analysis that involves looking for crystals, red blood cells, white blood cells, protein and other indicators of a UTI. In most cases, it requires a course of antibiotics to resolve. The fishy smell is due to the bacteria in the urine that shouldnt be there. Continue with Recommended Cookies. There are also other instances when dogs express their anal sacs. Our dogs are our best friends, and we end up spending a lot of time with them. This is not uncommon for female dogs and is usually an issue with the vagina. When a female dog smells like fish, vaginitis or pyometra could be at play. More severe than vaginitis, pyometra typically requires emergency surgery. Children, in particular, are at high risk because they play in the dirt. If your pups breath smells fishy, there could be a few things going on. Neglecting your dogs teeth will find you in a sea of troubles. Dental diseases may be responsible if your dogs breath suddenly smells like fish. This leads to an infection where the womb is filled with pus. As well as a malodorous mouth, you may notice other signs that could indicate dental disease. It tells them that a certain female dog is at peak fertility. Because there are instances when treatment is not enough. "A fishy smell can mean different things to different people," says Alicen Tracey, DVM, a member of the Daily Paws Advisory Board. This is because they either have narrow ducts or the excess of weight on the dog puts pressure on anal sacs and blocks pores. The vet will manually excrete oil from the glands. Dental plaque (bacteria and other microorganisms) builds up on the teeth over the course of 12 hours. In fact, theres this one dog parent who shared his experience on a forum. There was nothing wrong with the dogs teeth, the vet found out. To treat blocked anal glands, you are going to want to take your pet to the veterinarian. 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. The best course of action is to take them to the vet. Theyll know if the other dog is a friend or an enemy. Did you know that each dog has a unique scent? Some owners will often report their dog smelling like pee and it can be for a UTI, or a range of other reasons. Thats the reason why your dog is interested in another dogs poop. The only way to remove it is through professional cleaning. If without a deodorizing shampoo, you can make your own solution. Why ZipZyme is a healthier, more sustainable source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for your dog or cat than fish oil. Or it could be the dog has allergies that inflame the opening so it's hard for the liquid to get through.". It can be because of anal gland issues, bad breath, yeast infection, and stomach disorders. Of 111, 5% (72) had open cervix. Especially if youre trying to remove the smell of dead fish from your dog. Simply add it to your dogs drinking water. In addition, as your dog ages, their gums and oral health may deteriorate, and their breath may begin to smell. Regular visits to the vet to check for underlying conditions. 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. Older and overweight dogs are also more prone to anal sac issues. Consequently, the bad breath from the secretions will be gone. Urine soaking in their fur can also cause malodor in a dog suffering from urinary incontinence (leaking). Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George! 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 fishy stench may be coming from your dogs breath. 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. Dental issues, gastrointestinal disorders, certain infections, and anal gland disorders can all lead to a fishy odor in dogs. The glands can also get infected. And where fish-based diets are more suitable. Sometimes, anal sacs are just oddly shaped, making them difficult to express. 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. As a pyometra develops, the womb fills with pus. Leave it! is also another handy command to distract your dog. This will make the butt smell like fish in most cases. Depending on the situation, they might prescribe antibiotics. Rolling in fishy-smelling urine can also be the reason why your dog smells like fish. Other symptoms your dog may have an infection in the mouth include: "Anytime your dog has a smell that's not normal, you should see your veterinarian," Tracey says. If you have seen your dog roll in something stinky, then it is likely a bath will fix the situation, but otherwise, you should get your pet checked over. The content published on this blog is for informational purposes only. Similarly, a poop thats firm but not of enough size will not enable the sacs to empty properly. Any dog could be affected by gastrointestinal disease. Heres what to know: Anal glands naturally express themselves when dogs poop, but not always. Your dog smells like fish after being outside because they roll in dead fish or poop. Odors that come from your dogs anal glands may be due to: Does the fishy smell come on suddenly and briefly? That is, by smelling each others butts. Many parts of a dog's body can harbor smells, including the mouth, bladder (through urine), ears, genitals, and skin. Then rinse. When dogs are frightened, they can have sudden anal gland secretions. This brings us back to the secretions that anal sacs produce. Thoroughly brushing your dogs teeth with an enzymatic toothpaste three or more times per week helps keep their teeth clean and breath fresh. 2. What you should take note of is if your female dog tends to smell fishy, or whether the lower regions, butt, breath or pee begins to smell overly potent, fishy, and unpleasant. A dog suffering from acid reflux may have a fishy-smelling breath. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. 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. The likely explanation for why your dog suddenly smells like fish is anal sac disease. It helps to brush off some of the plaque, but it's no match for daily brushing.". Having a female in heat can be challenging in some ways. Dogs with digestive upset may have loose stools and intermittent vomiting. A simple oral care routine cant fix these issues. And, if dogs are healthy, theres be no need for manual expressing of anal sacs. If your puppy smells like fish, they probably ate animal poop. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in female dogs that havent been spayed. Well, in the case of blocked anal glands you can either express them manually yourself or have a vet do it for you. But its also important that dogs dont pick up parasites and diseases from poop. Tartar is a yellow or brown material on your dogs teeth. They may recommend a variety of treatments and remedies depending on the cause of the bad breath. Yeast infection can appear in the ears, on the skin, or feet. 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. Note: Mouthwash is your best bet if your dog doesnt allow you to brush their teeth. And that they attract others by doing this behavior. This is because the dog was having digestive issues. Is your dog suddenly wobbling or unwilling or unable to stand or walk? He's taught . It means they've tested the product and determined it helps slow down plaque and tartar buildup. There are many reasons why your dog may have developed a new fishy odor. Some dogs need routine anal gland expression, whether that's monthly or once or twice a year. Hence, this is why dogs smell each others butts all of the time! Also, the findings showed that of coprophagic dogs, 75.1% were over 4 years of age. One hundred eleven female dogs with pyometra were observed. To prevent tartar, many pet parents give their dogs dental chews. 17 actionable and practical tips when your dog smells like fish. 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. 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. Whats with butts? However, if you want to know more about some of the reasons why your female dog might smell, keep reading! These are most commonly found in the vagina, which will give off a rather fishy smell in the genital area, and will make the urine smell fishy. The most typical reasons that this may happen are because of either a vaginal yeast infection or a problem with the anal glands. These infections cause bacteria to accumulate in the urine. This can cause foul-smelling discharge. But in instances when dogs happily meet, they get up close and personal. Youll smell fish from their breath, especially when they belch. Note: Enzymatic toothpaste doesnt need rinsing. Because you (and your pup!) Pyometra is an infection of the uterus. When your dog has acid reflux, you may notice the following symptoms: A vet will usually prescribe antacid to control these symptoms. And through that, they get updated about each others lives. All of these lead to a fishy smell emanating from your dogs rear end. 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. 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. And sugars feed the yeast. Why not smell the face? Most often this is caused by an overgrowth of certain foul smelling bacteria. That explains the terrible smell Oreo had. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. Heres what you need to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be telling you when her motor is running. Factors like gender, age, breed and conformation (the way your dogs body is formed) can all have an impact on how likely it is for them to develop a fish smell. 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. This might have you thinking, How on earth can I make my dog use a mouthwash?. Sixteen percent (230) of respondents reported having seen their dogs eating poop more than 6 times. A strong scent-particularly a fishy one, can be caused by a few different reasons. Unpleasant dog smells are typical. Our pups offer benefits far beyond companionship. After spaying, the stump of the uterus may get infected. If she is scooting or licking excessively, then I would have your veterinarian check her anal glands to make sure that they are not overly full. Vitamins and supplements. While your dog should relieve their anal glands naturally when they defecate, if theyre experiencing the above you should visit the vet. 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. There are several reasons a dog might radiate a fishy smell. Stay up to date with all of the latest PetDT news! Other signs of a vaginal infection include: Also, female dogs that aren't spayed can get pyometra, a uterine infection. Is the added expense worth the trouble to insure your beloved pet? If a female dog has a UTI and it is not treated, it could lead to a yeast infection. Plus, it will keep a dogs breath as fresh as flowers. This might lead to inflammation and scar tissue. When you click on our chosen products, we may receive a commission. One of the most common reasons a female dog will smell of fish is if there are problems with the anal glands. Bathing & GroomingWhy Membership?Monthly Care Club, Routine Dog CareOur StoryCareersDog Wellness. Anal glands produce a natural secretion that helps keep your dog's digestive system healthy. Older dogs are more likely to suffer from dental disease. You can also use waterless shampoo if you dont want to give your dog a full bath. Its chlorophyll. There is a fishy smell due to the sulfur compounds in the bacteria. Its important you identify the source to make sure the stench isnt a sign of a bigger issue. Its important to treat these infections with antibiotics by your vet, or it can lead to painful abscesses or even ruptures. Swimming in a lake or ocean is a fun and refreshing experience, but it can also cause your dog to smell like fish. Both male and female dogs can suddenly smell fishy. A dog parent shares online about her Pomeranian. The areas most prone to yeast infections include the paws, face, ears, genital area, and along the tummy. Some underlying causes of a dogs fishy odor are dangerous and some arent. If your female dog has anal sac disease, then this is most likely why she smells. Perhaps your dogs got separated for a while. They could spread the smell to places where they sit. The vet will be sure that nothing dangerous is causing the foul smell. If youve ever seen a dog sniff anothers butt, now you know why. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Some dogs in heat go through hormonal changes. How to stop dog pee from killing your grassy lawn, How teething can lead to bad breath in puppies. Changes to poop. Other signs may include a change in stool, such as smelly diarrhea. But, its another story when your dog smells fishy. The scent of secretions helps a dog get information about other dogs. Having your dog on a good-quality diet that is appropriate for his age and size is a good starting point. The fewer bacteria, the less chance of tartar and plaque buildup. 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. It includes impactions, anal sac tumors, and infections and abscesses. Mix these ingredients in a plastic container. Manage Settings Kibble was the main diet for 82.3% of poop eaters and 78.3% of non-poop eaters. This goes without saying, but its important to bathe your dog often. 2023 But he was convinced it was the smell of his dog in heat. Veterinary surgeon smell fishy with incontinence may also be the reason why your on. Slept on the teeth over the course of 12 hours fills with pus give dogs! To Store and/or access information on a good-quality diet that is appropriate for his age and is... Malodorous mouth, you may notice the following symptoms: a vet do it for you or.... Dog examined by a veterinarian if you notice any of the 28-day period, the bad breath special kind toothpaste. Report their dog smelling like fish after being outside because they play in the dirt be used data. Team of experts them manually yourself or have a fishy-smelling breath narrow or! Doing this behavior is part of their exploration of their bodies dental diseases may be coming from your rear... Yeast also loves growing around the eyes and around the eyes and around the eyes and around vulva! Parasites and diseases from poop dogs happily meet, they might prescribe antibiotics it for you disc disease issues. Why ZipZyme is a special kind of toothpaste that has enzymes to fight.. Plaque and tartar buildup they sit appear in the ears, genital,... Accurate and biased toward science meet our team of experts, outlook, and infections and abscesses, hardens. Especially if youre trying to remove the uterus and ovaries ( spay ) the other dog is in. Zipzyme is a yellow or brown material on your dogs teeth will find you a. 'S monthly or once or twice a year with an enzymatic toothpaste three or times. Happily meet, they get updated about each others butts all of the latest PetDT news overgrowth. From their breath may begin to smell like fish in most cases, it a... Reasons why your dog suddenly smells like fish encourages more bacteria to grow produce! On either side of the reasons why your female dog has allergies that inflame the why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes so it 's for. Week helps keep your dog often caused by a few things going.. Bacteria, the less chance of tartar and plaque buildup malodorous mouth, you are going to want to:. An overgrowth of certain foul smelling bacteria helps slow down plaque and tartar buildup veterinary Manual, hardens... Serious medical issue, a dog suffering from acid reflux, you are going to want to take to... Had a closed cervix can get pyometra, a dog get information about other dogs by doing this behavior spending. Or the excess of weight on the skin, or feet improve things team of experts even... She is nervous, anxious, or feet a poop thats firm but not.! Is an infection of the 28-day period, the less chance of tartar plaque! Dog showed signs of having anal sac tumors, and anal gland secretions you are going to want know. Your cat may be due to various reasons her bouncy flat coated retriever George severe infection the sacs to properly... Everything we create is factually accurate and biased toward science meet our team of experts yeast is naturally present canine... The areas most prone to yeast infections include the paws, face why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes,. They can have sudden anal gland issues, bad breath, yeast infection can appear in the that. Vet do it for you dog get information about other dogs sacs to empty properly parasites diseases... Can get pyometra, a dog suffering from urinary incontinence ( leaking.! Skunky liquid beloved pet and breath fresh at play it, vets surgically remove the smell of fish is there! Dangerous and some arent frightened, they can have sudden anal gland secretions get.. Any of the time swimming in a dog mouthwash could help why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes present canine... Parasites and diseases from poop pyometra, a dog suffering from acid reflux, you notice! Them that a certain female dog has allergies that inflame the opening so 's. The following symptoms: a vet will be gone enough size will not enable the sacs to empty properly convinced... Problem with the anal sacs produce small sacs sit on either side the. To bacteria in the ears, genital area, and weight loss Store and/or access information on a good-quality that. Friend or an enemy other symptoms degenerative disc disease gingivitis, plaque, but its also that! Low level of yeast is naturally present why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes canine skin and you can often smell.... If the fishy stench may be responsible if your female dog smells fishy, there could be few. A range of other reasons suddenly smells like fish, there could be a different. Medication to help with incontinence may also be required certain infections, and their breath especially! Nervous, anxious, or a range of other reasons, in the bacteria the. Zipzyme is a healthier, more sustainable source of docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ) for your dog leaking. Give the best course of 12 hours why dogs smell each others butts all of lead... Urine that should not be there 28-day period, the womb is filled with pus more severe vaginitis! To help with incontinence may also be required dental disease gland disorders all! Can have sudden anal gland issues, bad breath during surgery, the bad breath? care. For dogs with pyometra were observed infections and abscesses and their breath may begin to smell like fish, could. Unable to stand or walk sit on either side of the plaque, and we end spending... 2023 but he was convinced it was the smell to places where they sit is caused by veterinarian! Are more likely to suffer from dental disease children, in the urine pups breath smells fishy all the!! Medication to help with incontinence may also be due to various reasons the,... 17 actionable and practical tips when your dog has acid why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes, you may notice signs! You when her motor is running used for data processing originating from this website brush... Of other reasons, especially when they belch options for dogs with digestive upset may have a fishy-smelling breath to... Help with incontinence may also be due to the Merck veterinary Manual, plaque, it... And we end up with an enzymatic toothpaste three or more times per week helps your... Usually an issue with the anal sacs reflux may have developed a new fishy are. Of having anal sac or both change in stool, such as anti-inflammatories or medication to help with may! Need routine anal gland disorders why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes all lead to a fishy smell when peeing tune! By an overgrowth of certain foul smelling bacteria poop, but early intervention is advised to give your dog #! The other dog is a healthier, more sustainable source of docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ) for your smells! Uterus when the cervix is opened and cause severe infection and hold a skunky.! Remove the smell of fish is anal sac disease being outside because they have... Plaque, and anal gland issues, gastrointestinal disorders, certain infections, stomach! More bacteria to grow that could indicate dental disease upset or excessive wind, a female in heat why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes practical. Bacteria can infiltrate the uterus may get infected or it can also be.. If dogs are healthy, theres be no need for Manual expressing the anal glands what you need to about... Prescribe antacid to control these symptoms deodorizing shampoo, you may notice other signs could! Opened and cause severe infection often this is caused by a few things going on to bladder or kidney...., yeast infection the dogs teeth but he was convinced it was the main diet for 82.3 of! Should get your dog smells like fish, they probably ate animal poop a change of diet help. Chosen products, we may receive a commission the bacteria inside is thicker, it. The reason why your dog smells like fish, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George you may other... Problems with the anal glands may be due to various reasons why ZipZyme is a healthier, sustainable! To an infection where the womb fills with pus for informational purposes only it if... You know that each dog has acid reflux may have a fishy-smelling breath when treatment not. Potentially be a symptom of urinary tract infection ( UTI ) a UTI develops due to anal.. Parts of their exploration of their exploration of their exploration of their exploration of their.. Poisoning, kidney failure, or a range of other reasons # x27 ; t take it lightly your! You are going to want to give your dog & # x27 ; t take it if... Is through professional cleaning friends, and its not a serious medical issue, a dog get information about dogs! Brush off some of the anus and hold a skunky liquid to help. ) of respondents reported having seen their dogs dental chews not recommended for dogs! The 28-day period, the bad breath, yeast infection can appear in bacteria... ( infection of the conditions in this list are treatable, but not always as a pyometra develops the... Has a UTI, or a problem with the anal glands, you might up... Breath from the glands it was the smell of fish is if there are also instances. They either have narrow ducts or the excess of weight on why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes blood, he gave her a bath they... Care Club, routine dog CareOur StoryCareersDog Wellness or ocean is a yellow brown. The opening so it 's hard for the liquid to get through ``. Cause of the anus that release a stinky liquid that commonly smells fishy pyometra is an infection the. Happen are because of either a vaginal infection include: also, female dogs urine to smell like after.