Dog Smelling Like Fish? Here’s What It Means and How to Stop It

Snuggling with our furry friends is one of the greatest joys in life—until you notice a smell. You might find yourself asking: “Why does my dog smell like fish?” In most cases, it’s a sign that Fido needs a bath. But sometimes, you may be looking at some underlying health issues. So, how do you get rid of the fishy smell from your dog? If the problem can’t be solved with a shower, you might need to get in touch with the vet. This article explains why your dog might be smelling like fish and how you can deal with the situation.

Why Does Your Dog Smell Like Fish?
How to Get Rid of Fishy Smell from Your Dog
Simple Habits to Keep Your Dog Smelling Great

Why Does Your Dog Smell Like Fish?

Unless your dog had fish for lunch, the fishy stench can be a red flag. But where exactly is the odor coming from? The only way to find out is by smelling your dog from nose to tail and back. It could be the mouth, the skin, the belly, or even the anal region. Once you’ve detected the source of the smell, you can start having a better idea of what’s going on in your four-legged friend’s body.

Dental Issues

If your dog’s mouth has an unpleasant odor, he might be suffering from dental disease, gum infection, or tooth decay. The bacteria in Fido’s mouth break down food particles and produce compounds that give out a fishy odor. Keep in mind that dental issues are common in dogs. Be it tartar buildup or gum infections, the reasons for bad mouth odor are many. Needless to say, you’ll want to take your dog to the vet for a dental check.

Skin Infections

Bacterial or yeast skin infections are common among dogs and, in many cases, emit a musty or fishy smell. They usually grow in a dog’s skin folds, paws, or underarms. Besides the stench, you might notice redness, itching, and discharge. If you do regular grooming and address skin conditions from the get-go, you might be able to get rid of the fishy smell from your dog.

Urinary Tract Issues

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs are a common cause of a fishy smell coming from the genital area. Vaginitis in female dogs, which is commonly caused by bacteria or yeast, can also produce the same odor. You may also notice more frequent urination, surprise pee spots in the house, and constant licking of the genital area. UTIs call for a visit to the vet and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

Anal Gland Problems

Possibly the most common culprit of the list would be anal gland problems. Naturally, a dog’s anal glands release a strong-smelling fluid when they poop. When the glands are infected, you’ll notice a strong fishy odor. Your dog will also be scooting its bottom on the floor or constantly licking its anal area. A vet can examine your furry friend’s glands and treat any infection.

Dietary Issues

It is said that what your dog eats influences how it smells. That doesn’t necessarily mean that feeding your dog a diet rich in fish-based protein would always result in a fishy odor. But we’re not saying it wouldn’t, either. After all, your dog might have digestive issues at some point, and fish that’s not properly digested may emit a strong and persistent odor. In this case, a simple change in your dog’s food should do the trick, and a vet can give you recommendations to make sure your pup is still getting the best nutrition possible.

How to Get Rid of Fishy Smell from Your Dog

Take Care of Your Dog’s Dental Health

As we’ve already established, bad teeth and gums can lead to bad breath. That is why you should always keep an eye on your pup’s dental health. Taking your dog for professional dental care on a regular basis and knowing how to keep your dog’s teeth clean at home can go a long way. You can start by establishing a routine of one daily tooth brushing session and see how it goes.

Improve Your Dog’s Diet

A healthy, balanced diet is the secret to a healthy dog. If your dog is on a high fish-based protein diet and suddenly its breath starts to smell bad, you may want to reconsider the food choices. Switch to a high-quality, balanced diet with advice from your vet, and limit fish oil intake.

Treat Skin Infections Immediately

In many cases, the reason why your dog might smell like fish is simply a skin infection or yeast. These types of issues, luckily, are easily treatable. Simple topical or oral medications can get rid of the smell as well as any rash on Fido’s skin. For some extra care, you can always go for medical shampoos and use medicated wipes on the affected areas. It also helps to be familiar with what to feed a dog with a yeast infection. Fido will smell like its old self in no time.

Manage Urinary Tract Infections

If it’s a UTIU that’s causing the fishy smell, your best bet is to call the vet, who will likely prescribe antibiotics. Most UTIs are treated with simple antibiotics. You’ll also want to give your dog plenty of fresh water and take it on regular bathroom breaks.

Express the Anal Glands When Necessary

Anal gland issues are another cause for a visit to the vet. If the anal gland is the culprit, the vet can manually express the glands and relieve your dog of any discomfort while eliminating any fish odor. Your vet may also show you how to manage such issues down the line.

Consult your veterinarian

If you’ve tried all household solutions like special shampoos and dietary changes, yet the issue is still there, it might be time to contact the vet. Sometimes, no matter how well we think we know how to get rid of the fishy smell from our dog, some things call for an expert.

Simple Habits to Keep Your Dog Smelling Great

Keeping your dog smelling fresh shouldn’t be a hassle. A few easy-to-follow habits can get your dog smelling fresh at all times.

Bathe regularly: Using a dog-specific, medical shampoo every few weeks helps keep your dog smelling fresh. Make sure to avoid overbathing—you don’t want to dry out the skin.
Use grooming wipes: In between baths, you can use dog-safe wipes to help clean your furry friend and reduce any annoying odors on the spot.
Brush the coat: Brushing Fido’s coat several times a week removes any dirt, loose fur, and debris. All of these can trap unwanted smells, and removing them early on can help get rid of the fishy smell from your dog.
Clean ears: Buildups can often cause a bad smell in your dog’s ears. Cleaning your canine friend’s ears with a vet-approved ear cleaner helps prevent infections and reduce undesirable smells.
Maintain dental hygiene: We’ve all had to deal with our dog’s bad breath at some point. Luckily, the solution is simple. Brush your dog’s teeth on a daily basis and offer dental chews to keep Fido’s mouth healthy and clean.
Wash bedding and accessories: Your canine friend’s bed, collars, and toys should be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, lingering smells can pass on to your dog.
Feed a healthy diet: A healthy diet promotes your dog’s skin and coat health. This can help your dog smell better on a daily basis. It all starts with a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.

To Wrap Up

If your dog smells like fish, it’s often a sign that something isn’t quite right. It might be full anal glands, a dental issue, or a skin or urinary problem. While an occasional odor might not be cause for concern, a fishy smell that won't go away shows that something is wrong. The first step toward solving the problem is finding out what’s causing it. So if you’re wondering how to get rid of the fishy smell from your dog, the answer comes down to careful observation and consistent care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could a fishy smell be a sign of infection?

The short answer is yes. Infections in the anal glands, skin, ears, or mouth can all result in the fishy smell coming from your pup. All you need to do is figure out where the smell is coming from and take measures accordingly.

What should I do if my dog smells like fish?

If your dog smells like fish, the first thing you should do is figure out the source of the smell. If the source is the rear, your dog may need its anal glands expressed by a vet. If it’s the mouth, you might be looking into a dental issue. As for smelly skin, you may be looking at a bacterial or yeast infection.

Can I prevent the fishy smell?

The best way to get rid of the fishy smell from your dog is to prevent the smell in the first place. With regular grooming, a healthy diet, and routine vet visits, you can help avoid any preventable fishy smells. Keeping your dog clean also reduces the chances of gland issues or infections, which in turn can prevent the fishy smell.