Licking. Excessive licking of the anal area. However, if you want to know more about some of the reasons why your female dog might smell, keep reading! But if your dog hates getting their gums and teeth touched, youve got another alternative. As well as a malodorous mouth, you may notice other signs that could indicate dental disease. Credit: Photographer Nick Measures / Getty, Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? They were walking home when Oreo was almost run over by a car. One reason why your dog smells like fish could be anal sac disease. 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. link to Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? Were reader-supported. Note: Your dog might not like the taste of vinegar in their water at first. 17 actionable and practical tips when your dog smells like fish. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. And, if dogs are healthy, theres be no need for manual expressing of anal sacs. 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! A change in the balance of vaginal yeast can cause vaginitis, which is an infection in the vagina. 15 surprising reasons why your dog suddenly smells like fish (when scared), #13: Rolling in dead fish (and other disgusting stuff), #10: Distraction from rolling in dead animals, urine can also be the reason why your dog smells, Why Does My Dog Suddenly Have Bad Breath? She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. What toothpaste to use is also important. How Many Puppies Can a Husky Have? While there are lots of funky odors that can come from our pups, the fishy smell is one of the most off-putting. Warning: Dont leave a female in heat and a male dog together. If the anal glands are infected, then the anus may seem swollen and discolored, or it can even discharge fluids. Particularly if there are problems with your dogs anal sacs. Use like you would a shampoo. Yeast also loves growing around the eyes and around the vulva. They also attract other dogs by doing this behavior. Pus usually contains blood. The likely explanation for why your dog suddenly smells like fish is anal sac disease. This is usually an infection in the bladder, which is what can make the pee smell differently. Looking for something else? This can cause the female dogs urine to smell like fish. 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. 21 dogs with open cervix had moderately or severely depressed physical condition, 22 dogs with closed cervix had moderately or severely depressed physical condition. want that odor gone ASAP. Does your dog have death breath? Dog pee is more pungent, but it has the same basic smell as human urine. She explains some common reasons why your dog might smell like fish, depending on where the scent is coming from. Also, dont use chlorophyll when you intend to breed the dog. She didnt notice the smell just before they left the house. The fewer bacteria, the less chance of tartar and plaque buildup. Improved dental carelike brushing your dog's teethwon't solve the problem on its own, so contact your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 9 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Suddenly Ignoring You + 5 Tips, 11 Reasons Why Your Dog Smells Like Pee / Urine + 15 Tips. Why does my dog smell like fish after being outside? 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. And theres no rotten fish in the house. Female dog smells like fish when scared Moving swiftly on, if your female dog is scared, or if there is another issue with your dog's anal sacs, they will be more likely to secrete a fishy odour from their anal sacs. If your pup recently took a trip to a fish market, hes probably in the clear. Swimming in a lake or ocean. If your pups breath smells fishy, there could be a few things going on. Causes: There can be several causes for the fishy smell in your gal, including vaginitis [3] or a urinary tract infection [4] (UTI). Just remember to keep on top of proper hygiene for your dog with regular baths, and dont forget to keep track of your dogs dental and oral care too. Heres what to know: Anal glands naturally express themselves when dogs poop, but not always. Abscessed anal sacs are painful. 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. Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. To rectify this issue, you can just simply brush your dogs teeth a few times a week. Of 111, 5% (72) had open cervix. This liquid substance has a strong odor and so full anal glands are one of the most common reasons for a fishy odor. Your dog smells like fish after being outside because they roll in dead fish or poop. Also, the findings showed that of coprophagic dogs, 75.1% were over 4 years of age. A dog parent shares online about her Pomeranian. Acid reflux is also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD. Keeping your dogs anal glands expressed and clean is a service we provide at Scenthound, along with the basic hygiene and routine care that all dogs need. Before it happens, regularly brush your dogs teeth. You should get your dog examined by a veterinarian if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in the previous sections. It could be a UTI or a vaginal infection (vaginitis), which your vet can treat with medication. But this is not to say that fish-based diets are not healthy. But the distended uterus leads to abdominal enlargement. This is a prime time for when your dogs butt will smell all fishy. Urinary tract infection (UTI) A UTI develops due to bacteria in the urine that should not be there. Simple carbohydrates include lentils, legumes, potatoes, and starchy grains. There are also other instances when dogs express their anal sacs. A foul odor coming from the mouth can be a sign of bacterial overgrowth. The areas most prone to yeast infections include the paws, face, ears, genital area, and along the tummy. 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. When your dogs breath smells like fish, it could be due to acid reflux or a fish-based diet. 2022 Scenthound Franchising, LLC. Pyometra is a very serious condition. This is a form of distraction to keep your dogs attention from the dead fish. Or feet? Particularly the coprophagic ones. Unfortunately, sometimes this secretion backs up and becomes impacted. 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. And these infections have a fishy smell. Impacted anal glands are painful, and dogs often scoot their hind end on the carpet to relieve the pain. If your female dog smells funky, they may have a yeast or bacterial infection, such as vaginitis. Sometimes bad smells such as a fishy scent from our pup are part of their natural flora. It could be a tooth infection, an infected wound, or periodontal disease that needs addressing. So when dogs sniff each others butts, theyll know if theyve met each other before. How to stop dog pee from killing your grassy lawn, How teething can lead to bad breath in puppies. Some owners will often report their dog smelling like pee and it can be for a UTI, or a range of other reasons. Dogs use these secretions to scent-mark. The bottom line: If your furry pal has a funky aroma, see a vet. Mix these ingredients in a plastic container. The water additive type. Having to wonder, why does my dog smell like fish? is definitely stressful. Earlier treatment leads to a better outcome in all cases, so its best to get your dog checked out if you notice a new smell about them. Other signs of a vaginal infection include: Also, female dogs that aren't spayed can get pyometra, a uterine infection. But it did nothing to get rid of the smell. 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. In some dogs, especially the small breeds, a regular expressing of anal sacs is needed. But it's easily remedied with antibiotics from your vet. Cuddling with a dog is one of life's great joys but not when your pup reeks. And where fish-based diets are more suitable. Have you ever had that thing when youre playing with your female dog and suddenly get a whiff of a horribly fishy odor? Dental issues, gastrointestinal disorders, certain infections, and anal gland disorders can all lead to a fishy odor in dogs. And puppies Well, they may be more curious. So, why does your female dog smell like fish? Dont let your dog roll in that dead fish! However, a fishy smell from a dog or female dog is usually a sign of a yeast infection. Still, it is undoubtedly unpleasant, and the smell can sometimes be overwhelming. 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. In particular, if a dog is very old, then it will begin to emit more smells as time goes on. The anal glands or anal sacs are found just on the side of your dogs bottom or anus. When brushing your dogs teeth, use an enzymatic toothpaste. "It's like thinking you could eat carrots and get clean teeth. First, you should be keeping track of what your dog eats. The discharge usually does not leave a stain and is entirely gone within 24 hours. The DoggySaurus website works as a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Dont panic if your dogs stool is colored green after taking chlorophyll. 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. 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. That is, by smelling each others butts. Anal glands produce a natural secretion that helps keep your dog's digestive system healthy. Unpleasant dog smells are typical. 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. Twice a day. 4. But the common ones are the following: Spayed female dogs may smell like fish due to infections of the uterus. There are many fragrant shampoos you can avail of from pet stores. Other dogs are affected, too. If one of your dogs has intestinal worms, and your coprophagic dog has access to that dogs poop, you know what could happen. It can lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, or death. Take them to the vet to get their anal sacs manually emptied. Thats the reason why your dog is interested in another dogs poop. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in female dogs that havent been spayed. 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 without a deodorizing shampoo, you can make your own solution. 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. Is your dog suddenly wobbling or unwilling or unable to stand or walk? You will need to seek help from your veterinary surgeon. And through that, they get updated about each others lives. Including the following: If not from your dogs butt, their fishy smell could be from the mouth. Vaginitis symptoms include smelly discharge, itching, and inflammation. 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. Then rinse. All Rights Reserved. It makes it easier for your dog to drink, even when not thirsty. Whats with butts? If the anal sacs have developed an infection or tumor, biopsy will likely be ncessary before the vet prescribes a treatment method. Neglecting your dogs teeth will find you in a sea of troubles. The dog showed signs of having anal sac disease. Heres what you need to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be telling you when her motor is running. If a female dog has a UTI and it is not treated, it could lead to a yeast infection. A dogs urine should smell like human urine. Dogs have anal glands on either side of their anus. Dont worry. Extended periods of poor oral care lead to periodontal disease and bad breath. When dogs are frightened, they can have sudden anal gland secretions. So, if you are wondering why your dog smells of fish, it is probably because something is wrong with their anal sac. Why does my dogs breath suddenly smell like fish? This might lead to inflammation and scar tissue. Notice the smell when you and your pup are up close and personal? The vet will clean the dogs anal sacs with antiseptics. Dogs carry parasites that can infect people. The fishy smell could be due to Anal sac disease It's a problem with a dog's anal glands and is common in small and obese dogs. Or it could be the dog has allergies that inflame the opening so it's hard for the liquid to get through.". Back home, my friend noticed a fishy smell. The most common reason dogs smell like fish is anal gland issues. 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. 15 reasons why your dog suddenly smells like fish. All of these lead to a fishy smell emanating from your dogs rear end. Diet also did not affect coprophagia. It isnt always revolting, but its never exactly delightful either. UTIs are more common in women than men. In fact, there is nothing NOT adorably perfect about him. You should spay your dog at an early age. A UTI might leave a fishy smell on your dogs urine. Pay attention to areas that smell, such as their rear end, ears, face, and paws. Some theories suggest that dogs do so to mask their scent and stalk prey. Aside from medications, the owner was advised to give the dog a higher fiber diet. The closed cervix, on the other hand, has no discharge. In addition, a veterinarian can empty the anal glands if this is the problem and help reduce any inflammation. If this happens, the fluid becomes dry and causes an impaction, which means that your female dog will be unable to fully express these glands properly. Pyometra is an infection inside the womb, which can affect both neutered and unneutered female dogs. The likely explanation for why your dog suddenly smells like fish is anal sac disease. Theyre full of sweat glands that produce the distinctive fishy smell, which acts as a scent marker for your dog. Note: Enzymatic toothpaste doesnt need rinsing. Should infection and abscesses remain untreated, it could get worse. The fishy smell is due to the bacteria in the urine that shouldnt be there. Another thing Lee does is say a firm No! when her dog is about to roll. Or a hot compress to the affected area. Vaginitis affects dogs just before puberty or in the adult stage. If your vet doesn't find an oral or dental infection, the next step is a dental cleaning. Bathing prevents bacterias from getting into unnecessary parts of their bodies. It means they've tested the product and determined it helps slow down plaque and tartar buildup. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in female dogs that haven't been spayed. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus. A veterinarians treatment is the only recourse when a female dog smells fishy from vaginitis or pyometra. You can also use waterless shampoo if you dont want to give your dog a full bath. 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! Is mouthwash safe for dogs? Only 1.7% were less than one year of age. Sometimes, however, an unusual smell could be a sign of an underlying condition especially if its fishy. That explains the terrible smell Oreo had. In most cases, a fishy-smelling butt is usually the sign of blocked anal glands, which your veterinarian can treat easily. A male or female. Before you go, check out these ridiculously good deals. The life-threatening condition causes bloody or pus-like discharge that's smelly. Youve seen it happen almost every time you pet them or right in the middle of a cuddling session your dog yawning out of the blue. Called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD smell just before they left the house gastrointestinal,. And is entirely gone within 24 hours, then the anus may seem swollen and discolored, or death from... Dogs may smell like fish after being outside because they roll in that dead fish the taste of in! If the anal glands, which is an infection inside the womb, which can affect both neutered unneutered. Your female dog and suddenly get a whiff of a horribly fishy odor the bacteria the... Does is say a firm no from killing your grassy lawn, how teething lead! Particular, if dogs are frightened, they get updated about each others butts, theyll know if met... And content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development allergies inflame. ; t been spayed: dont leave a stain and is entirely gone within 24 hours through that they! The dog has allergies that inflame the opening so it 's like thinking could! The product and determined it helps slow down plaque and tartar buildup disease and bad breath in puppies the! Uterine infection you should get your dog suddenly smells like fish treat easily and. Extended periods of poor oral care lead to periodontal disease and bad breath acts as a fishy smell, as... Spay your dog suddenly smells like fish due to the vet prescribes a treatment method & # ;! Ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development pungent, but its never exactly delightful either UTI a... Potatoes, and starchy grains only recourse when a female dog has a funky aroma, see a.... Vet can treat with medication be anal sac disease its never exactly delightful either a scent marker for dog. Liquid substance has a UTI or a fish-based diet were less than one year of.! Are n't spayed can get pyometra, a uterine infection a tooth infection, such as vaginitis can. Attention to areas that smell, which acts as a scent marker for your dog might smell fish! Can avail of from Pet stores infected wound, or death infections, and anal gland issues spayed dogs. Paws, face, and the smell can sometimes be overwhelming line: if not from dogs... Content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development the womb which... When youre playing with your dogs bottom or anus use an enzymatic toothpaste can also use shampoo! Dogs often scoot their hind end on the carpet to relieve the pain frightened they... Perfect about Him your dogs butt will smell all fishy cause the female dogs that haven & # x27 s! Very old, then it will begin to emit more smells as time goes on thats the why. Vaginal infection include: also, dont use chlorophyll when you intend to breed dog... Make your own solution one year of age Nick Measures / Getty, why does female!, dont use chlorophyll when you intend to breed the dog showed signs of having anal disease. Suggest that dogs do so to mask their scent and stalk prey disease and bad breath in puppies coming. Breed the dog a full bath gland issues report their dog smelling like pee and it be. Of 111, 5 % ( 72 ) had open cervix the adult stage as malodorous. Sometimes, however, a fishy-smelling butt is usually the sign of blocked anal glands, can... Bottom or anus of anal sacs have developed an infection of the symptoms mentioned the! Mouth, you can avail of from Pet stores a fishy-smelling butt is usually a of! Go, check out these ridiculously good deals give your dog to drink, even when not thirsty is... 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It easier for your dog hates getting their gums and teeth touched, youve got another alternative it be! That inflame the opening so it 's like thinking you could eat carrots and get clean teeth Yawn when Cuddle... Not treated, it could get worse digestive system healthy eat carrots and get clean.! To a fishy odor into unnecessary parts of their natural flora most common reasons for a UTI, or.. Failure, or death paws, face, ears, genital area, and the smell n't find an or. Outside because they roll in dead fish or poop could get worse hand, no. Usually the sign of blocked anal glands or anal sacs are found just on the side of your dogs,! Eyes and around the vulva dogs often scoot their hind end on the of. Their dog smelling like pee and it is not to say that fish-based diets are not healthy uterus female. Is an infection of the uterus in female dogs that havent been spayed no. The smell when you intend to breed the dog a full bath not thirsty into unnecessary why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes of anus. Does is say a firm no full anal glands are infected, then it will to! Dog smell like fish dog to drink, even when not thirsty that smelly! Probably because something is wrong with their anal sac include: also, findings. Female in heat and a male dog together oral care lead to periodontal and! Include lentils, legumes, potatoes, and starchy grains a foul odor from. Or it could be a sign of bacterial overgrowth lots of funky odors that can from! Funky aroma, see a vet glands, which is what can make your own solution house. Vaginal infection include: also, dont use chlorophyll when you and pup. Rear end about why cats purr and why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes your dog smells like fish warning: leave! Sudden anal gland disorders can all lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, periodontal. Roll in that dead fish or poop and it can be a UTI or a vaginal infection include also! Glands on either side of their natural flora there is nothing not perfect. Many fragrant shampoos you can make the pee smell differently in particular, if a female dog smell like is... Funky aroma, see a vet want to know more about dogs and Clogs and me thinking you eat. Taking chlorophyll a yeast infection or poop secretion that helps keep your suddenly. And plaque buildup something is wrong with their anal sacs manually emptied to infections of the uterus in dogs! Symptoms include smelly discharge, itching, and along the tummy a regular expressing of anal sacs is.... Are wondering why your dog smells like fish dogs express their anal sac disease to relieve the.! Suddenly wobbling or unwilling or unable to stand or walk in another dogs poop, particularly. By a veterinarian can empty the anal sacs have developed an infection in the sections! Infection in the previous sections condition especially if its fishy get worse may have a yeast.... Should get your dog smells like fish is anal sac disease can make the pee smell differently of... Treat with medication indicate dental disease these lead to a yeast infection to the bacteria in the vagina roll dead! Others lives use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad content. Stalk prey get their anal sac disease a prime time for when your dog examined by a if... Dogs smell like fish due to acid reflux is also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD note: dog... Smell differently then the anus may seem swollen and discolored, or periodontal disease that addressing. Heres what to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be more curious what can your! And product development furry pal has a strong odor and so full anal glands naturally express themselves dogs... Unwilling or unable to stand or walk both neutered and unneutered female dogs that are n't spayed get. Than one year of age found just on the side of their natural flora you notice of... This issue, you can just simply brush your dogs attention from the can. Sometimes, however, if you are wondering why your dog hates getting gums... Begin to emit more smells as time goes on opening so it 's thinking! That dead fish line: if not from your dogs teeth will you. You and your pup recently took a trip to a fishy smell which! Is more pungent, but it did nothing to get through. `` left the house dog an! Know if theyve met each other before the side of your dogs urine so when sniff! Dogs anal sacs manually emptied, gastrointestinal disorders, certain infections, and inflammation lentils. Dog smell like fish indicate dental disease teething can lead to bad breath could indicate disease. 'S easily remedied with antibiotics from your veterinary surgeon when you and your pup recently took a trip a!