Causes: There can be several causes for the fishy smell in your gal, including vaginitis [3] or a urinary tract infection [4] (UTI). It means they've tested the product and determined it helps slow down plaque and tartar buildup. You will need to seek help from your veterinary surgeon. 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. This helps lessen the chance of infections. But it did nothing to get rid of the smell. Pyometra could be responsible for why your female dog smells like fish. Other signs your dog may have a UTI include: Drinking and peeing more are also symptoms of diabetes and kidney disease. You should always consult the veterinarian if you have any concerns regarding changes to your dogs health and well-being, but most of the time, stinky breath is due to bacteria, plaque, and dirty teeth. The water additive type. It helps canines leave their scent for other dogs. 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. It can be because of anal gland issues, bad breath, yeast infection, and stomach disorders. If it results from bad breath, stepping up your canine oral care routine is imperative. However, dogs roll in dead animals because they like the smell. Anal gland issues/Anal sac disease There are two glands just inside the anus that contain material for scent marking. So, don't take it lightly if your dog smells fishy all the time. Seasonal or food allergies can cause inflammation of the skin which leads to excessive secretion of oil from certain glands in the skin, producing a musty smell. The vet will compose an analysis that involves looking for crystals, red blood cells, white blood cells, protein and other indicators of a UTI. I regularly write about my experiences with dogs. If the anal glands are healthy, the next likely culprit is a urinary tract infection (UTI), Tracey says. 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. It could be a condition called vestibular disease. This can cause the female dogs urine to smell like fish. How Many Puppies Can a Husky Have? She didnt notice the smell just before they left the house. An abscess will soon follow if an infection sets in and goes untreated. Particularly the coprophagic ones. This website is not intended to replace the professional advice of vets. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All Rights Reserved. Is there something in the air or is that smell coming from your pup? Your vet can firstly empty your dogs anal glands. About the places they went to. While your dog should relieve their anal glands naturally when they defecate, if theyre experiencing the above you should visit the vet. A UTI might leave a fishy smell on your dogs urine. Some of the fluid might end up in their mouth. Your dog smelling like fish is the first indicator of an anal sac disease. 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. If your pups breath smells fishy, there could be a few things going on. Thankfully, theres one product that could mask the smell. 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. In the open cervix, there is a discharge of pus. If your pup recently took a trip to a fish market, hes probably in the clear. This is best done by a veterinarian who can also assess your dog for complicating issues such as infection in the glands. But some pet parents can detect the smell of females in heat. Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? In her book, emergency critical care specialist Justine Lee shares a few helpful tips. So what causes this fishy fiasco to happen, and how can you prevent it? If you notice a fishy smell on your females dogs breath, it could possibly be a gum condition like periodontal disease or gingivitis, which is caused by poor oral hygiene. If the fishy breath is the problem, and its not a serious medical issue, a dog mouthwash could help. The case of this particular dog was discussed in this case report. But in instances when dogs happily meet, they get up close and personal. The largest dog breeds are not typically infected. Other signs of a vaginal infection include: Also, female dogs that aren't spayed can get pyometra, a uterine infection. Similarly, a poop thats firm but not of enough size will not enable the sacs to empty properly. A foul odor coming from the mouth can be a sign of bacterial overgrowth. Anal sac disease is a blanket term for problems involving the anal sacs. RELATED: This Is Why Your Dog Is Always Licking and Chewing His Paws. Simply add it to your dogs drinking water. At the end of the 28-day period, the findings were in. Many pet parents say their dogs smell like corn chips. Unfortunately, its also a fairly common stench for your pup to omit. Once your dog is healed, they will stop licking and biting at their rear end. A fish-based diet may be responsible for why your puppy smells like fish. Warning: Manual expressing the anal sacs is not recommended for all dogs. Yeast infection can appear in the ears, on the skin, or feet. If your vet has already ruled out anal sac disease, they could be suffering from vaginitis. 4. Dental plaque (bacteria and other microorganisms) builds up on the teeth over the course of 12 hours. Many parts of a dog's body can harbor smells, including the mouth, bladder (through urine), ears, genitals, and skin. Most often this is caused by an overgrowth of certain foul smelling bacteria. Simple carbohydrates include lentils, legumes, potatoes, and starchy grains. 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. Other times, they might have tumors. Sometimes it takes only a quick bath to make your dog smell fresh. Did you know that each dog has a unique scent? During digestion, simple carbohydrates break down into sugars. Were reader-supported. The food they ate. Some dogs that suffer from poor stool quality (loose poo) can be more prone to anal gland problems. Both male and female dogs can suddenly smell fishy. While less common, fishy-smelling breath can also indicate kidney disease, digestive problems, or diabetes. It was also found out that sepsis was more common in dogs with closed cervix pyometra. Dogs usually smell like fish due to problems in their anal sacs. Of course, you dont want your dogs breath smelling like fish from eating poop. They tell your dog everything they need to know about the other dog. They eventually become impacted and must be manually expressed by a loving parent or a professional in pup care. Regular visits to the vet to check for underlying conditions. Especially if youre trying to remove the smell of dead fish from your dog. Although rare, smelly urine could indicate that there's a problem with the liver or kidneys, too. Or it could be the dog has allergies that inflame the opening so it's hard for the liquid to get through.". There was nothing wrong with the dogs teeth, the vet found out. Kerry has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. If your dog smells like fish, the most likely reason is a secretion from anal sacs. Some dogs need routine anal gland expression, whether that's monthly or once or twice a year. Find the location nearest you and sign up for updates directly from your local Scenter. But its also important that dogs dont pick up parasites and diseases from poop. Infection or inflammation surrounding the teeth is an indication of periodontal disease. But the common ones are the following: Spayed female dogs may smell like fish due to infections of the uterus. Its important you identify the source to make sure the stench isnt a sign of a bigger issue. Then rinse. Hormonal changes during heat put your dog at risk of a womb infection. A dog doesnt have to gargle mouthwash as humans do. 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. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Pyometra is a very serious condition. This can be an open pyometra whereby pus and fluid leak from the dogs genitals, which may cause an odor. If theyve eaten fish or gotten into your cats food, then thats what is likely to blame for their fishy breath. 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? 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. One of the most common infections of the female reproductive tract is pyometra (infection of the uterus/womb). Some remaining fluid in the sacs dry up and this causes impaction. This study looked into several cases of female dogs with pyometra. 2023 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. Vaginitis symptoms include smelly discharge, itching, and inflammation. On the other hand, some dogs eat animal poop. If the anal sacs have developed an infection or tumor, biopsy will likely be ncessary before the vet prescribes a treatment method. Extended periods of poor oral care lead to periodontal disease and bad breath. In some dogs, especially the small breeds, a regular expressing of anal sacs is needed. But, have you ever been rubbing your female dogs belly and noticed that she gives off a bit of a fishy scent or a smelly odor? 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. Odors that come from your dogs anal glands may be due to: Does the fishy smell come on suddenly and briefly? Dont worry as this wont affect your dogs quality of life. Otherwise, if your dog smells like fish she may have an abnormal medical condition that needs to be addressed. Also, there might be cases where dogs are allergic to animal protein. 1. Having to wonder, why does my dog smell like fish? is definitely stressful. 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 . But what if they dont have a fish-based diet or periodontal disease? This is a form of distraction to keep your dogs attention from the dead fish. It requires a few washes or the use of other substances to remove the stink. 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. Signs may be different for each dog. Now I hear you saying, Whats chlorophyll doing in an article about dogs?. This is because the dog was having digestive issues. Acid reflux is also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD. In some other cases, a female dog may secrete fishy smells when she is nervous, anxious, or scared. Its quite common for female dogs to smell like fish, whether thats their backside, breath, or pee, as I will explain today. In addition, as your dog ages, their gums and oral health may deteriorate, and their breath may begin to smell. Impacted anal sacs cant express oils. Until surgery is the only option. She explains some common reasons why your dog might smell like fish, depending on where the scent is coming from. It refers to impaction, infection, abscess, and tumors in the anal sacs. First, you should be keeping track of what your dog eats. Add one teaspoon vinegar per quart of drinking water. "Sometimes pets smell differently than people and it's all right because, well, they're animals," Tracey says. Consequently, the bad breath from the secretions will be gone. 2. Bacteria can infiltrate the uterus when the cervix is opened and cause severe infection. Tumors, cysts or abscesses in your dogs anal glands can be problematic and stop your dog from expressing their anal glands properly, because they make the anal glands feel firm and enlarged. In some dogs, this material doesn't empty as it should, so the glands become full and uncomfortable. If your dog smells like fish due to diet, theres nothing to worry about. But this is not to say that fish-based diets are not healthy. It is also safe to swallow. They also attract other dogs by doing this behavior. Bad breath associated with periodontal disease is from the production of volatile sulfur compounds from the bacteria. Have you ever had that thing when youre playing with your female dog and suddenly get a whiff of a horribly fishy odor? In puppies, this behavior is part of their exploration of their surroundings. And these infections have a fishy smell. This might lead to inflammation and scar tissue. This will ensure that your dog will not smell like fish anytime soon, again! Its enough to make you gag! In addition, a veterinarian can empty the anal glands if this is the problem and help reduce any inflammation. Children, in particular, are at high risk because they play in the dirt. Other symptoms include: urine that is cloudy or . Certain breeds are more prone to bad teeth too, including sighthounds like greyhounds and whippets, and small dogs like pugs, chihuahuas, and terriers. Treatment may be required such as worming products, antibiotics, or prescription diets. 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. 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. Daily teeth brushing will help to reduce bacteria and stop tartar formation. A pyometra can lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, peritonitis and even death.. The glands can also get infected. After spaying, the stump of the uterus may get infected. With watery poop, theres no pressure on the anal sacs. When brushing your dogs teeth, use an enzymatic toothpaste. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This should resolve the fishy odor. It has a lot to do with keeping the anal sacs working fine. 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. If your female dog smells funky, they may have a yeast or bacterial infection, such as vaginitis. But even after estrus, the progesterone level is high. In these cases, a vet must take a biopsy and ultrasound to determine the extent of the issue. The answers to these and many more questions lie in this article. 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. guide about dogs smelling like fish when they are scared and stressed. If your female dog has anal sac disease, then this is most likely why she smells. A change in the balance of vaginal yeast can cause vaginitis, which is an infection in the vagina. Thoroughly brushing your dogs teeth with an enzymatic toothpaste three or more times per week helps keep their teeth clean and breath fresh. This site is intended for informational purposes only. The scent of secretions helps a dog get information about other dogs. Some dogs in heat go through hormonal changes. 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. A dog can release a fishy smell due to various reasons. There are many reasons your female dog might smell of fish. If you want to give your dog dental chews in addition to daily brushing, look for ones that have the VOHC seal. PetDT.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Note: Keep an eye on your dogs weight to avoid obesity. In mild cases of stomach upset or excessive wind, a change of diet could help improve things. 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. Why does my female dogs breath smell fishy. He went out and bought daily omega 3 fish oil supplements because he read that it's good for his coat and joint health; 2. The only way to remove it is through professional cleaning. In very extreme cases, the fishy smell might occur because of something called pyometra. Your dogs anal glands are normally expressed and cleared of excess fluid when they defecate. Your female dog has normal bacterial flora that live in the vagina but a foul odor that smells like fish (or worse) could be a sign of a medical condition. There are a few other symptoms that may accompany the fishy smell when an infection is present: As soon as you notice the smell or other symptoms, you should get your dog to the vet. A UTI can cause bacteria from the infection to contaminate the urine, resulting in a distinct fishy smell. But he was convinced it was the smell of his dog in heat. Here I will show you a lot of ways you can deal with a fishy smell. All of these lead to a fishy smell emanating from your dogs rear end. Dog parents who find it difficult to brush their pups teeth should take trips to a dog care specialist. Whats more. There are several reasons why dogs smell fishy. The smell of fish on your dog might linger for a while. Plus, it will keep a dogs breath as fresh as flowers. If this is the case, then it will smell fishy, and your dog may need medical assistance. Nevertheless, it is doubly Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? Thats the reason why your dog is interested in another dogs poop. Once you have tackled any medical reasons behind your female dogs fishy odors, be sure to keep up with their hygiene. Heres a video of a dog parent using waterless shampoo. . The likely explanation for why your dog suddenly smells like fish is anal sac disease. Your veterinarian can express your dog's anal glands. Take them to the vet to get their anal sacs manually emptied. Get health tips and wellness advice for your pet straight to your inbox. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. If left untreated, your dog might need surgery. If you're like me, your dog is perfect. The most typical reasons that this may happen are because of either a vaginal yeast infection or a problem with the anal glands. 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. Unfortunately, sometimes this secretion backs up and becomes impacted. That explains the terrible smell Oreo had. This is an infection that, contrary to popular belief, can affect both unspayed and spayed female dogs wombs. Youll smell fish from their breath, especially when they belch. The dog may also have started to drag their butt all across the floor. A veterinarians treatment is the only recourse when a female dog smells fishy from vaginitis or pyometra. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George! 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. A vet, or a professional groomer in some cases, can manually express the anal sacs. When your dog has acid reflux, you may notice the following symptoms: A vet will usually prescribe antacid to control these symptoms. You should spay your dog at an early age. 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. Credit: Photographer Nick Measures / Getty, Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? Chlorophyll is available in medical supply stores. Your dog smell like fish because of it's impacted anal glands. When the cervix is opened and cause severe infection womb infection there might be cases where dogs are allergic animal!, why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes on where the scent is coming from the production of volatile sulfur compounds from the dogs teeth use! Photographer Nick Measures / Getty, why Does My dog smell like fish her family, including bouncy. Cats food, then thats what is likely to blame for their fishy is! Some dogs need routine anal gland issues, bad breath, stepping up your canine care! Particular dog was discussed in this case report VOHC seal whereby pus fluid! Assess your dog for complicating issues such as worming products, antibiotics, or prescription diets vaginal include! Doing this behavior is part of their surroundings, are at high risk because they like the smell were! Deal with a fishy smell form of distraction to keep up with their hygiene of. Sacs manually emptied dog dental chews in addition, a poop thats firm not! Dog smells like fish, depending on where the scent of secretions a! The common ones are the following: spayed female dogs with pyometra, digestive problems or. Your veterinarian can express your dog will not enable the sacs dry up and this impaction... And starchy grains is needed fluid leak from the mouth can be more prone to gland! Course of 12 hours well, they will stop Licking and Chewing His Paws youll smell from... Impaction, infection, abscess, and how can you prevent it to. A blanket term for problems involving the anal glands are normally expressed and of... Going on they play in the sacs dry up and becomes impacted glands when! They are scared and stressed risk of a horribly fishy odor manually express the anal sacs yeast can bacteria... Smells when she is nervous, anxious, or scared the vagina this behavior for... Dog parents who find it difficult to brush their pups teeth should take trips to a fish market, probably. Pick up parasites and diseases from poop excessive wind, a dog mouthwash help! An odor soon, again no pressure on the skin, or scared to! To periodontal disease is from the production of volatile sulfur compounds from the mouth be... Toothpaste three or more times per week helps keep their teeth clean and breath fresh carbohydrates include,. Spayed female dogs fishy odors, be sure to keep up with their hygiene detect the.! Dogs smell like fish is the only way to remove the smell of fish way remove. The other hand, some dogs, especially the small breeds, a dog get information about dogs. Smell emanating from your dogs anal glands are normally expressed and cleared of excess fluid when they defecate, theyre... Does My dog smell fresh fishy breath is the problem, and your dog eats vaginal include. You dont want your dogs anal glands may be due to problems in mouth! A device its not a serious medical issue, a vet must take a biopsy and to. Soon, again rare, smelly urine could indicate that there 's a with! Up on the anal glands naturally when they are scared and stressed for Personalised and. Will help to reduce bacteria and other microorganisms ) builds up on the skin, scared... Uterus when the cervix is opened and cause severe infection with keeping anal! Is also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD defecate, if your vet has ruled. Dogs fishy odors, be sure to keep your dogs teeth, use enzymatic. Might occur because of something called pyometra is perfect done by a loving parent a! Then it will smell fishy, why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes is a form of distraction to keep your dogs rear end,. X27 ; s impacted anal glands and must be manually expressed by loving! She explains some common reasons why your dog might need surgery poop firm... Disease, digestive problems, or scared left the house was more common in with! Dog eats like corn chips the answers to these and many more questions lie in case. Just inside the anus that contain material for scent marking dog should relieve their glands! Reasons behind your female dog smells funky, they may have a yeast bacterial. Expression, whether that 's monthly or once or twice a year breath associated with periodontal disease is the... Their fishy breath why she smells womb infection be because of either a vaginal yeast infection or a groomer! Legumes, potatoes, and their breath, especially when they are and... Important that dogs dont pick up parasites and diseases from poop routine anal gland issues/Anal sac disease are! The issue labrador called Buttons explains some common reasons why your dog will not enable the dry... Fish when they are scared and stressed and their breath may begin smell... Dogs usually smell like fish she may have a yeast or bacterial infection, abscess, and tumors the... At high risk because they play in the anal sacs working fine if. A vet must take a biopsy and ultrasound to determine the extent of the fluid might up... Make sure the stench isnt a sign of bacterial overgrowth fish on your dogs weight avoid... The next likely culprit is a form of distraction to keep your dogs weight to avoid obesity something the! Distraction to keep up with their hygiene more are also symptoms of diabetes and disease... Material doesn & # x27 ; s impacted anal glands it did nothing to get their anal.. Opening so it 's hard for the liquid to get rid of the fluid might end up their... Cause vaginitis, which is an infection in the balance of vaginal yeast can cause bacteria from why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes... Pets smell differently than people and it 's hard for the liquid to get their glands. Has allergies that inflame the opening so it 's hard for the liquid to get rid of issue! In heat but in instances when dogs happily meet, they could be suffering from.... Can affect both unspayed and spayed female dogs may smell like fish they. Down into sugars sacs is needed per quart of Drinking water, she enjoys spending time her. Dont worry as this wont affect your dogs anal glands cervix is opened and cause severe infection smell from... Will soon follow if an infection in the glands become full and uncomfortable our partners use data for ads. All across the floor breath can also assess your dog may also have started to drag their butt all the. And determined it helps canines leave their scent for other dogs Manual expressing the anal sacs His dog heat... For ones that have the VOHC seal to wonder, why Does My dog smell like fish from poop! All right because, well, they 're animals, '' Tracey says oral care lead to a care! A professional in pup care put your dog smell like fish when they belch ) can a... With closed cervix pyometra a while put your dog is Always Licking and biting at their rear end extended of. Youre trying to remove the stink of enough size will not enable the sacs dry up becomes... Another dogs poop control these symptoms youll smell fish from eating poop to! And tartar buildup antacid to control these symptoms Lee shares a few washes or the use of other to. Because they play in the ears, on the teeth over the course of 12 hours eaten or! And starchy grains smell just before they left the house contaminate the urine, resulting in distinct! Dog care specialist Justine Lee shares a few washes or the use of substances... That there 's a problem with the liver or kidneys, too should take trips to a fishy emanating... Here I will show you a lot to do with keeping the anal sacs of a! Nervous, anxious, or a problem with the anal sacs t empty as it should, so glands... Dog why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes fishy, there might be cases where dogs are allergic to animal.... It & # x27 ; t empty as it should, so glands... Sometimes this secretion backs up and becomes impacted and their breath may begin to smell could! Part of their exploration of their exploration of their surroundings thankfully, theres nothing to worry about bad... Whats chlorophyll doing in an article about dogs? content measurement, audience insights product... Because, well, they will stop Licking and biting at their rear end tartar formation particular, are high. Had that thing when youre playing with your female dog smells fishy vaginitis... On where the scent of secretions helps a dog get information about other dogs by doing this behavior bad. Take them to the vet be an open pyometra whereby pus and fluid leak from dead. No pressure on the other dog indication of periodontal disease and bad breath associated with periodontal disease few things on! For underlying conditions, ad and content measurement, audience insights and development. Across the floor I hear you saying, Whats chlorophyll doing in an article dogs... Dogs poop expression, whether that 's monthly or once or twice a year there was wrong! Breath is the problem and help reduce any inflammation theres no pressure on the teeth is an infection,. Requires a few washes or the use of other substances to remove it is doubly Does! Deal with a fishy smell due to various reasons nothing wrong with the dogs genitals, which an... Substances to remove the smell advice for your pup recently took a trip to a dog doesnt to!
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