In such cases, use a deodorizing shampoo. Your dog smells like fish after being outside because they roll in dead fish or poop. 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. A veterinarians treatment is the only recourse when a female dog smells fishy from vaginitis or pyometra. If your female dog smells funky, they may have a yeast or bacterial infection, such as vaginitis. The scent of secretions helps a dog get information about other dogs. Please always consult with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog. If your dog smells like fish, there could be a few different explanations. Fishy smelling urine is most commonly caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other infection like a yeast infection. However, sometimes, your dogs glands are not completely emptied. Your dog smells like fish when scared due to their anal sacs. If this is the case, then you may need to seek medical advice from a professional or a veterinarian. This Is Why Your Dog Is Always Licking and Chewing His Paws. Reasons Why Your Dog Smells Like Fish. Its important you identify the source to make sure the stench isnt a sign of a bigger issue. Pay attention to areas that smell, such as their rear end, ears, face, and paws. Also, make sure the ears and paws are free from yeast infection. A lot of pet parents have complained that the smell of dead fish takes forever to disappear. Dental plaque (bacteria and other microorganisms) builds up on the teeth over the course of 12 hours. Both male and female dogs can suddenly smell fishy. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. And the last group was to brush every other week. Thats probably why. + First Time Litter Sizes, 5 Reasons Why Joint Health Is Important in Dogs, Smelling like fish when nervous or scared. Pyometra is an infection inside the womb, which can affect both neutered and unneutered female dogs. If the anal glands are infected, then the anus may seem swollen and discolored, or it can even discharge fluids. The most typical reasons that this may happen are because of either a vaginal yeast infection or a problem with the anal glands. 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. Warning: Manual expressing the anal sacs is not recommended for all dogs. All rights reserved. It is classified as close or open. If youve ever wondered why your dog intently smells other dogs bottoms or their poo, these secretions are the reason why. These contain sweat glands that produce a foul-smelling secretion. While certain infections are inevitable, there are a few preventative measures you can take so that the smell of fish doesnt arise in lieu of an illness. Causes: There can be several causes for the fishy smell in your gal, including vaginitis [3] or a urinary tract infection [4] (UTI). The water additive type. If the anal glands are healthy, the next likely culprit is a urinary tract infection (UTI), Tracey says. Some underlying causes of a dogs fishy odor are dangerous and some arent. If your dog smells like fish, something could be amiss. In these cases, a good bath should solve the problem, but if you notice that your female dog often smells like fish, then it could be a deeper health issue, such as blocked anal glands or a yeast infection. This is a prime time for when your dogs butt will smell all fishy. Tartar is a yellow or brown material on your dogs teeth. Check for any signs of yellow or white discharge as another indicator of this infection. Kerry has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Dont panic if your dogs stool is colored green after taking chlorophyll. If not treated, your dog might need surgery. During this phase, they go through hormonal changes. One had 1552 returns and the other had 1475. However, if the anal glands are not completely or properly emptied when they go to the toilet, then the anal sac becomes impacted, blocked, or dry. When your dog smells like something other than what it is, it can point to a urinary tract infection (UTI). The truth is there could be several reasons why your dog smells a bit unusual. 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. These dog training tips will help you get started. 2023 It could potentially be a symptom of urinary tract infection or pyometra (a bladder infection) (infection of the uterus). Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes. Sometimes it smells fishy when it is suffering from anal infections. Treatment may be required such as worming products, antibiotics, or prescription diets. 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. But, its not just the regular routine of brushing teeth thats important. In particular, if a dog is very old, then it will begin to emit more smells as time goes on. You can switch to other flavors that wont lead to your dogs fishy breath. Licking. Excessive licking of the anal area. The best course of action is to take them to the vet. Your dog will experience vaginal discharge with a greenish tinge. The vet will do an analysis of their mouth and teeth and suggest treatment methods. Whats more. In addition, a veterinarian can empty the anal glands if this is the problem and help reduce any inflammation. In some dogs, especially the small breeds, a regular expressing of anal sacs is needed. They were walking home when Oreo was almost run over by a car. They have secretions that can be described as having a fish-like smell. A dog can release a fishy smell due to various reasons. Dogs have scent glands on either side of the anus that release a stinky liquid that commonly smells fishy. A periodontal disease might not be apparent right away. If your dog smells like fish, the most likely reason is a secretion from anal sacs. If your dog has a UTI (urinary tract infection), his or her pee may smell fishy. The PDSA dog charity describe is as follows: A pyometra is an infection inside the womb. One pet parent shared how she used it for her female dogs. She may also be off-color and have a high temperature, as well as being off her food. Other symptoms include: urine that is cloudy or . If your dog produces an unpleasant or abnormal odor, has an . If the vet suspects your dog has a more severe disease, they will perform other tests. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. This will make the butt smell like fish in most cases. So when dogs sniff each others butts, theyll know if theyve met each other before. The vet will compose an analysis that involves looking for crystals, red blood cells, white blood cells, protein and other indicators of a UTI. The sacs will become hard and very painful to the touch for your pup and can eventually become abscessed and rupture. To treat it, vets surgically remove the uterus and ovaries (spay). Its coming from your dog. When brushing your dogs teeth, use an enzymatic toothpaste. Normally, the secretions are released when your dog poops. This gets the liquid out and relieves the pressure. . This might have you thinking, How on earth can I make my dog use a mouthwash?. Here we explore the various reasons why your dog might be smelling like fish. 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. Helps here! There is no real way to prevent urinary diseases from occurring, but ensuring your dog drinks plenty of freshwater can help. The vet will manually excrete oil from the glands. Dogs can get bad breath when: They are suffering from certain diseases or other illnesses. If theyve eaten fish or gotten into your cats food, then thats what is likely to blame for their fishy breath. Once the heat is over, the majority return to normal, but unfortunately, some dogs develop complications, which lead to an infection (pyometra). Its an infection of the uterus that leads to a fishy smell. These infections cause bacteria to accumulate in the urine. A dogs anal sacs can get infected. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, plaque hardens into tartar after three days and it encourages more bacteria to grow. 17 actionable and practical tips when your dog smells like fish. All of these lead to a fishy smell emanating from your dog's rear end. If your dog is often rubbing or licking its bottom, then it can be due to anal infections. A vets help is required when anal sac issues develop because of their shape or tumors. 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. Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. If you're like me, your dog is perfect. At the same time as noticing the fishy smell, the dog owner will likely also have noticed that their dog has developed the rather unpleasant habit of constantly licking, or scratching and biting, their butt. It isnt always revolting, but its never exactly delightful either. Note: Keep an eye on your dogs weight to avoid obesity. link to Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? While there are lots of funky odors that can come from our pups, the fishy smell is one of the most off-putting. Difficulty pooping. Your dog may strain or appear in pain, or may act like they want to poop but then stop. However, it will eventually creep up on your dog. Just soak a cotton ball or a clean washcloth with mouthwash. 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! However, McConnell says that dogs might roll in poop and dead fish because they like the smell. 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. They may recommend a variety of treatments and remedies depending on the cause of the bad breath. Dont worry. Why does my dog smell like fish after being spayed? Most often this is caused by an overgrowth of certain foul smelling bacteria. Removing bad teeth and cleaning the mouth in this way will reduce the bacteria present and create fresher breath. If your vet suspects a UTI, they will put your dog on a round of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. Dogs are curious creatures. If an infection is diagnosed then antibiotics will be required. If the fishy breath is the problem, and its not a serious medical issue, a dog mouthwash could help. 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? 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. As well as a malodorous mouth, you may notice other signs that could indicate dental disease. This infection can be very common, which is why many veterinarians advise owners to spay their dogs, as it can become very painful as the womb fills up with pus. This website is not intended to replace the professional advice of vets. Disclaimer: My website and blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice. Sometimes unspayed female dogs can give off a "fishy" aroma, and you may notice it coming from the area of the vagina. Urine soaking in their fur can also cause malodor in a dog suffering from urinary incontinence (leaking). The likely explanation for why your dog suddenly smells like fish is anal sac disease. A fish-based diet may be responsible for why your puppy smells like fish. Our pups offer benefits far beyond companionship. Pulled muscles in dogs can occur due to lacerations, ruptures, or strains. Place bowls of clean water strategically around the house. This could lead to a fishy smell. The fishy stench may be coming from your dogs breath. Credit: Photographer Nick Measures / Getty, Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? It is non-toxic. Looking for something else? Vitamins and supplements. She found it effective in masking the odor of being in heat. Because there are instances when treatment is not enough. Secretions contain chemical information about the dog. For more severe disease or illness, the vet may compose further tests and prescribe antibiotics. A dogs urine should smell like human urine. 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. So what causes this fishy fiasco to happen, and how can you prevent it? 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 can be susceptible to different kinds of yeast infections. 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