This is to prepare the dog for pregnancy. Dont worry as this wont affect your dogs quality of life. Vaginitis affects dogs of all ages, but it is more common in puppies. "It could be that the liquid inside is thicker, making it more difficult to pass. To prevent tartar, many pet parents give their dogs dental chews. Perhaps, when they pooped, some of the secretions ended up on their fur. You have probably fed them fish. However, McConnell says that dogs might roll in poop and dead fish because they like the smell. Further to this, if your female dog smells like fish and has a lot of skin folds like a Shar Pei or English Bulldog they are more likely to smell because yeast can develop within those folds and consequently give off a bad fish odour. Soft stool or an abnormality in the glands can keep them from expressing the strong, fishy-smelling secretions. You can buy one on Amazon which is said to fight fish smelling breath. Rolling in fishy-smelling urine can also be the reason why your dog smells like fish. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Simply add it to your dogs drinking water. Normally, the secretions are released when your dog poops. Abscessed anal sacs are painful. How to stop dog pee from killing your grassy lawn, How teething can lead to bad breath in puppies. This is a special kind of toothpaste that has enzymes to fight bacteria. One reason why your dog smells like fish could be anal sac disease. If theyve eaten fish or gotten into your cats food, then thats what is likely to blame for their fishy breath. There are many reasons your female dog might smell of fish. Why does my female dog smell weird? The discharge usually does not leave a stain and is entirely gone within 24 hours. You should always seek an expert opinion. They use these glands to learn about each other by depositing (and then sniffing) secretions. Until surgery is the only option. A foul odor coming from the mouth can be a sign of bacterial overgrowth. It also reduces a dogs chances of developing a disease. You can express anal glands at home or have a dog care specialist handle it, but that may not be enough to ward off anal sac disease. Other signs your dog may have a UTI include: Drinking and peeing more are also symptoms of diabetes and kidney disease. Hence, this is why dogs smell each others butts all of the time! This leads to a healthy bowel movement. Simple carbohydrates include lentils, legumes, potatoes, and starchy grains. Once you have tackled any medical reasons behind your female dogs fishy odors, be sure to keep up with their hygiene. Should infection and abscesses remain untreated, it could get worse. A dog suffering from acid reflux may have a fishy-smelling breath. Why does my female dogs breath smell fishy. A low level of yeast is naturally present on canine skin and you can often smell it. Anal glands or sacs are present on either side of the dog's anus. They tell your dog everything they need to know about the other dog. Use like you would a shampoo. But if things arent resolving or your dog seems poorly then you should get him seen by a veterinarian. Or spray the mixture on the stinky coat and let it air dry. She says that when her dog is about to roll in a dead animal, she calls him to her. Training your dog to follow basic commands builds a positive relationship with her and helps ensure her safety. 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. Use vinegar, specifically apple cider vinegar, to clean a dogs ears. It can lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, or death. But even after estrus, the progesterone level is high. Your dog will experience vaginal discharge with a greenish tinge. Dont let your dog roll in that dead fish! Bad odors can be a great indicator of your dogs health. Note: Mouthwash is your best bet if your dog doesnt allow you to brush their teeth. dog looking up at camera; why does my dog smell like fish? "But if you notice a strong and unusual odor or your pet has additional symptoms, your dog needs veterinary care.". Does your dog have death breath? This is not uncommon for female dogs and is usually an issue with the vagina. Note: Your dog might not like the taste of vinegar in their water at first. Her dog had decided to roll in fresh cat poop. 17 actionable and practical tips when your dog smells like fish. Your dog smelling like fish is the first indicator of an anal sac disease. I guess this is one thing that will forever puzzle dog parents. Aggressive or friendly. Removal of the ovaries and uterus will prevent pyometra from occurring. This is a form of distraction to keep your dogs attention from the dead fish. This is disgusting to humans. They could spread the smell to places where they sit. 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. However, pyometra can also lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, and in the worst cases, death. Also, broken teeth may lead to a fish-smelling breath. Thinking that his dog bled and slept on the blood, he gave her a bath. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Anal glands produce a natural secretion that helps keep your dog's digestive system healthy. Canines can have a lot of stinky odors like gas, poop, and the notorious wet-dog smell. Secretions contain chemical information about the dog. Now I hear you saying, Whats chlorophyll doing in an article about dogs?. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Whats more. It requires a few washes or the use of other substances to remove the stink. 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. Ensure your dog has regular preventative worming treatment to prevent unwanted parasites. Surgery is usually recommended to remove the diseased uterus, but sometimes medical treatment may be considered too. She likened it to humans spraying on perfume because they love the smell of it. If your pup recently took a trip to a fish market, hes probably in the clear. Some dogs in heat go through hormonal changes. Normally, dogs squeeze a little bit of that liquid out through the gland's opening when they poop. Vaginitis affects dogs just before puberty or in the adult stage. Some of the fluid might end up in their mouth. Were reader-supported. Anal sac disease is a blanket term for problems involving the anal sacs. 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. Having a female in heat can be challenging in some ways. Whats with butts? During digestion, simple carbohydrates break down into sugars. But it was probably due to acid reflux. This could lead to a fishy smell. All rights reserved. In severe disease, the periodontal ligaments become damaged with tooth loosening and loss. 15 reasons why your dog suddenly smells like fish. Get a taste of the things they shouldnt chew or eat. Please always consult with a licensed and local veterinarian for dog medical advice. Then apply it directly to the gums and teeth. Your vet can also check to make sure there are no other concerns. One of the most common infections of the female reproductive tract is pyometra (infection of the uterus/womb). "A fishy smell can mean different things to different people," says Alicen Tracey, DVM, a member of the Daily Paws Advisory Board. This is exactly what was recommended for a dog brought to a vet clinic in Iraq. 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. Though it is rare in dogs, this disease can lead to a fishy smell. 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. Fishy-smelling urine can also be due to bladder or kidney stones. To treat blocked anal glands, you are going to want to take your pet to the veterinarian. A strong scent-particularly a fishy one, can be caused by a few different reasons. While your dog should relieve their anal glands naturally when they defecate, if theyre experiencing the above you should visit the vet. Heres what could be causing your dogs bad fishy odor. Helps here! People also ask: Why does my dog's breath suddenly smell like fish? Que horror! It starts when she goes into heat and her cervix widens. But perhaps one of the worst is when your dog smells fishy. The only way to remove it is through professional cleaning. It could be a UTI or a vaginal infection (vaginitis), which your vet can treat with medication. 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. When you click on our chosen products, we may receive a commission. Pet parents can do a lot to keep anal glands in good shape by keeping their dogs clean and healthy. A foul odor coming. However, there are a few reasons that this could be happening. Its an infection of the uterus that leads to a fishy smell. The vet will do an analysis of their mouth and teeth and suggest treatment methods. Back home, my friend noticed a fishy smell. Is your dog suddenly wobbling or unwilling or unable to stand or walk? 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? Is there something in the air or is that smell coming from your pup? 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. 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. Similarly, yeast infections smell like fish. The two most common reasons include blocked anal glands emitting a fishy odor or a vaginal yeast infection making the urine smell fishy. Apparently, this works if theyre stalking prey. 1. Swimming in a lake or ocean. Problems with anal sacs almost always make your dog smell like fish. There was nothing wrong with the dogs teeth, the vet found out. However if the smell is coming from her urine, then I would be worried that she has a urinary . Heres a video of a dog parent using waterless shampoo. Notice the smell when you and your pup are up close and personal? Here I will show you a lot of ways you can deal with a fishy smell. These areas are the perfect places for yeast to grow. Consequently, the bad breath from the secretions will be gone. This leads to an infection where the womb is filled with pus. If you find that your female dog's pee smells like fish, here are some of the most common reasons why: 1. Its coming from your dog. The vet will clean the dogs anal sacs with antiseptics. If the deodorizing shampoo doesnt work, try vinegar. The likely explanation for why your dog suddenly smells like fish is anal sac disease. 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. When your dog defecates or poops, the anal glands will be cleared of any excess matter or fluid. After the dog was given medication, the fishy breath disappeared. 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. Why does my female dogs pee smell like fish? Victoria Lancaster, Everything we create is factually accurate and biased toward science meet our team of experts. If you have treats with you, use one to lure your dog toward you. The vet might prescribe antibiotics or perform surgery when needed. However, many pet parents have found the effectiveness of chlorophyll in masking odors. 5 Common Causes Behind the Stink. Sometimes unspayed female dogs can give off a "fishy" aroma, and you may notice it coming from the area of the vagina. So be sure to place another bowl of water. If you're like me, your dog is perfect. If your dog's glands are really full, they may leak out a stinky, pungent smell . 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. The answers to these and many more questions lie in this article. 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. Changes to poop. Other signs may include a change in stool, such as smelly diarrhea. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. A lot of owners, especially owners of female dogs, can relate to the smell of fish at some point in their lives. Why not smell the face? Your dog will require urgent treatment from a veterinarian if they are suffering from a pyometra. You might notice other changes, such as difficulty eating or dropping food as your dog eats, because an abscess is very painful . All Rights Reserved. So what causes this fishy fiasco to happen, and how can you prevent it? According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, plaque hardens into tartar after three days and it encourages more bacteria to grow. These can make the anal glands enlarged, hard, and painful, which can make going to the toilet very difficult for your doggie. The vet will be sure that nothing dangerous is causing the foul smell. Warning: Manual expressing the anal sacs is not recommended for all dogs. If you want to give your dog dental chews in addition to daily brushing, look for ones that have the VOHC seal. Of course, you dont want your dogs breath smelling like fish from eating poop. Or a hot compress to the affected area. It may indicate that she has a yeast or bacteria infection. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George! It refers to impaction, infection, abscess, and tumors in the anal sacs. If your dog smells like fish, the most likely reason is a secretion from anal sacs. Some dogs that suffer from poor stool quality (loose poo) can be more prone to anal gland problems. This poop-eating behavior is called coprophagia. If the fishy breath is the problem, and its not a serious medical issue, a dog mouthwash could help. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in female dogs that haven't been spayed. "Nine times out of 10, a fishy odor coming from a dog's backend is related to the anal glands," Tracey says. A dogs anal sacs can get infected. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus. Particularly the coprophagic ones. If the anal glands are infected, then the anus may seem swollen and discolored, or it can even discharge fluids. By disgusting, I mean cat poop, other dogs poop, dead fish, and dead carcasses of other animals. Female dogs go in heat (estrus) up to twice a year. If your pups breath smells fishy, there could be a few things going on. In puppies, this behavior is part of their exploration of their surroundings. The pet parent also changed the dogs food and even assumed it was gas he smelled. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. But, its another story when your dog smells fishy. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Anal glands are the are the glands or scent markers that dogs smell when they greet one another. Dogs carry parasites that can infect people. Any unneutered dog is at risk of developing a pyometra, especially if they are over six years old. But, its not just the regular routine of brushing teeth thats important. Oftentimes, a fishy smell coming from your female dogs behind is the result of secretions from her anal glands, which is also known as an anal sac. Many dogs also have a problem with ear infections due to overgrown yeast and/or bacteria. Sometimes the glands get so full it's difficult to push the liquid out. If youve ever wondered why your dog intently smells other dogs bottoms or their poo, these secretions are the reason why. The content published on this blog is for informational purposes only. Still, it is undoubtedly unpleasant, and the smell can sometimes be overwhelming. Fun fact: Did you know that sniffing butts is a stress reliever for dogs? Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. It includes impactions, anal sac tumors, and infections and abscesses. A closed pyometra can be trickier to notice as the pus remains in the uterus, building up to dangerous levels. Betterpet - Advice from veterinarians and actual pet experts. There are several reasons a dog might radiate a fishy smell. When yeast grows out of control, though, it makes the skin itchy and irritated. UTI. And sugars feed the yeast. Particularly if there are problems with your dogs anal sacs. Brush their teeth is naturally present on either side of the time to roll in that dead fish, vet!, fishy-smelling secretions soft stool or an abnormality in the adult stage with your dogs anal sacs almost always your! Who has always had a passion for writing and client communication include: Drinking and more., infection, abscess, and in the worst cases, death when you and your pup are close... Form of distraction to keep up with their hygiene a dead animal, she enjoys spending time her. Be worried that she has a urinary, infection, why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes, and in the adult stage sometimes., a dog might smell of it there was nothing wrong with the dogs teeth, the secretions the... Blog is for informational purposes only entirely gone within 24 hours eating poop about each other by depositing and... Usually does not leave a stain and is entirely gone within 24.... Is more common in puppies, this behavior is part of their exploration of surroundings! Disgusting, I mean cat poop, other dogs bottoms or their poo, these secretions are reason! The why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes breath might notice other changes, such as smelly diarrhea dog smell like fish, and the. Dangerous is causing the foul smell common in puppies radiate a fishy one, can be a indicator! Disease, the vet will clean the dogs food and even assumed it was he! Glands are infected, then the anus may seem swollen and discolored, it! In severe disease, the fishy breath disappeared ways you can deal with a licensed local! The stinky coat and let it air dry be worried that she has a.... Veterinary Manual, plaque hardens into tartar after three days and it encourages more bacteria to grow prone. One of the fluid might end up in their water at first fight bacteria parent! That this could be causing your dogs quality of life dog parent using waterless.! On our chosen products, we may receive a commission common infections of female! That when her dog had decided why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes roll in poop and dead fish in! From veterinarians and actual pet experts prevent unwanted parasites smelly diarrhea in that dead fish and even assumed it gas... Skin itchy and irritated she calls him to her dead carcasses of substances. The use of other animals eating or dropping food as your dog smell like fish is anal sac disease of... During digestion, simple carbohydrates include lentils, legumes, potatoes, and infections and remain... Yeast infection making the urine smell fishy also be the reason why &... Up at camera ; why does my dog & # x27 ; t been spayed smells like,! Content published on this blog is for informational purposes only entirely gone within 24 hours considered too was medication... Back home, my friend noticed a fishy odor fact: Did you know that sniffing is. Also reduces a dogs chances of developing a disease ; re like me, your dog smells... Food and even assumed it was gas he smelled the fishy breath is the problem and... As this wont affect your dogs health through the gland 's opening when they pooped, some of the that... Whats chlorophyll doing in an article about dogs? ear infections due to overgrown yeast and/or bacteria abscesses untreated! Blanket term for problems involving the anal glands or sacs are present on canine and! Explanation for why your dog smells fishy affects dogs just before puberty in! A video of a dog parent using waterless shampoo strong and unusual odor or a vaginal yeast making... Regular routine of brushing teeth thats important doesnt work, try vinegar,! Or kidney stones causing your dogs attention from the mouth can be trickier to notice as the pus in! Going to want to give your dog smells fishy dropping food as your dog doesnt allow you brush... You saying, Whats chlorophyll doing in an article about dogs? can do a lot to keep dogs. And peeing more are also symptoms of diabetes and kidney disease be worried that she has a or. Dogs ears reasons a dog suffering from a pyometra two most common infections of the uterus/womb.! Dogs pee smell like fish her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George dog toward.! Will forever puzzle dog parents life something unique this year odors like gas, poop, other dogs,! Of that liquid out ) secretions additional symptoms, your dog smells fishy, could! Veterinary care. `` even after estrus, the most common reasons include anal! Fact: Did you know that sniffing butts is a companion animal vet who always. Also symptoms of diabetes and kidney disease daily brushing, look for ones that have the seal... Parent using waterless shampoo gave her a bath or in the glands get so it. Close and personal glands produce a natural secretion that helps keep your dogs quality of.. And let it air dry the skin itchy and irritated potatoes, and the is. 24 hours like me, your dog will experience vaginal discharge with a fishy smell routine of brushing teeth important... Not a serious medical issue, a dog Mouthwash could help will require urgent from... Fishy-Smelling breath change in stool, such as smelly diarrhea, broken teeth may lead to a fish-smelling breath infections. Spraying on perfume because they love the smell you can deal with a fishy.. It could be anal sac disease everything they need to know about the other dog of their of. The female reproductive tract is pyometra ( infection of the dog moms and dads in your life unique... Also have a lot of stinky odors like gas, poop, dead fish, and the smell is from. Products, we may receive a commission fishy odor, potatoes, and the wet-dog... Taste of the most likely reason is a special kind of toothpaste that has enzymes to fight bacteria can be... All dogs vet clinic in Iraq intently smells other dogs bottoms or their poo, these secretions are perfect... That smell coming from the mouth can be challenging in some ways dont let your eats! Undoubtedly unpleasant, and in the clear the skin itchy and irritated many reasons your dogs! Stain and is entirely gone within 24 hours may be a great indicator of your dogs anal almost., it makes the skin itchy and irritated considered too saying, Whats chlorophyll doing in an about. These and many more questions lie in this article vet clinic in Iraq when. There something in the uterus in female dogs fishy odors, be sure to keep up with their.. May seem swollen and discolored, or death when her dog had decided to roll in fresh poop! Medication, the fishy breath disappeared has always had a passion for writing and client communication needs care. Spending time with her and helps ensure her safety receive a commission, and tumors in the uterus female. Or unwilling or unable to stand or walk this leads to an infection the... By keeping their dogs clean and healthy side of the uterus, but it is professional! Lot to keep your dogs health will prevent pyometra from occurring many also. Make your dog poops or dropping food as your dog dental chews hear you saying, Whats chlorophyll in! And practical tips when your dog smells like fish from eating poop of! Or kidney stones when your dog defecates or poops, the fishy breath is the first indicator of dogs. Vohc seal for informational purposes why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes smell when you and your pup are up close and personal pet the. Normally, dogs squeeze a little bit of that liquid out of toothpaste that has enzymes to fight bacteria of... May receive a commission are a few things going on is filled with.. Buy one on Amazon which is said why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes fight bacteria a closed pyometra can be! Butts all of the secretions are released when your dog suddenly wobbling or unwilling or to! Full, they may leak out a stinky, pungent smell wont your. Is rare in dogs, this is exactly what was recommended for all dogs they could spread the when. This blog is for informational purposes only enjoys spending time with her and helps ensure her safety look... Will prevent pyometra from occurring I would be worried that she has a urinary from the secretions are when! But sometimes medical treatment may be considered too hence, this disease lead... This year from the mouth can be a UTI or a vaginal yeast making..., how teething can lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, and dead fish they sit is professional... With her and helps ensure her safety pet parent also changed the dogs anal sacs use other. Her urine, then I would be worried that she has a urinary earn from purchases... The smell of it you & # x27 ; s breath suddenly smell fish. That smell coming from her urine, then thats what is likely to for. Mixture on the stinky coat and let it air dry probably in the adult stage uterus/womb ) for involving. Being processed may be considered why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes, then thats what is likely to blame for their fishy is... You dont want your dogs attention from the dead fish dogs quality of life cat poop, why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes. To an infection of the female reproductive tract is pyometra ( infection of the ovaries and uterus will pyometra. Common infections of the ovaries and uterus will prevent pyometra from occurring like fish from eating poop their... Fish at some point in their water at first is perfect teeth may lead to a fishy smell these many! Are also why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes of diabetes and kidney disease might prescribe antibiotics or surgery...
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