It can be alarming—and a little gross—when your sweet dog starts emitting a fishy smell. Whether it’s coming from their rear end, breath, or fur, many dog owners in the United States ask the same question: Why does my dog smell like fish?
This unpleasant odor might be a temporary issue, or it could indicate an underlying health problem. In this article, we’ll break down the common causes of fishy smells in dogs, how to treat them, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to keep your pup smelling fresh and healthy.
🐾 What Causes the Fishy Smell in Dogs?
Most often, a fishy smell in dogs is caused by anal gland problems, but that’s not the only reason. Let’s explore all the common causes and what you should look out for.
🧷 Anal Gland Problems – The #1 Cause of Fishy Odor
Anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small glands located on either side of your dog’s anus. They release a strong-smelling secretion used for marking territory. Normally, these glands empty naturally when your dog poops. But sometimes they become impacted, infected, or abscessed, leading to a very strong fishy smell.
Common signs of anal gland issues include:
- Scooting (dragging their butt on the floor)
- Licking or biting around the rear end
- Swelling or redness near the anus
- Discomfort or whining during bowel movements
Quote from Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM:
“If your dog smells like fish, the anal glands are the first place I check. Impacted glands can quickly become painful and infected.”
Table: Types of Anal Gland Issues
| Condition | Description | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impaction | Glands don’t empty properly | Scooting, licking | Manual expression |
| Infection | Bacteria enters gland, causes inflammation | Redness, pain, discharge | Antibiotics, cleaning |
| Abscess | Pus-filled infection, can rupture | Bleeding, swelling | Drainage, antibiotics, surgery |
🦷 Bad Breath or Dental Disease
If your dog’s breath smells like fish, the culprit could be dental disease. Plaque, tartar, and gum infections lead to a buildup of bacteria that produces sulfur compounds, which can smell like rotten fish.
Dental issues that cause bad odor:
- Gingivitis (inflamed gums)
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth abscess
- Oral tumors
Read More about: How Long Can a Dog Go Without Water?
Quick Tip: Smell your dog’s breath. If it’s consistently fishy, and they’re also showing signs like drooling, reluctance to eat, or pawing at their mouth, schedule a vet checkup.
🧼 Skin Infections or Yeast Overgrowth
Dogs with yeast infections or bacterial skin infections can develop a fishy body odor, especially in areas like:
- Ears
- Skin folds
- Under the tail
- Paws
These smells can resemble mold, cheese, or fish—depending on the severity.
Breeds prone to skin-related odors:
- Bulldogs
- Basset Hounds
- Cocker Spaniels
- Shar-Peis
Look for:
- Greasy fur
- Redness or sores
- Constant scratching or licking
💧 Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs can also cause your dog to smell like fish, particularly around their genital area. If bacteria multiply in the urinary tract, it can create a foul-smelling urine or even make the whole dog smell bad.
Symptoms of a UTI:
- Frequent urination
- Licking the genitals
- Whimpering while peeing
- Accidents in the house
UTIs are more common in female dogs and older pets. If you suspect a UTI, a vet visit is crucial.
🐟 Fish-Based Diets or Supplements
Sometimes, the answer is simple: you are what you eat. Dogs that eat fish-based foods, omega-3 supplements, or fish oil treats may emit a mild fishy smell—especially through their breath or skin oils.
To reduce diet-based odors:
- Switch to a chicken- or beef-based formula.
- Check for high fish oil content in your dog’s food or treats.
- Talk to your vet before removing any essential supplements.
👩⚕️ Why Does My Female Dog Smell Like Fish?
If your female dog smells like fish, there are a few extra things to consider.
🧫 Vaginal Infections (Vaginitis)
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vaginal canal, often caused by bacteria, yeast, or a urinary issue. It’s more common in:
- Young female puppies
- Older, unspayed females
Signs of vaginal infections:
- Fishy vaginal discharge
- Excessive licking of the area
- Swelling or redness
♀ Hormonal Changes or Heat Cycles
During heat cycles, unspayed female dogs release different odors and pheromones. These smells may be slightly fishy or musky and usually resolve once the cycle is over.
Fun Fact: Dogs have up to 300 million smell receptors. The odors they emit often carry signals meant only for other dogs—but humans notice the byproducts, like fishy smells!
🚨 When Should You See a Vet?
Not all fishy smells are an emergency, but some can indicate serious medical problems.
See a vet if:
- The odor persists for more than a few days
- There’s visible swelling, pus, or bleeding
- Your dog is in pain, lethargic, or eating less
- There’s sudden behavior change, like hiding or aggression
Vets may perform:
- Anal gland expression
- Urinalysis
- Skin scrapings
- Dental x-rays
- Bloodwork
🧴 Home Remedies and Treatments for Fishy Dog Smells
Some mild issues can be treated at home with caution and care.
✋ Anal Gland Expression (Do With Caution)
Manual expression should only be done if you’re trained or guided by a vet. Done wrong, it can cause injury.
Steps (external method only):
- Wear gloves.
- Lift tail gently.
- Use a tissue to apply pressure to both sides of the anus.
- Gently squeeze and express.
⚠️ Warning: Never insert anything into your dog’s rectum unless directed by a vet.
🪥 Dental Hygiene for Fresher Breath
- Brush your dog’s teeth 2–3 times a week
- Use vet-approved toothpaste
- Offer dental chews and water additives
- Schedule annual professional cleanings
🧼 Grooming and Skin Care
- Bathe your dog every 4–6 weeks
- Use medicated or hypoallergenic shampoos
- Dry skin folds and ears thoroughly
- Consider anti-yeast shampoos for recurring infections
🥩 Adjusting Your Dog’s Diet
Try changing food formulas if you suspect a diet link to the odor.
Foods to reduce fishy smells:
- Limited-ingredient diets
- High-fiber options (to help anal glands express naturally)
- Non-fish proteins like lamb, chicken, or turkey
✅ Preventing Future Fishy Odors
Keep your pup clean and healthy by following these preventative tips:
Checklist: Dog Odor Prevention
- ✅ Regular baths and grooming
- ✅ Dental cleanings
- ✅ Balanced, non-fishy diet
- ✅ Routine vet visits
- ✅ Watch for scooting or licking
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog’s breath smell like fish?
Most likely due to dental disease or something they’ve eaten. Anal gland secretions can also transfer to the mouth if your dog licks their rear.
Is the fishy smell always an infection?
Not always. Diet, poor hygiene, or minor blockages can also cause odor. But it’s worth checking out if the smell is persistent.
How can I tell if it’s anal glands?
Look for scooting, licking, or swelling near the anus. If you’re unsure, a vet can check them easily.
🐕 Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Fishy Smell
A fishy-smelling dog might just need a quick bath or anal gland expression—but it could also be a sign of a deeper issue. If you’ve been wondering “Why does my dog smell like fish?”, now you know the major causes and how to address them.
Your dog deserves to feel (and smell) their best.
If in doubt, don’t hesitate to call your vet and get a professional opinion.
💬 Have you dealt with a fishy-smelling pup? Share your experience below or ask your questions in the comments!
