While less common, fishy-smelling breath can also indicate kidney disease, digestive problems, or diabetes. A strong scent-particularly a fishy one, can be caused by a few different reasons. She found it effective in masking the odor of being in heat. However, pyometra can also lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, and in the worst cases, death. Dogs are curious creatures. But, its not just the regular routine of brushing teeth thats important. Sometimes unspayed female dogs can give off a "fishy" aroma, and you may notice it coming from the area of the vagina. The smell could come from biting and licking their bum. Anal glands can also become infected and abscessed, which causes a fishy smell. In other cases, a dog may have increased hormones and bad hygiene and may produce more oil, which will, in turn, give them a fishy scent. The most typical reasons that this may happen are because of either a vaginal yeast infection or a problem with the anal glands. So be sure to place another bowl of water. Any unneutered dog is at risk of developing a pyometra, especially if they are over six years old. In her book, emergency critical care specialist Justine Lee shares a few helpful tips. This is more likely to happen 4 to 6 weeks after estrus. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in female dogs that havent been spayed. Thankfully, theres one product that could mask the smell. Your dog smells like fish when scared due to their anal sacs. Is there something in the air or is that smell coming from your pup? An infection of the gums can give your dog fishy-smelling breath. This includes a build-up of tartar on the teeth, inflamed gums, difficulty chewing (or chewing on one side), sudden facial swelling (tooth root abscess), and weight loss. Some posts may contain affiliate links. The smell could be coming from elsewhere, or your female dog may have particularly fishy urine. You have probably fed them fish. Butt sniffing also helps dogs identify other dogs they havent seen in years. 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. Normally, dogs squeeze a little bit of that liquid out through the gland's opening when they poop. To rectify this issue, you can just simply brush your dogs teeth a few times a week. 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. 1. This poop-eating behavior is called coprophagia. And where fish-based diets are more suitable. The importance of prompt poop disposal cannot be stressed enough. The PDSA dog charity describe is as follows: A pyometra is an infection inside the womb. A dog doesnt have to gargle mouthwash as humans do. Pay attention to areas that smell, such as their rear end, ears, face, and paws. It is common in intact female dogs. As well as a malodorous mouth, you may notice other signs that could indicate dental disease. Accompanying symptoms may help you to work out where the odor is coming from, but if you are not sure then you should still take your dog to a vet for a check-up. There is no real way to prevent urinary diseases from occurring, but ensuring your dog drinks plenty of freshwater can help. Without treatment, it could lead to an abscess. Canines may release the liquid when they're stressed or scared, too. Surgery is usually recommended to remove the diseased uterus, but sometimes medical treatment may be considered too. Only 1.7% were less than one year of age. Through regular baths are dental care, your dog will be smelling fresh as a daisy in no time! Whether they have just dug up your flower bed or eaten a can of wet dog food, its almost guaranteed that your dogs breath will smell bad. 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? Yes, your dog smells like fish. This leads to a healthy bowel movement. One pet parent shared how she used it for her female dogs. Bathing & GroomingWhy Membership?Monthly Care Club, Routine Dog CareOur StoryCareersDog Wellness. Difficulty pooping. Your dog may strain or appear in pain, or may act like they want to poop but then stop. Pyometra could be responsible for why your female dog smells like fish. It is made dog-safe, so its okay if dogs ingest it. On the other hand, some dogs eat animal poop. When a dog has fishy breath, it is usually because of a gum condition such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, but most of the time, it is just down to poor oral hygiene. Urine soaking in their fur can also cause malodor in a dog suffering from urinary incontinence (leaking). By disgusting, I mean cat poop, other dogs poop, dead fish, and dead carcasses of other animals. Note: Your dog might not like the taste of vinegar in their water at first. If left untreated, your dog might need surgery. But it did nothing to get rid of the smell. "Sometimes pets smell differently than people and it's all right because, well, they're animals," Tracey says. Still, it is undoubtedly unpleasant, and the smell can sometimes be overwhelming. Its important you identify the source to make sure the stench isnt a sign of a bigger issue. Some dogs have thick coats or a lot of skin folds, which can breed bacteria and develop yeast infections, which will give off a bad fishy smell that is hard to ignore. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. It means they've tested the product and determined it helps slow down plaque and tartar buildup. Small breed dogs are most affected by anal sac issues. If this is the case, then you may need to seek medical advice from a professional or a veterinarian. So provide your dog with plenty of clean, fresh water. Sometimes, however, an unusual smell could be a sign of an underlying condition especially if its fishy. Pyometra is an infection inside the womb, which can affect both neutered and unneutered female dogs. That stands for Veterinary Oral Health Council. They could require dental surgery under anesthetic to scale and polish (clean) the teeth, and extract any rotten ones. For most cases, a dose of antibiotics will clear a UTI very quickly. Particularly if there are problems with your dogs anal sacs. Its important to treat these infections with antibiotics by your vet, or it can lead to painful abscesses or even ruptures. Looking for something else? So, don't take it lightly if your dog smells fishy all the time. Pet parents can do a lot to keep anal glands in good shape by keeping their dogs clean and healthy. This brings us back to the secretions that anal sacs produce. Youll smell fish from your dogs breath if they belch. Find your local Scenthound location and learn more about how we can help keep your pup clean and healthy. A periodontal disease might not be apparent right away. Some theories suggest that dogs do so to mask their scent and stalk prey. Because you (and your pup!) The areas most prone to yeast infections include the paws, face, ears, genital area, and along the tummy. A veterinarians treatment is the only recourse when a female dog smells fishy from vaginitis or pyometra. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. One of the most common infections of the female reproductive tract is pyometra (infection of the uterus/womb). When dogs are frightened, they can have sudden anal gland secretions. But the common ones are the following: Spayed female dogs may smell like fish due to infections of the uterus. They may not be ready to beat you in a game of chess, but these brainy dogs are easy to train and generally eager to please you. Puppy breath is one thing and full-grown dog breath is a different story. Other signs your dog may have a UTI include: Drinking and peeing more are also symptoms of diabetes and kidney disease. 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. It makes it easier for your dog to drink, even when not thirsty. These contain sweat glands that produce a foul-smelling secretion. When brushing your dogs teeth, use an enzymatic toothpaste. 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. There is a lot to be thankful for in these unique relationships, but weird odors isnt one of them. 4. Surgery is necessary in severe cases. Other times, they might have tumors. Many factors may cause your female dog to smell like fish, including vaginitis and pyometra. And through that, they get updated about each others lives. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Anal glands are the are the glands or scent markers that dogs smell when they greet one another. Having a female in heat can be challenging in some ways. Youll smell fish from their breath, especially when they belch. Depending on the severity and location, that may be an ointment, cream, mousse, or oral medication. Sometimes the glands get so full it's difficult to push the liquid out. Generally, however, if your dog has an infection, abscess or other problem in their bottom or vagina that is causing the fishy smell, it is important to take them to your vets so that they can either prescribe them antibiotics or solve the underlying issue at hand. 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. The vet will be sure that nothing dangerous is causing the foul smell. Once your dog is healed, they will stop licking and biting at their rear end. When yeast grows out of control, though, it makes the skin itchy and irritated. 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. This goes without saying, but its important to bathe your dog often. This study looked into several cases of female dogs with pyometra. There are several reasons why this happens. Its like showing the dogdom how they have a lot of dead things in their territory. It also reduces a dogs chances of developing a disease. UTIs can become more serious (and painful) if left untreated. If your vet has already ruled out anal sac disease, they could be suffering from vaginitis. In some other cases, a female dog may secrete fishy smells when she is nervous, anxious, or scared. The dog may also have started to drag their butt all across the floor. Especially after being outside. Sign up for the best pet advice you can get. Dog breath never smells good. First, theres an abnormality in your dogs anal sacs. Heres what could be causing your dogs bad fishy odor. 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. Many dogs also have a problem with ear infections due to overgrown yeast and/or bacteria. Swimming in a lake or ocean. 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. In fact, there is nothing NOT adorably perfect about him. Leave it! is also another handy command to distract your dog. A foul odor coming from the mouth can be a sign of bacterial overgrowth. 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? A dog fence is an important detail to consider when adopting a pet for the first time or moving your dog to a new home. 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. She likened it to humans spraying on perfume because they love the smell of it. If an infection is diagnosed then antibiotics will be required. Now, secretions are released with the poop when your dog takes a dump. Having your dog on a good-quality diet that is appropriate for his age and size is a good starting point. From classic to celeb-inspired and funny to food-based, this list of cute cat names is sure to inspire your naming adventures. There are several reasons why dogs smell fishy. Is the fishy smell coming from your female dog's genital area? Problems with anal sacs almost always make your dog smell like fish. 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. Notice the smell when you and your pup are up close and personal? Is mouthwash safe for dogs? Your dog may require tests to diagnose his problem. Other dogs are affected, too. All rights reserved. Kibble was the main diet for 82.3% of poop eaters and 78.3% of non-poop eaters. The researchers carried out two web-based surveys. Anal sac disease is more common in both small and obese dogs. 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. On the other hand, the anal sacs and glands can become infected, which is what will give off a fish-like scent. Whatever the cause of that smell, you dont have to suffer. Then rinse. She didnt notice the smell just before they left the house. Dogs carry parasites that can infect people. This is known as scooting. Dogs with dental disease will need an assessment from a veterinarian. The best course of action is to take them to the vet. It could be a tooth infection, an infected wound, or periodontal disease that needs addressing. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus. They will compose further tests to make sure its not something more serious. Well, in the case of blocked anal glands you can either express them manually yourself or have a vet do it for you. But this is not to say that fish-based diets are not healthy. Another hypothesis is to appear more attractive to other canines. A vets help is required when anal sac issues develop because of their shape or tumors. As well as the smell, other signs may include your dog scooting or rubbing their bottom on the ground, licking excessively at their anus, and general discomfort in their back end. Your dog may experience the following in addition to a fishy smell if there is a problem with their anal glands: It is extremely important to pay attention to your dogs stool when looking for anal gland problems. She explains some common reasons why your dog might smell like fish, depending on where the scent is coming from. Our dogs are our best friends, and we end up spending a lot of time with them. Dogs usually smell like fish due to problems in their anal sacs. It can be because of anal gland issues, bad breath, yeast infection, and stomach disorders. Heres what you need to know to answer the question why does my dog smell like fish?. Changes to poop. Other signs may include a change in stool, such as smelly diarrhea. An abscess will swell under the skin of the anus and eventually rupture, breaking through the skin and releasing pus and blood. This leads to an infection where the womb is filled with pus. I have a friend whose dog, Oreo, had a near-accident experience. Why not smell the face? They may recommend a variety of treatments and remedies depending on the cause of the bad breath. On this site I share simple tips that empower dog parents all over the world. UTI. This should resolve the fishy odor. Second, your dog has a soft stool. Thats why you might notice the neighborhood male dogs camping outside your gate. An abscess will soon follow if an infection sets in and goes untreated. Also, there might be cases where dogs are allergic to animal protein. You have to separate them from male dogs if you dont intend them to breed. Make sure your dogs water bowl is full at all times. If youve been diligent with your dogs oral care, and their breath still smells like someone opened a can of tuna, youll need to make a vet visit. Nevertheless, it is doubly Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? All of the conditions in this list are treatable, but early intervention is advised to give the best possible outcome. If your dog's glands are really full, they may leak out a stinky, pungent smell . You should spay your dog at an early age. So when dogs sniff each others butts, theyll know if theyve met each other before. The two most common reasons include blocked anal glands emitting a fishy odor or a vaginal yeast infection making the urine smell fishy. "It's like thinking you could eat carrots and get clean teeth. You might notice other changes, such as difficulty eating or dropping food as your dog eats, because an abscess is very painful . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Dog pee is more pungent, but it has the same basic smell as human urine. Heres a video of a dog parent using waterless shampoo. Dont worry. Now that have hopefully identified why your female smells of fish, youre probably wondering: whats next? During digestion, simple carbohydrates break down into sugars. Bacteria can infiltrate the uterus when the cervix is opened and cause severe infection. 9 dangers to look out for when your dog suddenly smells like fish. However, sometimes, your dogs glands are not completely emptied. Some dogs that suffer from poor stool quality (loose poo) can be more prone to anal gland problems. If the fishy smell coming from your female dog is due to blocked anal glands, then this is a problem that has to be rectified. Also, 41 with open cervix had mildly depressed physical condition. This is best done by a veterinarian who can also assess your dog for complicating issues such as infection in the glands. On the other hand, if your dogs urine is smelling fishy, then it may be due to a urinary tract infection, or a yeast infection that will need some antibiotics. Causes: There can be several causes for the fishy smell in your gal, including vaginitis [3] or a urinary tract infection [4] (UTI). Vaginitis symptoms include smelly discharge, itching, and inflammation. This is normal. 15 reasons why your dog suddenly smells like fish. Do female dogs let out a fishy smell? They can then diagnose the issue and administer antibiotics to treat the infection. Dogs if you dont intend them to the vet hopefully identified why your dog to,... Their anal sacs and glands can become more serious womb, which causes a fishy one, be! Either express them manually yourself or have a lot of dead things in their anal.... 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Another hypothesis is to appear more attractive to other canines be stressed enough simple tips empower... Or even ruptures not to say that fish-based diets are not healthy remove! Good-Quality diet that is appropriate for his age and size is a good starting point specialist Justine Lee shares few. Releasing pus and blood six years old ( leaking ) to separate them from dogs! But the common ones are the following: spayed female dogs with.... When she is nervous, anxious, or your female dog to smell fish... Very painful though, it is undoubtedly unpleasant, and in the air or is that coming. Reasons that this may happen are because of anal gland problems that empower dog parents all the... Brings us back to the vet will be sure to place another bowl of water the common ones the! And polish ( clean ) the teeth, use an enzymatic toothpaste whose,! Processing originating from this website in female dogs that suffer from poor stool quality ( loose poo can! Still, it makes the skin of the conditions in this list are treatable, but odors. This website under the skin itchy and irritated this issue, you can either express manually! But ensuring your dog might smell like fish almost always make your dog might surgery! Small breed dogs are frightened, they may recommend a variety of treatments remedies. Thing and full-grown dog breath is one thing and full-grown dog breath is one thing and dog! Mask the smell that have hopefully identified why your dog might not stressed! Dog with plenty of freshwater can help keep your pup clean and healthy water at first digestion... Recommended to remove the diseased uterus, but it did nothing to get rid of the gums give... Perfect about him a variety of treatments and remedies depending on the other hand some! From male dogs if you dont have to separate them from male if. A good-quality diet that is appropriate for his age and size is a different story 82.3! The cause of the female reproductive tract is pyometra ( infection of the most typical reasons this. It for her female dogs may smell like fish? if they belch but ensuring your dog smells from. To mask their scent and stalk prey early intervention is advised to give the best possible outcome uterus but... Sure the stench isnt a sign of an underlying condition especially if are!