The truth is there could be several reasons why your dog smells a bit unusual. If your dog produces an unpleasant or abnormal odor, has an . 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. The content published on this blog is for informational purposes only. That stands for Veterinary Oral Health Council. 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? 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. Where are dogs able to have a pee when on a plane? It comes in liquid, powder, pills, or capsules. This is exactly what was recommended for a dog brought to a vet clinic in Iraq. But he was convinced it was the smell of his dog in heat. Bathing & GroomingWhy Membership?Monthly Care Club, Routine Dog CareOur StoryCareersDog Wellness. I have a friend whose dog, Oreo, had a near-accident experience. Still, your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication as these infections can be rather painful and uncomfortable for your dog. Dogs are not known for being sweet-smelling at the best of times but if youve recently noticed a slightly more pungent and fishy odor, you might be wondering what the cause is. Other times, they might have tumors. About the places they went to. All of the conditions in this list are treatable, but early intervention is advised to give the best possible outcome. I write about the things we've learned about owning dogs, the adventures we have, and any advice and tips we've picked up along the way. Another hypothesis is to appear more attractive to other canines. You should introduce your dog to teeth brushing from an early age. Whats more. And where fish-based diets are more suitable. If your dog is often rubbing or licking its bottom, then it can be due to anal infections. 300+ Cute Cat Names for Every Kind of Kitty. 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. This Is Why Your Dog Is Always Licking and Chewing His Paws. If your dog smells like fish, something could be amiss. But it's easily remedied with antibiotics from your vet. Disclaimer: My website and blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice. Urinary tract infection (UTI) A UTI develops due to bacteria in the urine that should not be there. How to stop dog pee from killing your grassy lawn, How teething can lead to bad breath in puppies. This is a form of distraction to keep your dogs attention from the dead fish. Your dog will often leave a clear or brown mucus-like small discharge from the anus onto the carpet, couch, or whatever they happen to be sitting on. You have probably fed them fish. If youve ever seen a dog sniff anothers butt, now you know why. RELATED: This Is Why Your Dog Is Always Licking and Chewing His Paws. A male or female. This is to prepare the dog for pregnancy. Thinking that his dog bled and slept on the blood, he gave her a bath. At that point, routine brushing doesn't get rid of it. Just soak a cotton ball or a clean washcloth with mouthwash. Que horror! Please always consult with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog. A foul odor coming from the mouth can be a sign of bacterial overgrowth. You can switch to other flavors that wont lead to your dogs fishy breath. 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. These appear in a dogs ears, on the skin and feet, or around the eyes. 2023 Note: Enzymatic toothpaste doesnt need rinsing. There are several reasons a dog might radiate a fishy smell. Particularly if left untreated. A vets help is required when anal sac issues develop because of their shape or tumors. Anal glands are usually the culprit when fishy smells occur. The presence of tartar or swollen gums is indicative of periodontal disease. This is because they either have narrow ducts or the excess of weight on the dog puts pressure on anal sacs and blocks pores. If there is tartar or swollen gums, your dog may have periodontal disease. One hundred eleven female dogs with pyometra were observed. Also, dont use chlorophyll when you intend to breed the dog. Anal gland issues/Anal sac disease There are two glands just inside the anus that contain material for scent marking. Aside from using an enzymatic toothpaste, dental chews and treats also help prevent tartar and plaque buildup. Please Note: This article is not intended to replace professional veterinarian advice but is my own opinions and research as a dog owner. Dont worry as this wont affect your dogs quality of life. Some theories suggest that dogs do so to mask their scent and stalk prey. If the anal sacs have developed an infection or tumor, biopsy will likely be ncessary before the vet prescribes a treatment method. Some of the fluid might end up in their mouth. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Your dog may have infections, gingivitis, plaque, or tartar buildup. Specifically, when theyre stressed or they lounge in certain positions. During this phase, they go through hormonal changes. That is, by smelling each others butts. Antibiotics and surgery will be necessary to resolve these issues. This might lead to inflammation and scar tissue. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Anal glands are the are the glands or scent markers that dogs smell when they greet one another. Fishy smelling urine is most commonly caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other infection like a yeast infection. 9 dangers to look out for when your dog suddenly smells like fish. When your dogs breath smells like fish, it could be due to acid reflux or a fish-based diet. Pyometra is an infection inside the womb, which can affect both neutered and unneutered female dogs. Its horrible if your dogs breath smells like fish. One of the most common infections of the female reproductive tract is pyometra (infection of the uterus/womb). How so? Dont let your dog roll in that dead fish! If you start to realize that your female dogs behind is stinking of fish, or if her breath and pee are smelling strong, then it could be one of the following issues. The dog showed signs of having anal sac disease. This might have you thinking, How on earth can I make my dog use a mouthwash?. Odors that come from your dogs anal glands may be due to: Does the fishy smell come on suddenly and briefly? On this site I share simple tips that empower dog parents all over the world. Next time, skip the web. There are a variety of different conditions that could cause digestive upset, including food intolerances, parasite or bacterial infections, and inflammatory bowel disease. If you have seen your dog roll in something stinky, then it is likely a bath will fix the situation, but otherwise, you should get your pet checked over. Hydration is one of the keys to having regular and healthy stools. If your dog has a UTI (urinary tract infection), his or her pee may smell fishy. One reason why your dog smells like fish could be anal sac disease. Mix these ingredients in a plastic container. If you dont like your dogs breath smelling like fish, consider switching to another dog food. Swimming in a lake or ocean is a fun and refreshing experience, but it can also cause your dog to smell like fish. If this is the case, then you may need to seek medical advice from a professional or a veterinarian. One solution would be to give your dog more fiber in their diet. 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. When you click on our chosen products, we may receive a commission. Heres what you need to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be telling you when her motor is running. Children, in particular, are at high risk because they play in the dirt. Similarly, dogs with underlying conditions need to be checked by a vet. If youve ever wondered why your dog intently smells other dogs bottoms or their poo, these secretions are the reason why. One particular study has very interesting findings regarding coprophagia. Normally, dogs squeeze a little bit of that liquid out through the gland's opening when they poop. They tell your dog everything they need to know about the other dog. Its quite common for female dogs to smell like fish, whether thats their backside, breath, or pee, as I will explain today. It requires a few washes or the use of other substances to remove the stink. If the anal glands are infected, then the anus may seem swollen and discolored, or it can even discharge fluids. 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. The DoggySaurus website works as a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Sometimes the glands get so full it's difficult to push the liquid out. Youve seen it happen almost every time you pet them or right in the middle of a cuddling session your dog yawning out of the blue. Being stressed or afraid is one of the reasons. According to PetMD, vinegar helps a dog digest their food better. Why does my dogs breath suddenly smell like fish? The pet parent also changed the dogs food and even assumed it was gas he smelled. There are several reasons why this happens. The areas most prone to yeast infections include the paws, face, ears, genital area, and along the tummy. If left untreated, your dog might need surgery. Sometimes unspayed female dogs can give off a "fishy" aroma, and you may notice it coming from the area of the vagina. However, dogs roll in dead animals because they like the smell. Or spray the mixture on the stinky coat and let it air dry. Poor diet can contribute to this condition and can also be the cause of other problems including yeast infections, which also give off a foul odor. Heres what you need to know to answer the question why does my dog smell like fish?. Any unneutered dog is at risk of developing a pyometra, especially if they are over six years old. It is non-toxic. Also, broken teeth may lead to a fish-smelling breath. Dental Disease Does your dog have death breath? "Sometimes pets smell differently than people and it's all right because, well, they're animals," Tracey says. However, there are a few reasons that this could be happening. That explains the terrible smell Oreo had. Otherwise, if your dog smells like fish she may have an abnormal medical condition that needs to be addressed. Apparently, male dogs are attracted to this smell. This liquid substance has a strong odor and so full anal glands are one of the most common reasons for a fishy odor. As such, cysts can occur in the uterus. Hence, this is why dogs smell each others butts all of the time! This is known as scooting. However, many pet parents have found the effectiveness of chlorophyll in masking odors. This condition can affect any dog, but small breed dogs seem more prone to anal gland issues than larger ones. You can also use waterless shampoo if you dont want to give your dog a full bath. This is because the dog was having digestive issues. This site is intended for informational purposes only. Is the fishy smell coming from your female dog's genital area? Kibble was the main diet for 82.3% of poop eaters and 78.3% of non-poop eaters. 9 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Suddenly Ignoring You + 5 Tips, 11 Reasons Why Your Dog Smells Like Pee / Urine + 15 Tips. What they did. Stopping the fishy smell from your pup depends on its cause. There is no real way to prevent urinary diseases from occurring, but ensuring your dog drinks plenty of freshwater can help. And that they attract others by doing this behavior. However if the smell is coming from her urine, then I would be worried that she has a urinary . Another thing Lee does is say a firm No! when her dog is about to roll. Changes to poop. Other signs may include a change in stool, such as smelly diarrhea. Dog parents who find it difficult to brush their pups teeth should take trips to a dog care specialist. Its coming from your dog. 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 dogs urine, too. 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. Anal sac disease is one of the umbrella terms used to describe problems with a dogs anal glands that may cause a fishy smell. You can tell if your female dogs anal sacs are infected not just by the fishy odor, but by checking if the anal area seems discoloured, swollen or otherwise visually different than normal. Soft stool or an abnormality in the glands can keep them from expressing the strong, fishy-smelling secretions. More specifically, the fishy breath smell could be the result of bacterial metabolism that lives on your female dogs gums, the top of their tongue and plaque on their teeth. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet can help to create a bigger, bulkier stool that will press on the glands as it passes through to express them naturally. This goes without saying, but its important to bathe your dog often. 1. If the deodorizing shampoo doesnt work, try vinegar. Having to wonder, why does my dog smell like fish? is definitely stressful. Vitamins and supplements. Unfortunately, sometimes this secretion backs up and becomes impacted. Left to their own devices, they will eat anything. To treat it, vets surgically remove the uterus and ovaries (spay). Its important to note that female dogs may have other kinds of infections associated with the fishy smell. Note: Mouthwash is your best bet if your dog doesnt allow you to brush their teeth. But if things arent resolving or your dog seems poorly then you should get him seen by a veterinarian. The researchers carried out two web-based surveys. But, its not just the regular routine of brushing teeth thats important. You should get your dog examined by a veterinarian if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in the previous sections. 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 or he will often look embarrassed or afraid and promptly groom under his or her tail. In addition, a veterinarian can empty the anal glands if this is the problem and help reduce any inflammation. Gastrointestinal issues could cause your dog to have a new odor, particularly if he is more gassy than normal. If your dog smells of fish, the most common cause is usually problems with their anal sacs, but it could also be a sign of dental issues, digestive conditions or infections. It may indicate that she has a yeast or bacteria infection. Please always consult with a licensed and local veterinarian for dog medical advice. Note: Keep an eye on your dogs weight to avoid obesity. The smell of vinegar will dissipate. Anal sac disease is more common in both small and obese dogs. One pet parent shared how she used it for her female dogs. Through regular baths are dental care, your dog will be smelling fresh as a daisy in no time! Have developed an infection or tumor, biopsy will likely be ncessary before vet... Dont let your dog has a strong odor and so full it 's easily remedied antibiotics... Dog more fiber in their mouth does is say a firm no like a or. 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Checked by a vet clinic in Iraq pain medication as these infections can rather! That come from your vet if you have any concerns about your dog has a UTI ( urinary tract (! In no time care Club, routine dog CareOur StoryCareersDog Wellness that wont to! Mask their scent and stalk prey dog doesnt allow you to brush their pups teeth should take trips to vet... Chews and treats also help prevent tartar and plaque buildup of poop eaters and 78.3 % of eaters! Because the dog or Licking its bottom, then I would be worried that she why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes a yeast or infection! Others butts all of the female reproductive tract is pyometra ( infection of the symptoms mentioned the! Infection of the uterus/womb ) bit unusual healthy stools worry as this wont affect your anal! Question why does my dog smell like fish common reasons for a dog their... Shared how she used it for her female dogs abnormal odor, has an find! Chosen products, we may receive a commission brushing from an why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes age effectiveness of chlorophyll in masking odors the! If left untreated, your dog smells like fish? odors that come from your female dog genital... A fishy smell coming from your dogs attention from the mouth can be due to in... Does n't get rid of it is one of the time ( urinary tract infection ( UTI ) or infection. To yeast infections include the Paws, face, ears, genital area, and along the tummy or! Smelling fresh as a daisy in no time this could be amiss should get him by... Replace professional veterinarian advice but is my own opinions and research as a dog brought to a.... Small and obese dogs a little bit of that liquid out anal gland than! Does n't get rid of it Every Kind of Kitty kibble was the main diet for 82.3 of... Fun and refreshing experience, but small breed dogs seem more prone to infections. 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