Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? Causes, How To Prevent & When To See A Vet 

Dogs have their own odor, and various factors can contribute to it, such as playing in the dirt or fidgeting with certain plants or toys. However, the reason behind developing a smell is not always so simple. It is often a sign of some underlying health issues. 

Your dog might have a natural body odor, but they could suddenly develop an unusual smell. This can happen from the kind of dog food or supplements you give them. But it is concerning when they start smelling like fish. 

You might be wondering, Why does my dog smell like fish? Well, this could mean they have some underlying medical condition, which can be serious. You need to look out for some signs and then take them to a vet. 

How To Triage The Smell At Home In 3 Simple Steps 

Why does my dog smell like fish? Well, initially, you can understand this by conducting a three-step process. 

1. Check where the odor is coming from. Check whether it is coming from their mouth, rear, coat, or ears. This will help you understand what is causing this fishy smell. 

2. Look for visible signs, such as a dog scooting, discoloration on their coat, irritation, discharge, or swelling. This can also indicate where the actual problem is. 

3. If you notice any discharge, you should immediately take a picture of the area, clean it with warm, clean water, and then take it to a vet. 

Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? What Are The Possible Causes?

Dogs can smell like various things, but when a dog smells like fish, it could be a cause for concern. Let’s explore the potential reasons behind this fishy odor. This varies from dog to dog, and factors like overall health, diet, and breed also play a significant role.  

1. Smell From The Rear? Start With Anal Glands 

Dogs have anal glands on both sides of their rectal opening and secrete a foul-smelling fluid to mark their territory. However, when these glands are somehow infected, this fluid starts smelling fishy, and their stool might even seem irregular. 

If their anal glands are infected, you might notice signs like: 

• Excessive scooting 

• Not wanting to sit 

• Licking 

• Swelling and redness around the anus 

• Straining to defecate  

You might even notice whining, shaking, panting, and some other signs of anxiety and stress. 

2. Smell From Skin/Coat: Yeast Dermatitis Or Infections 

Yeast infection in dogs can happen in areas like the ears, paws, and genital region. The folds of their skin on the hind legs can also get infected and have a fish-like odor. These infections can often happen from itching or allergies.  

If this is happening because of some skin disease, you might notice symptoms like itching, hair loss, redness, sores or scabs, and excessive licking. If you are aware that your dog has a skin condition, you can get them special dog food for itchy skin or other skin conditions. 

Also, if you think your dog has allergies or is developing an odor, you need to take them to a vet immediately to determine the underlying cause. 

3. Smell From Mouth Or Breath: Dental Disease

If you check and find a fishy smell coming from their mouth, it could be the cause of a bacterial overgrowth from dental issues. Infected wounds in the mouth, tooth root infections, and periodontal disease can cause bacteria to grow in the mouth and cause this fishy odor. 

If your dog has a dental issue, you will notice other signs like: 

• Drooling 

• Decreased appetite 

• Rubbing their face 

• Tartar buildup 

• Swelling in their mouth 

Moreover, some dog breeds like Labrador Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, Dachshund, and Chihuahua are prone to dental issues because of their genetics. Brachycephalic dogs like the Shih Tzu, Pug, and Boxer develop dental problems quickly. 

So, if you notice this fishy smell coming from their mouth, you need to take them to a vet immediately. 

4. Systemic Or Dietary Sources: UTI, Metabolism, Diet

UTIs can often cause a fishy or foul smell in the urine. But if your dog has a UTI, you will notice other symptoms like discomfort while urinating, frequent urination, straining to pee, and a change in the color of their urine. 

Vaginitis can cause a fishy smell in female dogs. It commonly happens due to a yeast or bacteria. Hooded vulva, which is common in English Bulldogs, or dirt and dust in the vagina, can also cause vaginitis. 

Moreover, their diet can also cause this fishy smell. A diet rich in fish, fish oil, or any kind of protein can cause this fishy smell. Also, food allergies or digestive issues can affect their gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing this unusual odor. 

What Not To Do? What Are Some Unsafe Home Remedies For Dog Odor? 

Well, if your dog smells like fish, the first thing you need to keep in mind is that you cannot give them any human medicine. Do not administer medication without consulting a professional.  

You can check where the smell is coming from, but do not try any kind of procedure on them, as you are a layman and you are not professionally trained to do this. You need to find out the root cause that is creating this smell, so try not to mask it with anything. 

And you need to take them to a vet as soon as possible. However, if you want to help them get better and try anything immediately, you can clean the area with a plain odorless dog-friendly wipe. 

Apply a warm compress to the area, and isolate it to prevent any further infection. 

Prevention & Maintenance

Why does my dog smell like fish? Now you have some idea about it. But how can you take care of them? 

• Regular grooming: You need to groom them regularly to prevent skin diseases and keep their coat healthy and clean. Bathe them and brush their coat to reduce the odor. 

• Dental care routine: Prepare a dental care routine and stick to it. This includes getting them dental chews, brushing their teeth, and giving them toys. You can also ask your vet for some professional products to maintain your pet’s oral health. 

• Maintain anal gland health: Ensure that you give your dog a balanced diet rich in fiber. You can pick commercial food as well, to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Some might even require a groomer or gland expression by a vet. 

• Dietary consistency: You will have to maintain a balanced diet to prevent any kind of digestive issues. Do not change their diet abruptly, and consult a vet before you introduce anything new in their diet. 

When Should You See A Vet?

If you want to keep your dog happy and healthy, you need to address the bad smell immediately. A fishy smell can mean something serious. You need to get them diagnosed as soon as possible.  

They might need immediate treatment. They might even require grooming, dietary changes, surgery, or medication to resolve the issue. So, the moment you find your dog smelling fishy, you need to consult a vet. 

What Should You Expect From The Vet? 

Why does my dog smell like fish? You know it now, and you know that it is important that you take them to a vet as soon as possible. A vet will ask you about their medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination. 

Moreover, if required, they will suggest some blood tests, cytology, imaging, and cultures to find out what exactly is going on with them.  

It might take a while for them to recover, depending on the cause of the smell. You will need to take them to the vet for follow-ups and care for them effectively until they feel better. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the common questions people ask while discussing why does my dog smell like fish.