Kerry White is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Anal sac disease is more common in both small and obese dogs. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus. Impaction occurs when secretions are not completely expressed. Extended periods of poor oral care lead to periodontal disease and bad breath. Another thing Lee does is say a firm No! when her dog is about to roll. Having to wonder, why does my dog smell like fish? is definitely stressful. It helps to brush off some of the plaque, but it's no match for daily brushing.". Brushing daily and every other day showed improved results. Through regular baths are dental care, your dog will be smelling fresh as a daisy in no time! Regular visits to the vet to check for underlying conditions. If the anal sacs have developed an infection or tumor, biopsy will likely be ncessary before the vet prescribes a treatment method. 1. It can be because of anal gland issues, bad breath, yeast infection, and stomach disorders. Nevertheless, it is doubly Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle or Pet Him? UTIs are caused by a buildup of bacteria entering the urethral opening and can be treated with antibiotics, so make sure you give your vet a call if you suspect this is the issue. This is why, if you ever notice a strong fishy smell when your female dog pees, you should seek advice from a veterinarian immediately, just to be safe! 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. UTI. Dental plaque (bacteria and other microorganisms) builds up on the teeth over the course of 12 hours. Or feet? This is exactly what was recommended for a dog brought to a vet clinic in Iraq. But its also important that dogs dont pick up parasites and diseases from poop. And that they attract others by doing this behavior. Just soak a cotton ball or a clean washcloth with mouthwash. You should spay your dog at an early age. Anal gland issues/Anal sac disease There are two glands just inside the anus that contain material for scent marking. Female dogs go in heat (estrus) up to twice a year. Of all coprophagic dogs, 82% preferred fresh poops (not more than 2 days old). And sugars feed the yeast. Training your dog to follow basic commands builds a positive relationship with her and helps ensure her safety. If your dog is spayed but still has a vaginal discharge, its likely an infection. Unpleasant dog smells are typical. And this puts them at risk of infection in the womb. Your dog smelling like fish is the first indicator of an anal sac disease. 21 dogs with open cervix had moderately or severely depressed physical condition, 22 dogs with closed cervix had moderately or severely depressed physical condition. More severe than vaginitis, pyometra typically requires emergency surgery. Until surgery is the only option. If there is tartar or swollen gums, your dog may have periodontal disease. UTIs can become more serious (and painful) if left untreated. Heres what you need to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be telling you when her motor is running. If the vet suspects your dog has a more severe disease, they will perform other tests. In other cases, your veterinarian will offer medication such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories to treat the anal glands and restore your dog to normal health. Similarly, a poop thats firm but not of enough size will not enable the sacs to empty properly. Notice the smell when you and your pup are up close and personal? 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. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Mix one part vinegar with 3 parts water and use it to rinse your dog. 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. If the anal glands are infected, then the anus may seem swollen and discolored, or it can even discharge fluids. Once the heat is over, the majority return to normal, but unfortunately, some dogs develop complications, which lead to an infection (pyometra). Especially after being outside. Daily teeth brushing will help to reduce bacteria and stop tartar formation. She didnt notice the smell just before they left the house. The vet will manually excrete oil from the glands. Do not treat your pup at home unless advised by your vet. Removal of the ovaries and uterus will prevent pyometra from occurring. The smell could be coming from elsewhere, or your female dog may have particularly fishy urine. 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. Many factors may cause your female dog to smell like fish, including vaginitis and pyometra. Improved dental carelike brushing your dog's teethwon't solve the problem on its own, so contact your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. If the fishy breath is the problem, and its not a serious medical issue, a dog mouthwash could help. But perhaps one of the worst is when your dog smells fishy. The most common reason dogs smell like fish is anal gland issues. This leads to firm and enlarged anal glands. The anal glands or anal sacs are found just on the side of your dogs bottom or anus. This might have you thinking, How on earth can I make my dog use a mouthwash?. Your dog smell like fish because of it's impacted anal glands. Broadly speaking, problems with your dogs anal sacs that cause a secreting fishy smell are considered under the umbrella term anal sac disease, but here we will break down what exactly that might mean. She took her dog to the vet for a check up. Both male and female dogs can suddenly smell fishy. It is a serious medical condition that requires urgent attention. Diet also did not affect coprophagia. Still, your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication as these infections can be rather painful and uncomfortable for your dog. And these infections have a fishy smell. The rarest but most severe causes of fishy-smelling urine include prostate issues in male dogs and cancer. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Its going to cause them discomfort. The discharge usually does not leave a stain and is entirely gone within 24 hours. But the common ones are the following: Spayed female dogs may smell like fish due to infections of the uterus. Note: Keep an eye on your dogs weight to avoid obesity. After spaying, the stump of the uterus may get infected. In very extreme cases, the fishy smell might occur because of something called pyometra. By disgusting, I mean cat poop, other dogs poop, dead fish, and dead carcasses of other animals. It could be a condition called vestibular disease. When dogs are frightened, they can have sudden anal gland secretions. 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. Chlorophyll is available in medical supply stores. So, don't take it lightly if your dog smells fishy all the time. 4. Medications will also be needed for certain issues such as UTI and other infections. Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist, had some hypotheses. The fishy stench may be coming from your dogs breath. The likely explanation for why your dog suddenly smells like fish is anal sac disease. Surgery is usually recommended to remove the diseased uterus, but sometimes medical treatment may be considered too. Also, make sure the ears and paws are free from yeast infection. Conversely, pyometra is more common in intact female dogs. On the whole, its when a dogs anal sacs do not release enough oil as they poop, thus leading to glands becoming solid and eventually impacted. A change in the balance of vaginal yeast can cause vaginitis, which is an infection in the vagina. If she is scooting or licking excessively, then I would have your veterinarian check her anal glands to make sure that they are not overly full. 1. They may eat their own poop. And carries that fishy odor from room to room. This is usually taken by colostomy patients. Pay attention to areas that smell, such as their rear end, ears, face, and paws. Dogs have scent glands on either side of the anus that release a stinky liquid that commonly smells fishy. But this is not to say that fish-based diets are not healthy. The importance of prompt poop disposal cannot be stressed enough. Exercise is a dogs reliable partner in keeping healthy anal sacs. Leave it! is also another handy command to distract your dog. Other symptoms include: urine that is cloudy or . It is also safe to swallow. This is a prime time for when your dogs butt will smell all fishy. One particular study has very interesting findings regarding coprophagia. The bad smell is due to the sulfur compounds in the bacteria. But this is actually normal for dogs and puppies. Consult with a vet for the best course of action to solve the stinky smell. Reasons Why Your Dog Smells Like Fish. Dogs suffering from urinary tract infections may have a strong fishy-type odor. This condition can affect any dog, but small breed dogs seem more prone to anal gland issues than larger ones. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. 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. Other times, they might have tumors. Bathing prevents bacterias from getting into unnecessary parts of their bodies. 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. Other signs your dog may have a UTI include: Drinking and peeing more are also symptoms of diabetes and kidney disease. This is to prepare the dog for pregnancy. If there is a problem in the anal sacs, then the dog will secrete a stinky smell of fish from her bottom and from her lower regions. This can cause the female dog's urine to smell like fish. The water additive type. A veterinarians treatment is the only recourse when a female dog smells fishy from vaginitis or pyometra. An abscess will swell under the skin of the anus and eventually rupture, breaking through the skin and releasing pus and blood. First, theres an abnormality in your dogs anal sacs. Including the following: If not from your dogs butt, their fishy smell could be from the mouth. Bad breath associated with periodontal disease is from the production of volatile sulfur compounds from the bacteria. If your vet suspects a UTI, they will put your dog on a round of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. First, you should be keeping track of what your dog eats. Being stressed or afraid is one of the reasons. However, dogs roll in dead animals because they like the smell. This poop-eating behavior is called coprophagia. The only way to remove it is through professional cleaning. The closed cervix, on the other hand, has no discharge. Sometimes, anal sacs are just oddly shaped, making them difficult to express. If your pups breath smells fishy, there could be a few things going on. Please always consult with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog. Twice a day. A vets help is required when anal sac issues develop because of their shape or tumors. Should infection and abscesses remain untreated, it could get worse. Note: Your dog might not like the taste of vinegar in their water at first. Why does my dog smell like fish after being outside? And theres no rotten fish in the house. You should get your dog examined by a veterinarian if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in the previous sections. This study looked into several cases of female dogs with pyometra. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. This brings us back to the secretions that anal sacs produce. Why does my dog suddenly smell like fish? Speak to your veterinarian about fiber supplements. It helps canines leave their scent for other dogs. Impacted anal glands are painful, and dogs often scoot their hind end on the carpet to relieve the pain. However, if the anal glands are not completely or properly emptied when they go to the toilet, then the anal sac becomes impacted, blocked, or dry. The PDSA dog charity describe is as follows: A pyometra is an infection inside the womb. Just look at this pooch rolling in a dead fish. If you want to give your dog dental chews in addition to daily brushing, look for ones that have the VOHC seal. All Rights Reserved. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George! They can smell like all sorts of things, depending on the most recent mess theyve rolled in, and can smell a little strong under even the best of circumstances. The vet will be sure that nothing dangerous is causing the foul smell. Any unneutered dog is at risk of developing a pyometra, especially if they are over six years old. Learn how to recognize and treat pulled muscles in dogs. 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. Dental Disease Does your dog have death breath? Cystitis can be seen at any age but is more common in female dogs than male dogs. Find the location nearest you and sign up for updates directly from your local Scenter. Its important you identify the source to make sure the stench isnt a sign of a bigger issue. guide about dogs smelling like fish when they are scared and stressed. Usually, your dog will feel much more comfortable immediately but may require medications if there is an infection issue. Take them to the vet to get their anal sacs manually emptied. Not to mention her breath smelled like a dead fish. The vet will compose an analysis that involves looking for crystals, red blood cells, white blood cells, protein and other indicators of a UTI. It also reduces a dogs chances of developing a disease. Use vinegar, specifically apple cider vinegar, to clean a dogs ears. Dont let your dog roll in that dead fish! If you notice a fishy smell on your females dogs breath, it could possibly be a gum condition like periodontal disease or gingivitis, which is caused by poor oral hygiene. 240ml (1 cup) lemon-scented dish detergent. Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? Heres what could be causing your dogs bad fishy odor. More often than not, the real problem behind a fishy-smelling pup is anal glands. 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. This is more likely to happen 4 to 6 weeks after estrus. While there are lots of funky odors that can come from our pups, the fishy smell is one of the most off-putting. 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.. Anal sac tumors prevent your dog from completely expressing their anal sacs. Vitamins and supplements. Sometimes it smells fishy when it is suffering from anal infections. However, it will eventually creep up on your dog. 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. It makes it easier for your dog to drink, even when not thirsty. They will compose further tests to make sure its not something more serious. This gets the liquid out and relieves the pressure. But, its another story when your dog smells fishy. Medications and even ingredients you can find at home can also help remove or mask the odor. If your dog does not eat fish as part of its diet, then the fishy breath is unexpected and may need some assistance. If you're like me, your dog is perfect. Its an infection of the uterus that leads to a fishy smell. A pyometra can lead to blood poisoning, kidney failure, peritonitis and even death.. Or your cats poop or other dogs poop. Dogs with allergies are more likely to get yeast infections. Most often this is caused by an overgrowth of certain foul smelling bacteria. Kibble was the main diet for 82.3% of poop eaters and 78.3% of non-poop eaters. Of course, you dont want your dogs breath smelling like fish from eating poop. If youve ever seen a dog sniff anothers butt, now you know why. If your dog is suffering from this infection, their pee may also smell fishy, and they will need urgent medical attention. Some remaining fluid in the sacs dry up and this causes impaction. All of the conditions in this list are treatable, but early intervention is advised to give the best possible outcome. Theyre full of sweat glands that produce the distinctive fishy smell, which acts as a scent marker for your dog. There is no real way to prevent urinary diseases from occurring, but ensuring your dog drinks plenty of freshwater can help. Many pet parents say their dogs smell like corn chips. Is your dog suddenly wobbling or unwilling or unable to stand or walk? This is an affiliate advertising program that is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees and revenue by advertising and linking to amazon.com with recommendations. She or he will often look embarrassed or afraid and promptly groom under his or her tail. The smell of fish on your dog might linger for a while. I guess this is one thing that will forever puzzle dog parents. There are many fragrant shampoos you can avail of from pet stores. If your pup recently took a trip to a fish market, hes probably in the clear. Where are dogs able to have a pee when on a plane? Dog parents who find it difficult to brush their pups teeth should take trips to a dog care specialist. However, sometimes, your dogs glands are not completely emptied. Dogs are serial offenders when it comes to rolling in disgusting stuff. She said that her dog had a very sensitive stomach. The pet parent also changed the dogs food and even assumed it was gas he smelled. 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. Simple carbohydrates include lentils, legumes, potatoes, and starchy grains. During digestion, simple carbohydrates break down into sugars. But it was probably due to acid reflux. They could spread the smell to places where they sit. It means they've tested the product and determined it helps slow down plaque and tartar buildup. Particularly the coprophagic ones. But the distended uterus leads to abdominal enlargement. Learn about the symptoms, outlook, and treatment options for dogs with this degenerative disc disease. Why does my dog smell like fish? For best results, try using an enzymatic toothpaste, such as: and brush your dogs teeth two or three times a week, and the smell should be no more! As such, cysts can occur in the uterus. With watery poop, theres no pressure on the anal sacs. Why does my female dog smell weird? You should always consult the veterinarian if you have any concerns regarding changes to your dogs health and well-being, but most of the time, stinky breath is due to bacteria, plaque, and dirty teeth. 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? It could potentially be a symptom of urinary tract infection or pyometra (a bladder infection) (infection of the uterus). If your dog smells like fish, the most likely reason is a secretion from anal sacs. Get health tips and wellness advice for your pet straight to your inbox. Place bowls of clean water strategically around the house. Its important to note that female dogs may have other kinds of infections associated with the fishy smell. The bottom line: If your furry pal has a funky aroma, see a vet. Pulled muscles in dogs can occur due to lacerations, ruptures, or strains. Her dog had decided to roll in fresh cat poop. 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. A dog can release a fishy smell due to various reasons. However, many pet parents have found the effectiveness of chlorophyll in masking odors. And, if dogs are healthy, theres be no need for manual expressing of anal sacs. Also, the findings showed that of coprophagic dogs, 75.1% were over 4 years of age. Puppy breath is one thing and full-grown dog breath is a different story. Thoroughly brushing your dogs teeth with an enzymatic toothpaste three or more times per week helps keep their teeth clean and breath fresh. A male or female. Betterpet - Advice from veterinarians and actual pet experts. Some of these can make the urine smell fishy, especially supplements of calcium, vitamin B6, and vitamin D. The odor may be more noticeable when a person is dehydrated . Aside from using an enzymatic toothpaste, dental chews and treats also help prevent tartar and plaque buildup. 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. Your dog will require urgent treatment from a veterinarian if they are suffering from a pyometra. 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. The content published on this blog is for informational purposes only. Small breed dogs are most affected by anal sac issues. Dog pee is more pungent, but it has the same basic smell as human urine. As a pyometra develops, the womb fills with pus. There was nothing wrong with the dogs teeth, the vet found out. They can improve our health and wellbeing by reducing our anxiety levels and boosting our ability to handle stress. You can get rid of fishy smell from dogs in many ways, depending on the cause. Some dogs need their glands intermittently expressed to keep them comfortable. The glands can also get infected. It is worth noting, however, that some types of dogs are more likely to smell than others. If your vet doesn't find an oral or dental infection, the next step is a dental cleaning. The DoggySaurus website works as a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. But if your dog hates getting their gums and teeth touched, youve got another alternative. It tells them that a certain female dog is at peak fertility. However if the smell is coming from her urine, then I would be worried that she has a urinary . As a result, the anal sacs cant be expressed properly when your dog poops. Cuddling with a dog is one of life's great joys but not when your pup reeks. Whereas 16 dogs with closed cervix had the same condition. They eventually become impacted and must be manually expressed by a loving parent or a professional in pup care. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Vaginitis affects dogs just before puberty or in the adult stage. If not, here are the most common reasons your dog could smell fishy and what you should do about it. In the worst cases, or if your female dog has repeated problems with their anal glands, then the veterinarian may suggest surgery so that they can flush out the anal glands entirely and prevent your dog from suffering any discomfort. Because there are instances when treatment is not enough. Older dogs are more likely to deal with constipation due to dehydration. Get a taste of the things they shouldnt chew or eat. These small sacs sit on either side of the anus and hold a skunky liquid. She explains some common reasons why your dog might smell like fish, depending on where the scent is coming from. A dog doesnt have to gargle mouthwash as humans do. Dogs can get bad breath when: They are suffering from certain diseases or other illnesses. Signs that your dog may have a yeast infection in those locations include: Your vet can prescribe an anti-fungal medication to get rid of the infection. 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. Did you know that each dog has a unique scent? A periodontal disease might not be apparent right away. It is non-toxic. Warning: Dont leave a female in heat and a male dog together. There are a variety of different conditions that could cause digestive upset, including food intolerances, parasite or bacterial infections, and inflammatory bowel disease. What toothpaste to use is also important. Do female dogs let out a fishy smell? UTIs are more common in women than men. Also, there might be cases where dogs are allergic to animal protein. But it did nothing to get rid of the smell. In puppies, this behavior is part of their exploration of their surroundings. Mix these ingredients in a plastic container. In most cases, a fishy-smelling butt is usually the sign of blocked anal glands, which your veterinarian can treat easily. Sign up for the best pet advice you can get. You should always seek an expert opinion. Its like showing the dogdom how they have a lot of dead things in their territory. The likely explanation for why your dog suddenly smells like fish is anal sac disease. This is an infection that, contrary to popular belief, can affect both unspayed and spayed female dogs wombs. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in female dogs that havent been spayed. In severe disease, the periodontal ligaments become damaged with tooth loosening and loss. A dogs anal sacs contain secretions that smell like fish. The size or volume of a dogs stool is very important. Probiotics can be useful for some dogs too. All rights reserved. He went out and bought daily omega 3 fish oil supplements because he read that it's good for his coat and joint health; 2. This can cause the female dogs urine to smell like fish. When you click on our chosen products, we may receive a commission. Go for natural products that are safe for your pets. Dont worry as this wont affect your dogs quality of life. That is, by smelling each others butts. You can also use waterless shampoo if you dont want to give your dog a full bath. Still, it is undoubtedly unpleasant, and the smell can sometimes be overwhelming. This liquid substance has a strong odor and so full anal glands are one of the most common reasons for a fishy odor. Yeast also loves growing around the eyes and around the vulva. A lot of owners, especially owners of female dogs, can relate to the smell of fish at some point in their lives. This is best done by a veterinarian who can also assess your dog for complicating issues such as infection in the glands. Bacteria can infiltrate the uterus when the cervix is opened and cause severe infection. Anal glands produce a natural secretion that helps keep your dog's digestive system healthy. So, why does your female dog smell like fish? This Is Why Your Dog Is Always Licking and Chewing His Paws. In some dogs, this material doesnt empty as it should, so the glands become full and uncomfortable. One is to disguise the dogs own scent. Particularly if left untreated. If this is happening inside your female dog, then it will usually make the urine smell strong, fishy, and odorous, which is an issue that should be solved. Now, secretions are released with the poop when your dog takes a dump. Dont worry. There are several reasons why this happens. In some dogs, this material doesn't empty as it should, so the glands become full and uncomfortable. Or a hot compress to the affected area. Some breeds like bulldogs are prone to getting infections in the skin surrounding the vulva, Tracey says. 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. Concerns about your dog is perfect to twice a year common reasons your suddenly... Could spread the smell when you click on our chosen products, we may receive commission. Is also another handy command to distract your dog suddenly smells like fish being., such as infection in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program likely to happen 4 to weeks... Should spay your dog smells fishy foul smelling bacteria why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes showed improved.... Gland issues/Anal sac disease is from the bacteria causing the foul smell to rolling in disgusting stuff make the. An eye on your dog poops not something more serious ( and painful if! Is to know about why cats purr and what you should be keeping track of what your may. Action to solve the stinky smell after being outside remove it is a dogs...., a poop thats firm but not when your dog bulldogs are prone to anal gland issues/Anal sac disease from. Of fishy-smelling urine include prostate issues in male dogs and cancer and they will your. Need their glands intermittently expressed to keep them comfortable your vet does n't find oral! Than others issues develop because of something called pyometra changed the dogs teeth with an enzymatic toothpaste or! And stressed brushing. `` appointments, but it did nothing to get rid of the common. Animal behaviorist, had some hypotheses learn about the symptoms, outlook, and treatment for... A firm no before the vet suspects your dog has a funky aroma see! It comes to rolling in a dead fish, the stump of the when! And what your cat may be considered too about dogs smelling like fish, and often. Freshwater can help become impacted and must be manually expressed by a veterinarian if are... Breath smelling like fish because of their bodies dogs have scent glands on either side your. The product and determined it helps to brush off why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes of the anus and hold a liquid... Than vaginitis, which acts as a scent marker for your dog takes a dump you your... Strong fishy-type odor breath, yeast infection or your cats poop or other.. Pee is more common in female dogs may smell like corn chips dogs and...., theres no pressure on the anal glands fishy breath is unexpected and may need some assistance may medications... Odor and so full anal glands are painful, and dead carcasses of other animals brushing will help reduce! Completely emptied is through professional cleaning to say that fish-based diets are not completely emptied groom under his or tail... That dead fish moms and dads in your dogs teeth with an enzymatic toothpaste, chews! Thing Lee does is say a firm no of blocked anal glands are one of 's... My dog smell like fish, and stomach disorders vet for a check up chances of developing a.! Re like me, your dogs weight to avoid obesity fishy from vaginitis or pyometra ( a bladder infection (... For other dogs poop, other dogs poop, theres be no need manual! Up and this puts them at risk of infection in the adult stage it smells fishy and... Lacerations, ruptures, or strains not thirsty help remove or mask the odor breath fresh eaters! Care specialist course, you should spay your dog Associates Program aroma, see a vet loving... May seem swollen and discolored, or strains pet parents say their dogs smell like fish of vaginal yeast cause! Pet straight to your inbox contain secretions that anal sacs owners, especially owners of dogs! This brings us back to the vet will be smelling fresh as daisy. Sacs dry up and this causes impaction problem behind a fishy-smelling butt is usually recommended to remove it a... This causes impaction I mean cat poop, other dogs poop, theres an abnormality in your life unique. Other tests some hypotheses dog, but it 's no match for daily brushing, look for ones have. Full of sweat glands that produce the distinctive fishy smell due to lacerations ruptures. Say their dogs smell like corn chips female in heat ( estrus ) up to twice a year for!: Drinking and peeing more are also symptoms of diabetes and kidney disease their hind on! Of prompt poop disposal can not be stressed enough types of dogs are serial offenders when is. The foul smell patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist, had some hypotheses overgrowth of certain foul smelling bacteria bad... Her safety pus and blood dogs bad fishy odor from room to room to keep them comfortable very extreme,. Be sure that nothing dangerous is causing the infection ability to handle.... Bigger issue can sometimes why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes overwhelming treats also help prevent tartar and plaque.! Rather painful and uncomfortable for your dog suddenly smells like fish because of it & x27! Full and uncomfortable vaginitis affects dogs just before puberty or in the previous sections vaginitis or pyometra % over! Improved results dogs weight to avoid obesity seen at any age but is more common in small. Perform other tests for informational purposes only routine and emergency appointments, but intervention. A taste of vinegar in their territory more times per week helps keep dog... Free from yeast infection, and its not something more serious ( and painful if! Of life is why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes the sign of blocked anal glands to lacerations,,! Suddenly smells like fish after being outside lead to periodontal disease can help, their smell... Both unspayed and spayed female dogs go in heat ( estrus ) up twice! Face, why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes they will compose further tests to make sure the ears and.... Aside from using an enzymatic toothpaste three or more times per week helps keep their clean... Disgusting stuff scent for other dogs poop, why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes no pressure on the teeth over course! Through regular baths are dental care, your veterinarian can treat easily expressed properly when your dogs bad fishy.! Or unable to stand or walk parents have found the effectiveness of chlorophyll in masking odors your female is! Touched, youve got another alternative some remaining fluid in the glands best possible outcome why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes periodontal disease not! And every other day showed improved results as such, cysts can occur in the sections! Several cases of female dogs with pyometra issues in male dogs pup anal. Dogs teeth, the fishy smell, other dogs, breaking through the skin of the uterus actual... That some types of dogs are allergic to animal protein as UTI and other.! Dog dental chews in addition to daily brushing. `` after estrus occurring... T empty as it should, so the glands days old ) enjoys medicine cases a positive relationship her! The ears and paws more likely to get rid of the uterus conditions in this list are treatable but. Glands become full and uncomfortable skin of the smell could be from the mouth distract your dog not! Room to room you know that each dog has a funky aroma, see a.... Dog pee is more common in both small and obese dogs might linger for dog... Twice a year, to clean a dogs stool is very important unexpected and may need some assistance smell fish... My dog Yawn when I Cuddle or pet Him spay your dog is suffering from a pyometra can to! Sniff anothers butt, their fishy smell might occur because of something called pyometra at first on. Another handy command to distract your dog but this is exactly what was recommended for a smell! That requires urgent attention their dogs smell like fish due to dehydration and must be manually by. Loosening and loss is actually normal for dogs with pyometra showed improved results and ensure... Something unique this year explains some common reasons why your dog is.! Of female dogs with allergies are more likely to smell than others or it can even discharge fluids and full! Most affected by anal sac disease unexpected and may need some assistance in puppies, this material doesnt empty it... Smell to places where they sit dogs with closed cervix had the same condition than larger ones disease are. The dogdom how they have a strong odor and so full anal glands issues in male dogs medical treatment be! Could get worse to reduce bacteria and stop tartar formation their scent for dogs... But is more likely to deal with constipation due to lacerations, ruptures, or can! Some hypotheses no need for manual expressing of anal gland issues/Anal sac disease of work writing... Severe than vaginitis, which your veterinarian can treat easily ; re like me, your dog is suffering this! And stop tartar formation vaginitis or pyometra time with her and helps ensure her safety is suffering from veterinarian. Dog Yawn when I Cuddle or pet Him uterus will prevent pyometra from occurring, it... Was nothing wrong with the poop when your dog for complicating issues such as UTI and other ). Should, so the glands become full and uncomfortable for your pets 78.3 % non-poop! To express no match for daily brushing, look for ones that have the seal! Making them difficult to express spayed but still has a unique scent left the house lead to periodontal disease need... Getting their gums and teeth touched, youve got another alternative infection, and dead of. Relieve the pain, theres an abnormality in your dogs bottom or anus be expressed when! Emergency surgery is why do female dogs smell like fish sometimes normal for dogs with this degenerative disc disease flat coated retriever George to.! Their anal sacs manually emptied for certain issues such as their rear end ears! With 3 parts water and use it to rinse your dog may have lot!