Based on what they have most lately played in, dogs can smell like a variety of things, but one among the more disagreeable odors they regularly tackle is that of fish. The most likely reason for your dog to smell fishy is that the affected anal glands have to be freed. The anal sacs in your dog's rectum are located on each side and are the scale of peas. An oily material that's present in these sacs is released through your dog's feces.

Causes of Fishy Smell in Dogs

The most frequent source of fishy odors in dogs is usually anal sac disorders, but they will also indicate dental problems, digestive problems, or infections. Canines have tiny sacs that sit on either side of their anus and secrete a liquid with a characteristic scent that other dogs can use to spot them. These sacs can enlarge, swell, or develop an infection, which might be quite painful. Your dog may lick or bite its bottom, scoot on the bottom, or have trouble visiting the lavatory as indications of anal sac diseases.

a dog is sitting on the table and looking at the camera while its owner is standing behind it and covering her nose while looking at the dog

Fishy Breath

Fishy-smelling breath is often caused by abscesses or cavities within the mouth and teeth. Additionally, foreign things, like food or sticks, can become trapped within the mouth and produce a foul odor. Sadly, by the time they reach the age of two, 80% of dogs have some sort of dental disease. Use toothpaste that has been particularly developed (and flavored) to be safe and effective for canine dental health to induce and eliminate this condition. Keep a supply of dental chew toys within the chest so that they will actively chew while they play to get rid of plaque and improve their health.

Fishy Butt

If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian. It may simply be necessary to manually express your dog's anal glands, which should get rid of the odor. Some dogs, especially those of the little dog breeds, require frequent anal gland expression. Some dogs, especially those of the small dog breeds, require frequent anal gland expression. If you don't just like the smell, you can even learn how to try and do it yourself. This treatment is offered by both veterinarians and groomers. The anal glands should only be manually expressed when they don't appear to be emptying spontaneously, as doing so too frequently could lead to inflammation and scar tissue.

Fishy Pee

Your dog's urine may have a fishy odor if they have a UTI (urinary tract infection). When doubtful, call your veterinarian. UTIs are brought on by a buildup of bacteria entering the urethral opening and should be treated with antibiotics. If neglected, it can worsen (and cause more pain). If you notice a discharge coming from your dog’s vagina, she might be coping with vaginitis, which is caused by a buildup of yeast and bacteria and is usually treated with antibiotics. If your dog hasn’t been spayed, she could even be vulnerable to a condition called pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus. Pyometra is very serious and even life-threatening, so consult your vet immediately if you notice a fishy odor coming from your female dog in conjunction with emission.

Should I Be Concerned with Fishy Smell in Dogs?

Yes, you should be concerned about the smell because the dog might actually be suffering from a painful condition, and it’s best to get them checked out before it worsens.

How to Get Rid of Fishy Smell in Dogs

Following are some ways you can get rid of the fishy smell in your dog:

A dog is sniffing something on the floor

Dog Toothpaste

Brushing your dog's teeth is one approach to get rid of their foul fish breath. At home, brush your dog's teeth. Ideally, daily. Avoid using human toothpaste since some of the components might be harmful to dogs if they ingest them. Ensure your dog's dental health by using toothpaste that has been particularly developed (and flavored) to be secure and efficient.

Dental Treats

Using dental chew toys on your dog is another approach to get rid of bad breath. Keep a supply of dental chew toys within the toy chest so that the dogs can actively chew while they play to get rid of plaque and improve their health. To help your pet achieve a cleaner, fresher mouth, speak to your holistic veterinarian or an independent pet provider. Is your dog looking goofy while enjoying its dental treats? Get cartoon dog portraits made to capture the moment!

Diet Change

Altering your dog's diet might also aid in eliminating bad breath. A protein allergy or intolerance to a dog food ingredient, such as beef, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, or fish, is a common reason for watery stools. Additionally, a dog's digestive system may respond negatively to food that contains a lot of corn and wheat. Change your pet's diet to a single-source protein diet if they suffer from poor breath and watery feces.

Vet Visit

And finally, if you have tried everything and still can’t get rid of the nasty smell, it’s time to get an appointment at the vet so the dog can get professionally looked at. Get dog portraits Australia as a reward for a successful vet visit with your dog.

Final Verdict

As you've seen, there are a lot of potential causes for your dog's odor. Maybe they just enjoy rolling in stinky things as my dog does! However, remember that one of the illnesses we just discussed may be associated with a fishy smell. This is not a comprehensive list, so there may be additional causes for your dog's fishy odor.