Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish?

No matter how much you love your dog, you probably don’t love all of their smells — especially if he or she is emanating an undersea odor. If something smells fishy with your dog, here are a few possible explanations:

Anal gland secretion

This is the most common cause of fishy odors in dogs and sometimes means your dog’s anal glands need to be expressed. It can also be caused by anal sac disease. If you’re noticing an acute and immediate fishy smell in your dog, talk with your vet about how you can treat and prevent this symptom. 

Bad breath

Fishy dog breath is usually caused by a buildup of bacteria in your dog’s mouth. Brushing your dog’s teeth and giving them dental bones, bully sticks, or other chews may help. It’s also important to make sure your dog is getting regular dental cleanings, as recommended by your veterinarian. 

UTI

If your dog has a UTI (urinary tract infection), his or her pee may smell fishy. 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. UTIs can become more serious (and painful) if left untreated.

Discharge

If you notice a discharge coming from your dog’s vagina, she could be dealing with vaginitis, which is caused by a buildup of yeast and bacteria and can usually be treated with antibiotics. If your dog hasn’t been spayed, she could also be susceptible to a condition called pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus. Pyometra can be 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 vaginal discharge. 

Why does my dog smell like fish when they’re scared? 

When your dog is scared, he may leak fluid from his anal glands, which can have a particularly fishy smell. 

Anal glands are little fluid-filled sacks on the side of your dog’s anus that release an oily liquid when your dog poops. Sometimes though, your dog can develop a buildup of anal gland fluid that hasn’t been released — a telltale sign is if your dog is scraping his or her butt across the floor.

Anal gland care

The vet can express your dog’s anal glands to help prevent a build-up of this smelly liquid that can cause anal sac disease if left untreated. Besides regular trips to the vet, you can help prevent this condition in your dog by providing him with plenty of water, exercise, and a healthy diet filled with fiber.