Dog Smells Like Fish? Causes & Easy Solutions

Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish?

If your furry friend smells like fish, the most common cause is anal gland secretions. However, dental problems, skin infections, and diet can also contribute. Addressing the underlying cause, whether it’s expressing anal glands, treating dental or skin issues, or making dietary changes, is key. Regular grooming also helps.

Decoding the Fishy Dog Smell

The fishy odor in dogs usually indicates an underlying issue. While sometimes benign, it’s crucial to investigate. Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes:

1. Anal Gland Issues: The Prime Suspect

What are Anal Glands?

Anal glands are two small sacs located on either side of a dog’s anus. They produce a pungent, oily fluid typically expressed during defecation to mark territory and provide a unique scent.

Why the Fishy Smell?

When anal glands don’t express naturally, the fluid can build up, thicken, and become impacted, leading to a distinct fishy odor. Impacted glands can become infected (anal sacculitis) or even abscessed, causing a stronger smell, pain, and swelling.

Why do Impactions Happen?

Several factors can contribute to anal gland impactions:

• Soft Stools: Firm stools naturally compress the anal glands during defecation. Soft stools don’t provide enough pressure.
• Obesity: Excess weight can make it harder for the glands to express.
• Allergies: Food or environmental allergies can cause inflammation.
• Anatomical Abnormalities: Some dogs are predisposed to anal gland issues due to their anatomy.

Solutions:

• Manual Expression: A vet or groomer can manually express the glands. Do not attempt this at home unless trained by a professional. Incorrect technique can cause pain and damage.
• High-Fiber Diet: Increasing fiber can firm up stools, promoting natural expression. Ask your vet about fiber supplements or high-fiber dog food.
• Weight Management: If your dog is overweight, work with your vet on a weight-loss plan.
• Allergy Management: If allergies are suspected, your vet can perform allergy testing and recommend treatments like hypoallergenic food or medication.
• Surgery: In severe or recurrent cases of anal sacculitis or abscesses, surgical removal may be necessary.

2. Dental Disease: The Sneaky Stinker

What is Dental Disease?

Dental disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is common in dogs, especially as they age. It’s caused by plaque and tartar buildup, leading to inflammation and infection.

Why the Fishy Smell?

Bacteria thrive in the mouths of dogs with dental disease. These bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which can have a fishy or rotten smell. Infected gums can bleed and produce pus, contributing to the odor.

Solutions:

• Professional Dental Cleaning: A thorough dental cleaning under anesthesia by your veterinarian is crucial.
• Regular Brushing: Daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste prevents plaque buildup.
• Dental Chews and Toys: Dental chews and toys can help remove plaque and massage the gums. Choose products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
• Dental Diet: Some dog foods are formulated to reduce plaque and tartar formation.

3. Skin Infections: The Overlooked Cause

What are Skin Infections?

Skin infections, often caused by bacteria or yeast, can result in inflammation, itching, and a foul odor. These infections can occur anywhere on the body, including skin folds, ears, and paws.

Why the Fishy Smell?

The overgrowth of bacteria or yeast on the skin can produce a distinctive odor, which can sometimes be described as fishy. This is particularly true in areas with poor ventilation and high humidity, such as skin folds.

Solutions:

• Veterinary Diagnosis: Your veterinarian can diagnose the specific type of skin infection and prescribe appropriate treatment.
• Medicated Shampoos: Medicated shampoos containing antibacterial or antifungal ingredients can help control the infection.
• Topical Medications: Topical creams or ointments may be necessary for localized infections.
• Oral Medications: In severe cases, oral antibiotics or antifungals may be required.
• Proper Hygiene: Keep your dog’s skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to infection. Regularly clean and dry skin folds.

4. Dietary Issues: The Unexpected Culprit

How Can Diet Cause a Fishy Smell?

While less common, a dog’s diet can sometimes contribute to a fishy odor. Certain ingredients or imbalances in the diet can affect the composition of the gut microbiome and the skin’s oil production, leading to an altered odor. Specifically, some dogs lack the ability to properly digest certain types of fish oils, leading to an unpleasant byproduct excreted through their skin or breath.

Solutions:

• Consult with Your Vet: Discuss your dog’s diet with your veterinarian. They can assess whether any ingredients are contributing to the odor and recommend dietary changes.
• Elimination Diet: Your vet may recommend an elimination diet to identify potential food sensitivities or allergies.
• High-Quality Food: Feed your dog a high-quality, balanced diet that is appropriate for their age, breed, and activity level.
• Consider Probiotics: Probiotics can help balance the gut microbiome and improve digestion.

My Experience & Quick Fix

When Barnaby developed his fishy odor, I immediately suspected his anal glands. He had a history of slightly softer stools and a tendency to scoot his rear end across the carpet.

1. Initial Action: I scheduled an appointment with our vet.
2. Vet Diagnosis: The vet confirmed impacted anal glands and expressed them.
3. Long-Term Solution: The vet recommended adding a fiber supplement to his diet. We opted for a readily available pumpkin puree (plain, unsweetened). I started with 1 tablespoon mixed into his food twice daily.
4. Grooming: We also increased the frequency of his baths using a gentle, hypoallergenic dog shampoo.
5. Ongoing Monitoring: I now regularly check for signs of anal gland issues, such as scooting or excessive licking around his rear end.

Results: The combination of fiber supplementation, increased grooming, and regular monitoring has significantly reduced the frequency of Barnaby’s anal gland impactions and eliminated the fishy odor.

Here’s a breakdown of approximate costs involved:

Preventing the Fishy Smell

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of your dog developing a fishy odor:

• Regular Veterinary Checkups: Annual or bi-annual checkups allow your vet to identify and address potential health issues early on.
• Proper Diet: Feed your dog a high-quality, balanced diet appropriate for their life stage and activity level.
• Good Dental Hygiene: Brush your dog’s teeth regularly and provide dental chews.
• Regular Grooming: Bathe your dog regularly with a dog-specific shampoo and keep their coat clean and dry.
• Monitor Anal Glands: Watch for signs of anal gland issues, such as scooting, excessive licking, or a foul odor.

When to See a Vet

While many causes of fishy dog smell are manageable, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:

• Persistent Odor: If the fishy odor doesn’t improve with home care.
• Pain or Swelling: If your dog shows signs of pain or swelling around their anus.
• Lethargy or Loss of Appetite: If your dog is acting sick or refusing to eat.
• Bleeding or Pus: If you notice bleeding or pus around their anus, mouth, or skin.
• Changes in Stool: If your dog’s stool is consistently soft or diarrhea.

By understanding the potential causes of the fishy dog smell and taking proactive steps to address them, you can help keep your furry friend healthy, happy, and smelling fresh! Remember, always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice and treatment recommendations.