Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? 10 Common Causes and Solutions

If you have ever caught a whiff of your dog and wondered why they smell like a fish market, you’re not alone! Many dog owners face this puzzling issue and have no idea what the problem is. The good news? It’s usually manageable and sometimes even preventable. In this article, we’ll cover ten possible reasons behind the fishy odor and provide practical tips to handle it. Keep reading if you’re ready to make your furry friend smell fresh again.

Gland Issues

When a dog’s glands are full or infected, they can produce a strong, fishy smell. If the odor becomes noticeable and unmanageable, a simple whiff could confirm it. Scheduling a quick visit to the vet for a check-up and gland expression can solve this stinky problem.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Bad breath in dogs can also sometimes mimic a fishy smell, especially if they’ve just had fish or other marine life feeds. Suppose your pup’s teeth aren’t clean; bacteria buildup could cause the smell. Regular brushing and dental visits can help keep that fishy breath away.

Infections

Fishy odors could also originate from skin sores infected by bacteria or other pathogens. These infections often require medical care from a trained veterinarian. Besides treatment, keeping your dog clean and dry, especially where it sleeps, could help prevent such diseases.

Diet

Certain dog foods rich in fish oil or marine ingredients can cause your dog to emit a fishy smell. If you find this bothersome, the remedy is simple: switch to a different brand or flavor. Consulting your vet for dietary advice is also another possible remedy.

Rolling in Smelly Things

Dogs love to roll and play in all sorts of gross stuff. So, if your dog smells fishy, they might have found something unpleasant and fishy to roll in. A simple regular bath can help remove the odor from their fur, but you must also use a refreshing soap. Also, keep a watchful eye on where your dog plays.

Ear Infections

Ear infections occasionally produce a strong, fishy odor, typically affecting dogs with floppy ears. Yet again, cleanliness and proper grooming, including cleaning your dog’s ears, will help eradicate any unusual smell or discharge.

Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) like vaginitis or Pyometra in dogs (yes, they get them, too) can sometimes be the reason behind the unpleasant strong odor. If you suspect a UTI, a vet visit is essential. Trained vets prescribe the proper treatment to restore your dog’s reproductive health and eliminate the unsettling, nasty smell.

Wet Dog Smell

When your dog gets wet playing in a lake or other water body, their natural oils can produce a strong odor that smells fishy. For this, ensure you rinse your dog after swimming and pat them dry. A good quality dog shampoo during the rinse could go a long way.

Liver Disease

Liver disease causes the dog’s liver to become dysfunctional, resulting in sweet, musty breath because of the accumulation of dimethyl sulfide. This accumulated chemical could sometimes produce a sulfurous, fishy, cabbagy scent! Medication, diet changes, and supplements could help alleviate this cause— all with the help of your vet.

Kidney Issues

Another dire cause of a fishy odor that warrants a vet’s visit is kidney disease. Since the kidney’s function is to clean out the dog’s toxins, its dysfunction is marked by urine that smells like ammonia. Ammonia typically smells like decaying fish.