Mary Allen
This article is not a substitute for a professional veterinary consultation.
Unfamiliar or unpleasant smells sometimes appear when we least expect them and then we suddenly notice that the smell is from our own dog! Why do dogs sometimes smell like that? And why in the world do they sometimes smell like fish?
Certain smells emitted by your pet can be part of the normal flora that lives in and on your dog, but they can also be an indication that your pet has a health problem.
In this article, we take a closer look at which smells your dog can emit, which smells are normal, and which maybe not and maybe we can also answer the question: “Why does my dog smell like fish?”
Some Dogs Smell More Than Others
Depending on the breed of dog, gender, age, and physique (i.e. how the body is shaped), one dog can smell more than another. Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels, for example, have greasier coats than Boston Terriers. The more oil that is produced, the more likely it is that there will be an odor associated with it.
If your dog has wrinkles on its skin, such as For example, an English bulldog or a shar-pei can cause yeast and skin cells to build up in these folds, causing an odor. The odors you feel on your skin come from the bacteria that break down the oils and sweat from your skin’s glands.
There are glands in the pads of the paws called atrichial glands that can also give off an odor that many people find smells like corn chips or popcorn (what a coincidence, right?).
If the smell is very offensive, you can bathe your dog with a gentle shampoo or take him to a groomer for recommendations. However, bathing your dog too often can disrupt the natural flora on his skin and fur, so limit bathing to every two weeks.
However, as long as the smells you smell aren’t related to a health problem, they’re nothing to worry about.
My Dog’s Breath Smells Like Fish
Fishy smells from your dog’s mouth can be linked to diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, or periodontal disease. Bad breath associated with periodontal disease is caused by the production of volatile sulfur compounds by the bacteria.
Other causes of bad breath are mostly byproducts of bacterial metabolism, derived from the bacteria found on the gums, the surface of the tongue, and the plaque on the teeth.
Brushing your dog’s teeth with an enzymatic toothpaste 2-3 times a week will prevent plaque build-up and contain bad breath. Using dental treats or treats that scrape off plaque and tartar, such as B. Bully sticks, also clean your dog’s teeth naturally.
If you notice a fishy odor coming out of your dog’s mouth, it could be due to one of the following conditions:
- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
- Tartar, plaque, and tooth decay
- Upset stomach
- Food stuck between the teeth
- Furthermore: tumors, carious teeth, tooth root abscess, or an inflammation
If your dog likes to eat stinky things like cat droppings or fishy treats or is given fishy food, this can also be the cause of fish-smelling breath.
Why Does My Dog’s Urine Smell Like Fish?
Even if your dog eats a slightly different diet than you do, his urine should smell like your urine. If you notice a strong odor that wasn’t there before, it is likely a sign of a urinary tract or bladder infection.
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria in the urine that don’t belong there and make the urine smell like fish.
As soon as you notice this odor, you should contact your veterinarian to have a urine test checked for crystals, red blood cells, protein, white blood cells, and other signs of a urinary problem. A urine culture should also be done to check for the presence of bacteria in the urine.
If your vet suspects a urinary tract infection, your dog will be put on a course of antibiotics to fight the infection, which should also go away from the odor.
My Female Smells Like Fish
Your bitch has vaginal flora that is also home to bacteria, but a putrid smell that smells like fish (or worse) could be a sign of a health problem.
If you have already ruled out problems with the anal gland and you notice a pale discharge from the vagina, this could be a sign of an infection in the vagina (called vaginitis) caused by yeast and/or bacteria.
The female’s uterus may also be infected, which can lead to a white-yellowish discharge from the vagina. An infection of the uterus is known as pyometra. Pyometra is a serious condition that requires emergency surgery. If you suspect it may be a pyometra, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.
This occurs in females who have not been sterilized. If your dog has been neutered and still has this discharge, it is still a cause for concern because the stump of the uterus, if not removed by the surgeon, can become infected. The nature of your dog’s vaginal area can also lead to urinary tract infections, depending on its shape.
So, if you smell a smell from your dog’s buttocks, it could also be a urinary tract infection. All of these conditions require medical treatment and can be diagnosed by your veterinarian.
My Dog Smells Like Fish When Scared
Dogs have special scent glands on their anus, called anal glands. These are the same glands that dogs smell when they greet each other with joy!
Anal glands are small pouches on the sides of the anus that are filled with an oily, smelly secretion that is released when your dog defecates. In some dogs, however, the anal glands can suddenly release their dark, oily, smelly secretions when they are frightened or stressed, or when they suddenly relax in certain positions.
If you notice your dog sliding his backside on the floor (often referred to as “sledding”) it is usually a sign that he is having irritation from full anal glands. Your veterinarian or groomer can manually evacuate the anal glands at regular intervals to prevent the smells from returning and stopping sliding around.
When Does the Dog Odor Become a Health Problem?
Your veterinarian can help you find out whether the smells you notice in your four-legged friend are normal or caused by illness. First, your vet will do a medical history and physical exam to see if there is a source causing the odor.
If there is no history or evidence of any illness or skin condition, your veterinarian can tell you which odors are normal for your dog. If you’ve noticed that your dog’s smell has changed, it could be an indication of the skin or systemic disease.
Obvious causes of a bad odor can include urine or fecal contamination, and infection-related odor, physical injury, or something your pet has wallowed in or stepped on.
Skin diseases that can cause unpleasant smells to include:
- Bacterial skin diseases,
- Fungal diseases of the skin,
- Dandruff or seborrhea,
- and ear infections
These conditions have a mild odor depending on their severity, and you may only notice it when you are very close to your pet.
More serious body odors that also require veterinary attention include septic ear infections, combinations of ear and skin infections with parasites, and smells of secretions due to autoimmune diseases of the skin.
Whatever the cause, your vet will help you figure out what causes these smells and tell you whether they’re harmful or completely harmless.
Conclusion
We took a closer look at the circumstances and illnesses that can be the reason why your dog smells like fish or is perceived as having an unpleasant smell.
If you want to find out more about why your dog smells like fish, you can take a closer look at your dog’s habits and diet and thus become aware of any health problems your pet has.