Every dog has its own scent, but when your furry friend starts smelling like… fish? That’s usually a sign something’s up.
Before you panic or start blaming your dog for discovering Eau de Sardine, there’s usually a surprising reason behind that fishy smell — and it’s not what you think.
The fishy truth
Dogs have two tiny sacs called anal glands on either side of their rectum. These sacs secrete a smelly fluid that acts like a “doggy business card,” letting other pups know who’s who. Normally, the glands release a little during bathroom breaks, but sometimes they don’t empty properly, and that’s when the fishy smell hits, according to experts.
Dogs may also express their glands when scared or anxious, which is totally normal. But if the sacs don’t empty completely, the fluid dries and hardens.
This is painful and can make your dog scoot, lick their rear excessively, or struggle to poop. If left untreated, impacted glands can become infected and even abscessed, which is very painful and requires a vet’s care.
“Abscesses need prompt attention,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer. “They are painful and sometimes require surgery. The dog also usually needs antibiotics and pain medications.”
Other causes of fishy odor
While anal glands are the top suspect, several other issues can make your dog smell like a seafood platter. In fact, several underlying health issues might be at play. In female dogs, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common culprit, often making urine smell strong or fishy. Signs to watch for include frequent urination, accidents around the house, or straining when trying to go.
Vaginitis or pyometra, another female-specific concern, can also produce a noticeable fishy scent and may become life-threatening if left untreated.
Fishy odors can also come from the mouth. Dental problems like infected teeth or gums often manifest as bad breath with a fishy tang. Keep an eye out for tartar buildup, drooling, or difficulty eating — these can all indicate a dental issue.
Finally, skin and yeast infections are another possible source. Overgrowth of yeast, especially in areas like the paws, skin folds, or genital region, can release a fishy or corn-chip-like smell. These infections often come hand-in-hand with itching, redness, or hair loss, so it’s worth keeping a close eye on your dog’s coat and skin.
All of these issues are treatable, but noticing the signs early and consulting your veterinarian can save your pup from discomfort — and keep your home smelling fresh.
Symptoms to watch for
If your dog smells like fish, keep an eye out for:
- Scooting on the floor
- Excessive licking or biting at their rear
- Straining or discomfort when pooping
- Redness, swelling, blood, or pus near the anus
- Fishy breath or unusual odor from mouth or genital area
Even if scooting seems funny, it’s an important warning sign your dog may need veterinary care.
Breeds at risk
In 2021, the VetCompass program at the Royal Veterinary College, with partial funding from The Royal Kennel Club Charitable Trust, analyzed the veterinary records of more than 104,000 dogs to see which breeds were more prone to anal sac problems.
The study revealed that certain breeds are at a higher risk compared to mixed-breed dogs. These include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises, and Cocker Spaniels.
What you can do
1. Vet Check: If the smell persists, your dog needs a professional evaluation. A vet can manually express anal glands, treat infections, or investigate more serious conditions.
2. Regular Anal Gland Care: Some small breeds need routine expression, which can be done by a vet, groomer, or trained owner — but overdoing it can cause inflammation.
3. Diet & Supplements: High-fiber diets and probiotics can help prevent recurring anal gland problems. Specialized anal gland wipes and supplements are also available.
4. Dental Hygiene: Brush teeth, provide dental chews, or schedule professional cleanings to fight fishy breath from dental disease.
5. Skin Care: Medicated shampoos or wipes can control yeast and bacteria overgrowth on skin.
Prevention is everything when it comes to keeping your dog smelling fresh. Start by keeping your pup at a healthy weight and feeding a balanced, fiber-rich diet to support proper digestion. Keep an eye on stool consistency, make sure fresh water is always available, and give your dog plenty of exercise.
The good news? Most anal gland issues are easily treatable, and once the underlying problem is taken care of, that dreaded fishy smell will disappear for good.