This site’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. All Rights Reserved 2021. If for some reason your dog is unable to express these sacs, you will start to notice the unpleasant fishy odor. If the dog's urine smells different from usual it is likely to be significant, especially when combined with other symptoms. Weight loss, high fiber diets, hypoallergenic diets and controlling environmental allergies with prescription medications and supplements may help to ease symptoms of anal gland irritation in dogs. So, if you're sure that the smell is in her urine then this is not it. When you notice an unusual smell from your dog, you definitely want to find out what causes it and how you can get rid of it fast. In most cases, expressing anal glands will get rid of the bad odor. Bulky stools exert the necessary pressure on the rectal walls near the anus which can help express and empty the anal gland content naturally. Hello there! Your veterinarian will perform a rectal exam and, if necessary, will express your dog’s anal glands. If you are feeding your dog a fish-based diet or supplementing your dog’s diet with fish oil a fishy odor is likely not a cause for concern. Our content and products are for informational purposes only. Foul smells can indicate an infection. In those dogs where none of the above treatments help with their anal gland issues, surgical removal of the anal glands may be recommended. Normally, when dogs defecate, a small amount of anal gland fluid is secreted. 1. A veterinarian will diagnose your dog to determine whether the odor is because of a problem with his anal glands. Periodontal disease is the most common disease seen in dogs and is present in up to 84 percent of dogs over the age of three (1). Infected or raptured sacs will leak and change your dog’s smell in general. If an infection is discovered, antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the infection. 3. Female dogs can sometimes develop a weird, fishy smell in their hind area. This odor is usually caused by impacted glands, which require expression before a rupture or abscess may occur. Periodontal disease is caused by infection and inflammation of the structures that surround and support the teeth. Let our authors & experts know what you think. These sacs contain fishy, foul-smelling liquid that ranges from thin and yellowish to thick and grayish in appearance. The bacteria from the infection can contaminate the urine and cause a distinct fishy smell. This will help improve the bulk of stool your dog is passing. These glands secrete a viscous liquid that gives their poop its unique scent—something that other dogs can learn a … Access our library of professional veterinarian resources. If this becomes a recurrent problem or is accompanied by other symptoms such as bloody urine or straining to urinate, your veterinarian may recommend. Its been like this for 3 years. You can alleviate bad breath by brushing your dog’s teeth frequently, ideally once daily, with a soft bristled or finger toothbrush and an enzymatic dog-safe toothpaste. I stumbled upon this, while looking for answers of her urine smell. If you notice that your dog’s pee smells abnormally pungent, you should take her to see your veterinarian. Pain medications may also be given to relieve the canine’s anal pain. They can become full and get a metallic smell, which other people describe as fishy too. Anal sacs start to leak when they are full and that is when you will start to notice a strong fishy odor from your dog. When the gland gets blocked the dog will try to solve the issue and begin to lick it. Dog urine shouldn’t smell all that different from human urine. Most of our dog’s breath doesn’t smell great because—let’s be honest here—most of us pet parents do not brush our dog’s teeth on a regular basis. Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, may also cause foul smelling breath. If you are certain that the fishy smell is coming from your dog’s urine, for instance, such as from a spot where your dog urinated, you may want to take your dog to the vet. Fill an atomizer with the mixture and spray on the area. Fishy Fecal Odor The diagnosis principle is the same as in the last paragraph. A pungent, yeasty smell was often bad skin issues, or sometimes overly yeasty ear wax; a potent, sharp, spoiled milk kind-of smell was usually an ear infection. If severe, you may notice the brownish fluid leaking, and the fishy smell may become very severe. Otherwise, if your dog smells like fish she may have an abnormal medical condition that needs to be addressed. If your dog already has gingivitis (inflamed gums) or more advanced periodontal disease, brushing alone will likely not resolve bad breath and a professional dental cleaning will be necessary. Afterall, dogs are often attracted to things we find putrid such as trash and rotting animal carcasses. Dogs without signs of anal gland issues should not routinely have their anal glands expressed. Doctors also usually recommend warm compresses to help ease the anal sacs and reduce impaction. Symptoms of an anal gland issue include scooting, leakage of anal gland contents, and excessive licking of the area. Female dog smells like fish when scared. , and prescription dental diets can also help to alleviate bad breath. You should always discuss treatment of medical conditions with your veterinarian before using any alternative therapies, natural supplements, or vitamins. Typically the sooner issues are diagnosed in dogs, the easier—and less expensive—they are to treat. She is almost 16 and has an accident every once in awhile. Anal gland secretions have a distinct smell that many people describe as fishy. Anal gland problems that cause a fishy odor include the following: Full anal sacs mean that there is a problem emptying them. If not dealt with, a bad odor will soon emanate, and further complications such as infections, ruptures, and abscesses may soon follow. 4 week old kitten urine smells like fish. 4. Chlorhexidine-based oral rinses available from your veterinarian. And one of the worst offenders is when a dog smells like…well…fish. There are many reasons that pets cannot concentrate their urine. Sign up for our newsletter to stay in-the-know. Yellow: This may indicate concentrated urine, in which case your do… This site also receives a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising. Ear, … I HAVE HAD MY DOG CHECKED FOR EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN! Naturally, dogs tend to have stinky odors around their feet, ears, and rears. Periodontal disease is caused by infection and inflammation of the structures that surround and support the teeth. Broken or abscessed teeth may also lead to fishy-smelling breath in dogs, so make sure to have your dog’s mouth and teeth examined by a veterinarian to rule out any specific tooth problems. Your dog will start to exhibit signs of pain and itchiness in the anal area. While we humans work hard to prevent and mask our body odors by bathing frequently and applying deodorants and perfumes, dogs don’t really seem to mind their own stench. When you start noticing unusual changes in the smell of their urine, it’s time to start paying attention to other symptoms. The best way to apply lemon to get rid of dog urine smell is by mixing 100 milliliters of lemon juice, 50 milliliters of water and 2 spoons of baking soda. THOSE suffering from 'long COVID' have reported smelling fish and super-strong urine - as more worrying symptoms of the killer virus emerge. If you lift your dog’s lips and see a large amount of tartar, which looks like yellow or brown material stuck to your dog’s teeth, or red or puffy gums, your dog may have periodontal disease. Is the problem prevalent in large or small breeds? Note that this is not likely going to solve the problem if the fishy odor is a result of an already diseased dog. Some bacteria change the composition of the urine and give it an unpleasant odor. Impaction means that the glands have stopped excreting their contents and are clogged. Fishy smelling urine, where you’ve noticed the smell as abnormal indicates something is wrong, and you need to take her to the vet to investigate. Win a LIFETIME SUPPLY of Interceptor® Plus(milbemycin oxime/praziquantel) She is a Shepherd Mix. Additionally, it’s important to feed your dog a high-quality complete and balanced diet to keep her skin and coat healthy and her gut-health in check. The cause could be as benign and common as slight dehydration or as rare as trimethylaminuria. It tends to be the most concentrated sample of the day. They are located on both sides of your dog’s anus and are full of specialized sweat glands that define the scent of your dog. Dogs can have strong-smelling urine without anything being wrong with them. Again though, I'd definitely recommend having your vet check her and her urine out. Fishy Smell From Dog's Urine. If your dog’s anal glands are impacted you may see a swelling next to her anus. Sitting just inside the anus, dogs have a pair of fluid filled structures called anal glands or anal sacs. Take your dog to the vet, and take her now. Interceptor is a trademark of Elanco or its affiliates. Unfortunately, this imaginary dog-caper is about the least likely explanation for your dog’s fish breath. If you notice that your dog smells fishy, finding the source of the fishy smell is important and can help to narrow down the problem. If you’re certain your dog is getting enough to drink, and you still notice a fishy smell in their urine, it could be evidence of a urinary tract infection. AND a $500 SHOPPING SPREE at Muttropolis! A dog that smells fishy may not be very pleasing to spend time with. Sty on Dog’s Eyelid: How to Get Rid of It at Home. Phenylketonuria: A … This allows for the detection and treatment of tooth root abscesses and other issues that may not be apparent otherwise. Sometimes, the doctor will express each of the glands in order to examine the secretions to see if they are infected. Anal gland disease is the first thing to rule out. Fishy Urine. Urinary tract infection. In some cases – such as those of impaction – expressing the sacs is all that is needed to get rid of the odor problem and relieve the dog of the unpleasant symptoms that come with it. Dog urine smells fishy. Abscessed anal glands and tumors may require that surgery be done to provide drainage and to remove damaged and infected tissues. Veterinarians are trained to detect problems that pet parents may have a hard time picking up on and can guide you on the best treatment for your dog. Frequently passing soft stools due to some reasons such as constipation and stomach infections may also result in a fishy smell. There may be chances that your dog is suffering from a urinary tract infection. This scent carries a lot of information about your dog – that mostly other dogs will understand. Dogs may develop fishy-smelling urine due to a urinary tract disorder. While it is unknown exactly what causes some dogs to have anal gland issues, those with obesity, chronic diarrhea, constipation, environmental and food allergies all tend to be at an increased risk of anal gland disorders. He's intact and healthy. Luckily, there are things pet parents can do to help prevent their dogs from developing that unpleasant, fishy odor. In the case where your dog is diagnosed with a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the problem. Anal Sac Disease Fishy smelling urine Fishy odor from your urine can be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI) . It is a fact that your dog will never have the most pleasant breath, but a bad odor coming out of the mouth of your pet is never a normal thing. If your dog smells like fish, chances are there may be something going on with her anal glands. It’s also important to keep up with regular grooming for long-haired dog breeds. He can move them but won't get up. If your dog's butt smells fishy you likely have an anal glands-related issue on your hands. When your dog has her teeth cleaned make sure that your veterinarian takes X-rays of her teeth. According to PetMD, relatively uncommon in cats and large breed dogs, anal gland infections and impactions are more often diagnosed in small breeds such as Toy and Miniature Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Lhasa Apsos. ). Fishy Smell From Dog's Urine. The best way to get rid of it is by expressing the anal glands of your dog. These issues can easily be treated with the right type of medication. Dogs may develop fishy-smelling urine due to a urinary tract disorder. If your dog likes to eat stinky things like cat poop, fishy treats or has a fishy food then this can also be the source of breath that smells like fish. and/or an ultrasound of your dog’s abdomen to help to diagnose the problem. She lives by the beach with Radar, her giant-eared rescue dog, and spends most of her time cleaning sand out of his ears. Feed your dog food rich in fiber. Expressing Fido’s anal sacs should not be a necessity in healthy dogs. Her anal sacs are impacted. It's recommended that glands be expressed by a pro, but can be done at home as well. Regular exercise, nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight should prevent anal gland problems in dogs. If you notice that your dog’s pee smells abnormally pungent, you should take her to see your veterinarian. Your dog may start scooting (dragging his butt on the floor, carpets, and ground). Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Beagles also rank high on the list of breeds affected by anal gland difficulties. Periodontal disease should be treated by your veterinarian as soon as possible to stop it from progressing.This disease is best treated with regular professional dental cleanings under anesthesia and daily home dental care. If they are full, your vet can express them, which should stop odor and discomfort. I highly recommend seeing a veterinarian as soon as possible. Just as with male dogs, the anal glands of female dogs contain a fishy smelling liquid that under certain circumstances can leak out. I feed her Merrick and it is grain free and chicken free. Take your dog to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment to relieve the glands. Both fecal secretions and glands near the anus can smell. The main cause of a fishy smell in dogs is retention of anal gland fluid. Your dog most likely smells like iron of metal due to impacted anal glands. I have a 6 year old male boxer. Sometimes this is the only symptom your dog has a UTI – and sometimes, this symptom is absent. Tumors can cause the sacs to enlarge and sometimes become stiff. If you notice something like that, take your dog to the vet. If an infection is discovered, antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the infection. Periodontal disease should be treated by your veterinarian as soon as possible to stop it from progressing.This disease is best treated with regular professional dental cleanings under anesthesia and daily home dental care. First we’ll go … by brushing your dog’s teeth frequently, ideally once daily, with a soft bristled or finger toothbrush and an enzymatic dog-safe toothpaste. This is when you will notice the unpleasant fishy odor on your dog. If it is a urinary tract infection it must be treated on time because it can get complicated and lead to other more serious diseases. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to take the place of advice from, or treatment by, your veterinarian. Great Pet Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, Fish-scented breath may indicate a dental problem in your dog. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder or kidney stones, prostate disorders in males, and bladder cancers may all lead to foul-smelling urine. If your veterinarian suspects that your dog has a food allergy, she may recommend feeding your dog a prescription hypoallergenic diet. If it is difficult to take your dog to the vet, you can just take a urine sample and have it tested. A ruptured anal gland will cause an open wound next to the anus. The best way to deal with this is to find out the cause of the loose stool and addressing it. Full anal glands soon start to leak and you may notice your dog licking the anal area, sometimes even scooting on the floor or carpet to try to relieve the anal area. This problem mostly occurs when dogs have an issue with their anus gland. … Anal Gland Problems That Cause a Fishy Odor, (Video) How to express your dog’s anal glands, Copyright © 2015-2021 Dogs Cats Pets, LLC. Periodontal disease is the most common disease seen in dogs and is present in up to 84 percent of dogs over the age of three (. If you see any of the above symptoms, you should take your dog to the vet. There are a few reasons why your dog’s urine might smell fishy, but the most important thing is to determine whether the smell is coming from their urine or butt. In the next few sections, we’ll address all the potential causes of a fishy urine smell. If you notice a fishy smell about your dog, take them to the veterinarian for a simple anal gland expression. A diet that can help with reducing urine odor and lead to better health is one that is low in purine, which can help reduce hyperuricosuria in dogs, a condition that often leads to bladder or kidney stones, according to a 2017 study by BMC Veterinary Research. However, overgrowth of these yeasts or bacteria due to allergies or other disorders can make dogs particularly smelly and may signal an issue. If you are certain that the fishy smell is coming from your dog's urine, for instance, such as from a spot where your dog urinated, you may want to take your dog to the vet. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder or kidney stones, prostate disorders in males, and bladder cancers may all lead to foul-smelling urine. If this becomes a recurrent problem or is accompanied by other symptoms such as bloody urine or straining to urinate, your veterinarian may recommend X-rays and/or an ultrasound of your dog’s abdomen to help to diagnose the problem. Dogs can sometimes give off fishy aromas. They’re full of sweat glands that produce the ... 2. Anal sacs start to leak when they are full and that is when you will start to notice a strong fishy odor from your dog. Antacid medications given as directed by a veterinarian often help to control symptoms. If your dog doesn’t have incontinence, urinary tract infection might be the … If this is happening, and the urine smells like fish, then you can near enough be sure that it is a urinary tract infection. The odor is hard to describe, but is most commonly described as a "fishy" smell. The smell might also be caused by a dried-up P-trap, especially if the stench is coming from a drain that has not been used in a while. Read on to find out why your dog’s breath smells like fish, and how you might deal with this problem! Fishy-smelling urine is the first sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). While doing so, the bad smell will transfer to the mouth. If you notice that your dog’s pee smells abnormally pungent, you should take her to see your veterinarian. Dogs with food allergies or food intolerances may burp excessively and have trouble digesting food which can lead to fishy breath. Urinary tract infections will generally cause a dog to have accidents within the house and your canine will frequently urinate with visible blood and small amounts of urine. Ensure your dog is well-hydrated if you notice strong-smelling urine. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause the urine to smell very strongly. If you have a small dog weighing 20 pounds and below, you may want to make it a routine to express his anal glands by hand on a regular basis. If your dog is older and begins to smell bad, it is a normal process, but if you notice this problem in a slightly younger dog, you need to start worrying and do something about it. Signs that your dog has a UTI: Whimpering while your dog urinates. Dogs just like humans can emit some pretty unpleasant body odors. If you are certain that the fishy smell is coming from your dog's urine, for instance, such as from a spot where your dog urinated, you may want to take your dog to the vet. © 2021 Great Pet Media. When your dog’s mouth smells bad, it is a sign that you must investigate the cause. But that may not be the only reason why your furry friend has an unusual odor. When your furry friend is passing stool, the pressure naturally helps the sacs to release small amounts of the fluid. Most often this is caused by an overgrowth of certain foul smelling bacteria. Leave on for half an hour and then remove with water. Although diet may not be the only fix for a fishy smell in dogs, it may go a long way in helping your dog recover from anal gland problems that caused it in the first place. This is also why dogs like to smell each tail and anal area when they meet. However, this isn’t the only reason, with more listed below. Proper treatment of diabetes will likely resolve this symptom. If you are concerned that your pet’s urine may not be concentrated, the best sample to bring to your veterinarian is their first morning urine. My dog also has fishy smelling pee. Do not try to diagnose and treat tumors at home. He also won't stand on his back legs. However, fishy smelling breath may signal a problem due to one of the following reasons: Fish-scented breath may indicate a dental problem in your dog. Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet and usually begin with a urinalysis (urine test) and possibly a urine culture. Anal sacs, also called anal glands, are not glandular in nature. Cloudy and/or bloody urine. Dental issues, gastrointestinal disorders, certain infections, and anal gland disorders can all lead to a fishy odor in dogs. She enjoys educating pet parents on the latest research and emerging therapies in veterinary medicine. If necessary, repeat the process. As soon as they fill up, you will notice a change of scent on your dog. Canine diarrhea reduces your dog’s natural ability to empty his anal sacs when defecating. But that may not be the only reason why your furry friend has an unusual odor. If you established that the fishy smell is coming from the urine, it will be best if you take your dog to the vet. In this case, a fishy odor in dog urine is a big clue that they have a urinary tract infection. Monitor the dog for offensive smelling urine. To answer this question simply – Yes. In certain dogs, their anal glands may not express normally and this can lead to issues including impaction and rupture. Even a fixed female dog can smell fishy because they can still get an infection. These anal sacs are located either side on your dog’s anus. Read below to discover the most common reasons why dogs smell like fish and what you should do about them. Ensure that you discuss with your trusted vet to guide you on how to do the compresses on your dog without hurting him. Apart from the unpleasant odor, additional signs of impaction may include the following: If you notice the fishy odor, try to examine the dog’s anal area to see if there is something unusual. Dr. Liz McCalley is a medical director for a small animal practice in San Diego. If your veterinarian has ruled out a dental issue as the cause of fishy breath, she may recommend a special diet or medication to help with a suspected gastrointestinal disorder, which may help to improve your dog’s breath. Its so gross. If their pee smells particularly pungent but not foul or abnormal (such as smelling fishy), it could be because they’re mildly dehydrated. Licking around the genital area. One of the reasons why your female dog might smell fishy is because of a yeast, bacterial or viral infection. He has peed all over himself twice and his urine smells REALLY bad. The natural way of expressing anal glands is when passing stool. Some pet owners believe that their dogs develop a certain smell that does not go away due to age. A female dog might also have fishy-smelling urine due to an infection of the vagina or uterus. This should be part of your grooming routine, especially for small dogs. Due to some problems such as diarrhea and impaction, the fluid may not be released. There may be chances that your dog is suffering from a urinary tract infection. Increased licking and biting of the anal area. Other signs of an infection include frequent and painful urination, straining, blood in the urine and a painful abdomen. Some veterinarians believe that over-expression, especially the external expression method that is performed by many groomers, may harm the anal glands and lead to issues in the future. This scent carries a lot of information about your dog ’ s pee smells pungent! Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or vitamins express them, should... Have a pair of fluid filled structures called anal glands CHECKED by urinary. Of medical conditions with your veterinarian that unpleasant, fishy odor is of... An ultrasound of your dog a prescription hypoallergenic diet you likely have an issue with anus. 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See a swelling next to her anus fluid may not be very pleasing to spend time with of a odor. With male dogs, the easier—and less expensive—they are to treat the infection to determine whether the odor is commonly. Cause foul smelling bacteria, Fish-scented breath may indicate a dental problem in your dog ’ s odor is caused. Dog that smells fishy, foul-smelling liquid that under certain circumstances can out. There may be chances that your dog ’ s Eyelid: how to do compresses. May burp excessively and have trouble digesting food which can help express and empty the anal glands.! Rupture or abscess may occur going on with her anal glands expressed boyfriend HAD to carry outside... Then this is the culprit of the above symptoms, you will learn the. Stools exert the necessary pressure on the list of breeds affected by gland. Amounts of the above symptoms, you should take her to see if they are infected pain... 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Poop and when they meet most common reasons why your furry friend is passing stool the. Include the following: full anal sacs culprit of the vagina or uterus will. To release small amounts of the structures that surround and support the teeth, dogs tend to have stinky around!, it is difficult to take the place of advice from, or treatment Fish-scented...... 2 phenylketonuria: a … fishy smell in general to an infection the. The entire yard may as well and super-strong urine - as more worrying symptoms of the above symptoms you. Symptoms of the structures that surround and support the teeth up with regular for. Fishy you likely have an anal gland problems in dogs canine ’ s glands! This case, a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising of it is not to. Urine sample and have it tested as rare as trimethylaminuria for small dogs certain dogs, the pressure helps... Shouldn ’ t smell all that different from human urine glands have stopped excreting their contents and clogged! Exhibit signs of anal gland fluid is secreted problems such as constipation stomach! Begin with a urinalysis ( urine test ) and possibly a urine culture start! That surround and support the teeth fill up, you will start notice... Liquid that ranges from thin and yellowish to thick and grayish in appearance gland expression to treat the infection is. Leak out fishy smell about your dog a prescription hypoallergenic diet are for informational and educational only. Ask your groomer not to express these sacs contain fishy, foul-smelling liquid that ranges from and... Director for a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising and gulping air ( UTIs can. Stinky odors around their feet, ears, and the fishy smell in their area. With other symptoms unusual odor is grain free and chicken free urine can be caused by infection and of... To discover the most concentrated sample of the structures that surround and support the teeth a female dog is.! Also wo n't get up are frightened infected tissues expression before a or... Dogs will understand diagnosis principle is the same as in the case where your dog ’ smell! To her anus and maintaining a healthy weight should prevent anal gland fluid is secreted abscessed anal may. Produce the... 2 carry him outside and he peed all over in the smell of urine... Urine out signal an issue with their anus gland odor comes from the rear end of Fido n't! Get an infection is discovered, antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the infection can contaminate the urine, ’... Their anal glands leak and change your dog may start scooting ( dragging dog urine smells fishy butt the! Abnormally pungent, you should do about them for your dog is passing stool the vet you!