Top 10 why does my dog’s butt smell like fish You Need To Know

Dogs just like humans can emit some pretty unpleasant body odors. And one of the worst offenders is when a dog smells like…well…fish. 

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. After all, dogs are often attracted to things we find putrid such as trash and rotting animal carcasses.  

Naturally, dogs tend to have stinky odors around their feet, ears, and rears. That is because these areas contain specialized glands that produce oils and those areas are naturally colonized by yeast and bacteria. However, overgrowth of these yeasts or bacteria due to allergies or other disorders can make dogs particularly smelly and may signal an issue. 

What Causes Fishy Smell in Dogs?

Dogs can sometimes give off fishy aromas. 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. 

Otherwise, if your dog smells like fish she may have an abnormal medical condition that needs to be addressed. Dental issues, gastrointestinal disorders, certain infections, and anal gland disorders can all lead to a fishy odor in dogs. Most often this is caused by an overgrowth of certain foul smelling bacteria. 

Reasons Your Dog Smells Like Fish

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. Read below to discover the most common reasons why dogs smell like fish and what you should do about them.  

If Your Dog’s Breath Smells Like Fish 

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. However, fishy smelling breath may signal a problem due to one of the following reasons: 

Dental Issues

Fish-scented breath may indicate a dental problem in your dog. Periodontal disease is caused by infection and inflammation of the structures that surround and support the teeth. 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). 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. 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.

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. 

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Dogs with food allergies or food intolerances may burp excessively and have trouble digesting food which can lead to fishy breath. If your veterinarian suspects that your dog has a food allergy, she may recommend feeding your dog a prescription hypoallergenic diet.

Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, may also cause foul smelling breath. Symptoms include regurgitation, drooling, lip licking and gulping air. Antacid medications given as directed by a veterinarian often help to control symptoms.

If Your Dog’s Butt Smells Like Fish 

If your dog’s butt is the culprit of the fishy smell, it’s likely an anal gland problem. Sitting just inside the anus, dogs have a pair of fluid filled structures called anal glands or anal sacs. These sacs contain fishy, foul-smelling liquid that ranges from thin and yellowish to thick and grayish in appearance. Dogs naturally express their anal glands when they poop and when they are frightened. 

In certain dogs, their anal glands may not express normally and this can lead to issues including impaction and rupture. 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. 

Symptoms of an anal gland issue include scooting, leakage of anal gland contents, and excessive licking of the area. If your dog’s anal glands are impacted you may see a swelling next to her anus. A ruptured anal gland will cause an open wound next to the anus. If you see any of the above symptoms, you should take your dog to the vet.

Your veterinarian will perform a rectal exam and, if necessary, will express your dog’s anal glands. Dogs without signs of anal gland issues should not routinely have their anal glands expressed. 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. 

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. In those dogs where none of the above treatments help with their anal gland issues, surgical removal of the anal glands may be recommended.   

If Your Dog’s Pee Smells Like Fish 

Dogs may develop fishy-smelling urine due to a urinary tract disorder. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder or kidney stones, prostate disorders in males, and bladder cancers may all lead to foul-smelling urine. 

If you notice that your dog’s pee smells abnormally pungent, you should take her to see your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet and usually begin with a urinalysis (urine test) and possibly a urine culture. If an infection is discovered, antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the infection. 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.  

When Is Fishy Odor In Dogs a Problem? 

If you notice a fishy odor coming from your dog and it lasts beyond a few days, you should take her to the vet. 

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. Typically the sooner issues are diagnosed in dogs, the easier—and less expensive—they are to treat.

How To Help Your Dog Smell Good 

Luckily, there are things pet parents can do to help prevent their dogs from developing that unpleasant, fishy odor. 

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. Chlorhexidine-based oral rinses available from your veterinarian, dental chews, and prescription dental diets can also help to alleviate bad breath. 

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. When your dog has her teeth cleaned make sure that your veterinarian takes X-rays of her teeth. This allows for the detection and treatment of tooth root abscesses and other issues that may not be apparent otherwise. 

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. 

It’s also important to keep up with regular grooming for long-haired dog breeds. However, ask your groomer not to express your dog’s anal glands regularly, since this may lead to more problems. If your dog is licking or scooting her butt, have her anal glands checked by a veterinarian. If they are full, your vet can express them, which should stop odor and discomfort. 

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.

Helpful Products for Dogs Who Smell like Fish 

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Great Pet Care may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Once a veterinarian has determined the source of your dog’s fishy odor, it’s time to prevent any future stinky occurrences. Based on the reason your pooch might stink like fish, we’ve curated a list of solutions. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so here are our favorite helpful products for dogs who smell like fish.

Best Overall Product For Dogs Who Smell Like Fish

Our pick: Great Poop Digestive Support Supplement

A dog’s digestive process is a lot faster than a human’s: three times less! It takes a dog anywhere from 8-12 hours for food to move from his mouth until it exits at the other end. Dogs suffering from gas, bloating, diarrhea, loose stool, constipation, and stinky odors can benefit from bulky, firmer stools. Fortunately, Great Poop is an all-in-one formula that covers every gastrointestinal base for dogs.

Highlights

• Super simple to administer and dogs think the soft, chewy morsel is a treat
• Contains a probiotic to keep your dog’s digestive tract functioning at its best
• Promotes firmer stools making clean up easier for pet parents
• May reduce smelly fish breath if the gut is the source of the problem
• Made in America with premium ingredients.
• Digestive enzymes may reduce diarrhea. 
• Aids production of canine natural antibodies to boost the immune system

Things to Consider

• Only available in chicken flavor
• Dogs over 76 pounds need 4 to 5 chews per day 
• Consult a veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet.

Best Dog Dental Chews for Fishy Breath

Our pick: The Missing Link Smartmouth Dental Chews for Dogs

Once your dog has his teeth professionally cleaned and a veterinarian has examined his teeth, keep pearly whites shining with Smartmouth dental chews. Feel good about giving your pooch a treat he’ll savor that’s actually good for him. Used regularly, Smartmouth chews may reduce tartar, freshen doggy breath, and help fight plaque. 

Highlights

• Veterinarian developed and made in the USA
• Available in a variety of sizes for small to extra-large dogs
• Dogs can both gnaw and chew so hard-to-reach spots of the mouth are reached.
• Free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. 
• Non-GMO and long-lasting 
• Chews feature special bristle ridges and a patented form of vitamin C.
• Provides hip and joint support with glucosamine in every chew 

Things to Consider

• Supervise your dog during consumption to ensure treat is adequately chewed prior to swallowing
• Not designed for dogs less than 10 pounds or puppies less than 1-year-old
• 49 kcals per small to medium dog chew

Best Water Additive for Fishy Dog Breath

Our pick: Zymox Oratene Enzymatic Brushless Oral Care Water Additive

Busy pet parents love one-and-done products, especially for doggy breath. Zymox’s Oratene water additive helps manage bad breath, dry mouth, plaque buildup, gum problems, and odor-causing germs. Unlike other water additives, Oratene is suitable for dogs and cats of all ages, is flavorless, and veterinarian recommended. Oratene’s patented LP3 enzymatic system is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial solution that is easily added to your dog’s water bowl.

Highlights

• Safe and gentle for daily use 
• Supports bad breath and dogs with dry mouth issues
• Contains no xylitol, alcohol, or detergents
• One 4-ounce bottle yields 15 gallons of product
• Suitable for dogs and cats of all ages
• Odorless for dogs who are super fussy about tastes and flavors
• No struggling with dogs who hate teeth brushing

Things to Consider

• Do not use with charcoal-filtered water so product is effective
• Some pet parents say water had to be changed more often 
• Product is not VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) certified 

Best Odor Control Dog Shampoo 

Our pick: Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo & Conditioner 

Maybe your dog rolled in something nasty or smells like he spent a day in the river. Some pups take great joy in finding disgusting things in nature and then rolling on them. Thanks to Nature’s Miracle Odor Control Hypoallergenic dog shampoo, rancid odors won’t last long. It is designed to neutralize a wide variety of stenches while conditioning a dog’s delicate skin. 

Highlights

• Unscented and hypoallergenic for dogs with sensitive skin
• Four-in-one product that neutralizes, deodorizes, cleanses, and conditions the skin
• Made in the USA 
• Soap-free formula is safe to use with topical spot-on flea and tick products
• Gets out the stink and reduces static electricity for a long-term clean 
• Conditioner makes hair and coat softer without dyes or parabens
• Nicely priced and won’t break the bank
• Gentle enough to use on puppies 8 weeks of age and older 

Things to Consider

• Label lists “plant-derived surfactants and odor control system” as ingredients without further explanation
• Unscented formula 
• Amazon sells an updated formula and an original version 

Best Product For Smelly Dog Paws

Our pick: Great Clean Aloe and Oatmeal Cleansing Pet Wipes

If you ever took a whiff of your dog’s paws and smelled a fishy, Freetos corn chip type odor, it could be yeast. Yeast tends to build up in between paw pads, in skin folds, a dog’s ears, and other hot, moist areas of his body. After consulting with your vet to confirm yeasty paws, stop future outbreaks by keeping paw pads dry and clean. Keep paw pads clean year-round with Great Clean cleansing wipes specifically designed for dogs.

Highlights

• Ideal for hard-to-reach areas like cracks and crevices of dog paws
• Rich in conditioning ingredients like aloe and oatmeal
• The handy 60-wipe container is ideal for travel 
• Multipurpose wipes remove mud, dirt, and debris anywhere, anytime 
• Time-saving dander and excess hair remover in between baths 
• Take them camping, hiking, and on walks for any unexpected messes or accidents
• Made in the USA with a light piña colada scent

Things to Consider

• Not designed to cure existing yeast infections 
• Made exclusively for dogs and are not interchangeable with human baby wipes
• Moisture can inhibit yeast production, so ensure all paw pads are clean and dry.