If your sweet girl has suddenly started smelling like a seaside eatery, you may be scratching your head and wondering, “How can I get rid of the fishy smell from my dog?”
🤢 TMI alert: Fishy odors in dogs are often caused by their anal glands not properly expressing themselves. The best way to get rid of this fishy smell is to make sure your dog’s anal glands aren’t blocked. “Most dogs release their anal glands on their own, we always suggest going to a vet if gland expression is needed,” explains Giulia D’Ignazio, Groomer and Owner of Brandy’s Canine Grooming.
Keep reading to learn more about why your pup has started smelling like a fish shop and how you can get rid of this smell.
3 Common Causes of Fishy Smell in Female Dogs
1. Anal Gland Issues
Every dog has two tiny sacs located on either side of their anus called “anal glands.” These glands secrete a fishy-smelling fluid that contains pheromones. It’s actually these famous pheromones that dogs are smelling when they sniff each other’s butts! They help the dog communicate important information to other dogs like their sex, age, health, and even reproductive status.
Normally, these secretions are released naturally when your dog poops. But some dogs have trouble expressing their anal glands naturally due to poor health, diet, and/or other factors. When this happens the fishy-smelling fluid starts to build up in the anal sacs.
As well as fishy odors, other signs of anal gland problems in dogs include:
- Bum scooting
- Licking the anal area
- Biting the anal area
- Seemingly painful defecation
- Reactivity when their bum is touched
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take your dog to the vet straight away. Anal glands that are not emptied properly can become blocked and be very painful. In the worst of cases, anal glands may become infected, grow abscesses, and rupture.
It should be noted that both female AND male dogs have anal glands, so this is not an issue that only affects female dogs.
2. Urinary Infections
A fishy smell can also indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). These infections are usually caused by bacteria like E. coli or yeast, just like in humans.
Bacterial UTIs are quite common and affect 14% of all dogs, with female dogs being the most affected.
As well as a foul odor, symptoms of UTIs in dogs also include:
- Frequent urination
- Straining to pee
- Accidents in the house
- Blood in the urine
- Licking the genital area excessively
It’s important to take your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis, as UTIs almost always require medication to treat. Your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat a UTI.
3. Skin Issues
Skin problems can also be a culprit behind fishy smells. Yeast infections, bacterial infections, and allergies can all have a very “distinctive” odor.
- Yeast infections: Yeast infections are commonly said to have a yeasty or even “cheesy” smell. Symptoms include itching, redness, and flaky skin. Often, these infections occur in skin folds and dog breeds with many skin folds are more prone to yeast infections than others.
- Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections can also have a strange odor. You may also notice redness, swelling, and pus. Common bacterial infections include ear infections which are most common in dogs with floppy ears.
- Allergies: Allergies can also lead to infections if a dog is constantly scratching themselves and creating hotspots. Therefore, allergies can also cause smelly problems, even if not directly.
All skin issues require a veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Medicated shampoos, topical creams, and even oral medications are sometimes necessary.
How to Get Rid of Fishy Smell from Dog
The best way to get rid of your female dog’s fishy smell is to treat the underlying problem that causes it. Here are some effective home remedies and treatments to help you combat the odor.
Regular Grooming
Grooming is essential for maintaining your dog's overall health and hygiene, and it plays an important role in odor control too. A dirty dog is often a smelly dog, after all!
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair, dirt, and dander that can contribute to skin problems and their associated smells. Giulia recommends Earth Rated No Rinse Shampoo for in-between grooming sessions if your dog is particularly smelly.
For deodorizing between baths, consider Earth Rated’s deodorizing spray.
Additionally, for dogs affected by allergies, you can use Earth Rated’s hypoallergenic grooming wipes to quickly remove the allergens from your dog’s coat and paws after they come in from a walk. Try the lavender-scented version for an extra boost of freshness.
Don’t forget about your dog’s teeth, too! Dogs need regular dental cleanings, just like we do. If you notice a particularly troublesome smell coming from your dog’s mouth, it could be an underlying dental disorder, like an abscess or infected tooth. If this is the case, a trip to the vet is in order!
Bathing Tips
Bathing your dog regularly also helps eliminate odors and keeps their coat clean. “Depending on the dog breed, we usually suggest every 3-4 months,” explains Giulia.
If you need to bathe your dog more frequently, Giulia recommends using a conditioner to rehydrate the dog’s natural oils and avoid their skin drying out. Earth Rated’s line of dog shampoos include a conditioner within the formula making it much easier to clean and condition your dog’s coat in one go.
Discover our full range of grooming products to keep your dog clean and odor-free. From wipes to shampoos, we have everything you need. Explore Now!
Anal Gland Expression
If your dog’s fishy smell is being caused by their anal glands not expressing themselves naturally then you’ll need to take a trip to the vet. Your vet will be able to diagnose and treat what is causing the anal gland problem as well as express the glands manually.
In some cases, your vet may instruct you to express your dog’s anal glands at home. They will demonstrate how to do it first so you can learn what you need to do on your own. This demonstration is very important because when done incorrectly, anal glands can rupture and cause infections.
Typically, anal gland expression is done by gently applying pressure to the gland using the thumb and index finger. A small amount of fluid is released emptying the anal sac and releasing the built-up pressure.
Dietary Changes
Problems with anal gland expression can be due to loose stool not applying enough pressure onto the anal sacs to cause a secretion to happen.
If your dog’s stools are quite loose, you can consider increasing their fiber intake to produce a firmer stool.
Additionally, anal gland problems are commonly seen in overweight dogs. You may need to consider switching your dog to a different diet to help them lose weight.
Some dogs may smell fishy if they eat fish-based dog food. If your dog is on a fish-flavored diet, like salmon or cod, you can consider switching to a different flavor.
Medical Treatment
Anytime you notice a sudden change in smell, it’s always best to consult with your vet. Sudden bad smells are often signs of problems like ear infections, anal gland issues, or UTIs.
A vet can diagnose your dog and recommend the best medical treatment. When in doubt, it’s always best to get your dog checked out by a vet.
For dogs prone to ear infections, you can keep their ears clean with Earth Rated’s Ear Wipes to help remove dirt and grime.
3 Preventative Measures for Long-Term Freshness
1. Regular Vet Check-Ups
Regular vet check-ups are necessary to maintain your dog’s health. These check-ups help your vet catch problems early before they start causing issues like fishy smells. During these visits, your vet will examine your dog’s skin, ears, and anal glands to ensure everything is working properly.
2. Diet and Supplements
A balanced diet is also important for maintaining your dog’s overall health. What your dog eats can directly impact how they smell. So, if your vet gives your dog a clean bill of health but they are still stinky, it’s probably time to look at their diet!
“Usually a raw food diet is a good place to start or look for kibble that contains better meat quality,” explains Giulia.
Sometimes, supplements can be helpful for treating poor odors:
- Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can support digestive health and potentially reduce unpleasant odors. Many dog foods contain probiotics, but you can also purchase separate supplements.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats can improve skin and coat health, potentially reducing skin infections (and the smells that come with them).
- Fiber supplements: Speak to your vet about a fiber supplement e.g. Protexin ProFibre. This can improve the consistency of your dog’s stool to help with anal gland expression.
3. Environmental Cleanliness
Improving the cleanliness of your home can also help to remove bacteria, dirt, and allergens which often cause skin infections and smelly odors.
Here are a few places to focus your attention:
- Frequent cleaning: Regularly vacuum and mop your dog's favorite lounging areas. Bacteria can build up in these areas, leading to infections and smells. Pay close attention to anywhere that is damp, such as outdoor bedding, as yeast and bacteria prefer moist places.
- Wash bedding: Your dog’s bedding can be particularly troublesome. Be sure to wash blankets and anything else your dog lays on.
- Disinfect surfaces: Use pet-safe disinfectants to clean floors and anywhere else your dog has access to.
- Odor-eliminating products: Consider an enzymatic cleaner designed to break down odor-causing bacteria. These products are very effective at removing stubborn smells from carpets and upholstery. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can also greatly improve air quality by capturing allergens and odors.
Keeping your dog’s living area cleaner is an easy way to help eliminate odor-causing bacteria that may set up shop on your pup.
Final Thoughts
Often, a fishy smell emanating from your pup signals something is wrong. Anal gland issues, urinary infections, and skin problems can all cause your dog to smell like they’ve just got out of the sea. Treating this underlying health concern can eliminate the odor and prevent the issue from getting worse.
Regular grooming and bathing are essential for maintaining your dog's overall health and preventing odors. Say goodbye to fishy smells with our easy-to-use grooming wipes. Keep your dog clean and comfortable.
Shop Now
FAQs
How do I stop my dogs glands from smelling?
To stop your dog’s anal glands from smelling, you will need to express the glands manually with the help of a vet. Smelly anal glands are likely not emptying themselves properly. Anal glands that are over-filling and not expressing themselves when a dog poops can cause a foul smell.
What home remedy can I use to get rid of fishy smell in my dog?
Home remedies to get rid of the fishy smell from your dog include; expressing their anal glands manually and increasing the fiber in their diet through vegetables or a supplement. Improving their weight if they are overweight and improving their skin health by adding oil to their diet can also help.
