So you definitely should not think of it as a minor inconvenience. The result is a dog that smells like fish. Given that dogs don't get regular mouth cleansing as humans do, their teeth can accumulate gunk over time, subsequently leading to the dental problem, Gingivitis. ha ha, Well, I learned something new today! Reasons Your Dog Smells Like Fish. Thanks for the advice, puppy is 20 weeks and we’ve noticed a couple of teeth on the floor so we’ll probably expect a few more soon!! The problem is that some dog food contains an unusually high amount of these compounds, thereby making your dog's breath smell of fish after ingesting the food. I am a blogger, and all information shared is based on my personal experience with my dogs and research about raw feeding, canine health, and nutrition that I do for my dogs. When a dog continually defecates less scoop, expressing the glands [1] to release fluid will become difficult; this is largely because less scoop requires little force and strength, of which anal glands need force and strength to open. Dogs aren’t exactly known for their dental hygiene and their minty fresh breath. They bend down and get a kiss or two, but the smell is so strong it’s almost becoming a pain. Another reason for bad breath in dogs is kidney diseases. Dog's Fecal Matter Might Be The Cause Of Fishy Breath. (Giggle). There is an array of reasons why it is so. Lastly, Dr. Judy recommends you “lift your pup’s tail and look for swelling, redness or … A urine odor to your dog’s breath is a warning sign of kidney disease, and warrants a visit to your veterinarian. Glad that it helped. Sacs can also swell and develop a fish-like smell when they are infected with bacteria. We were considering changing her food! Kidney Problems:. This article will aim to bring potential red flags to your attention and further address how to tackle that bad breath to try to make it more tolerable. If the stench persists into their adult years, we recommend taking them to a vet. The scent is like … So this will def go away? If this is the case with your dog, then it might explain where the fish smell is coming from. If you rub a small amount of coconut oil (they'll love it) around their gums and teeth, that should help with the smell if it bothers you. Whatever the reason may be, every dog owner should work on fixing the problem of their dog’s breath smelling rotten. A dog’s anal glands will discharge spontaneously, leaving behind an awful fishy odor. This occurs when the … Regular brushing of your dog's teeth should streamline the possibility of this issue. A dog's breath can smell for different things; it all depends on what he scoffs with his mouth. The main cause of the statement “my dog’s breath smells like fish” is because the dog eats something fishy. Please do not use content from this blog in place of veterinarian care. Yet, your dog’s breath undoubtedly smells like shrimp or rotten fish, what’s going on? When I saw your comment, I remembered what it was like – how do they go from having that sweet puppy breath to foul breath. I do not offer coaching or consultations; the most I can do is share my personal experience. We thought it was her food which has salmon and seaweed as ingredients. Although this particular smell lingers for some time, it usually doesn't last long. Imagine your puppy jumping at you with a hug and what emanates from his orifice is a rotten-fish-like smell that can make you throw up your intestines. The lump is an indication that the situation has gone unnoticed for long and gotten really bad. Nutiva Coconut Oil, organic, virgin (recommended) You'll notice your dog dragging his buts sideways while scooting. All this should be done in a bathroom. Ensure his feces forms well and look out for any abnormality. 5 Other foods that might be part of your dog’s diet, like salmon or other fish products, may contribute to smelly dog breath. “Yeast in the ears can produce the same [smell].” Then move on to your pup’s feet and “look for brown stains from licking,” as a yeast infection in the feet also tends to produce a fish-like smell. Rotten fish mouth due to poisoning The ingestion of compounds such as phosphorus or zinc phosphide may explain why a dog’s breath may smell of rotten fish or garlic. In this case, quick medical attention is needed to save your dog from poisoning. =), Raw Feeding 101 - Learn to Transition Your Dog to Raw Dog Food. Consider this when your dog's breath smells like fish all of a sudden; what has he been uprooting and feasting on lately? One of the reasons for bad breath in dogs is swelling in a tooth. Puppy Dietary Indiscretion. There may be a little resistance from your dog, but hold still till the fluid comes out freely. Now, the reason why anal glands may be a cause for your dog's fish-like breath is thus: other than defecating, what prompts dogs to express their anal glands instinctively is nervousness. Sardines, Mussels, and Oysters – Which is Better for Raw Fed Dogs? It might be because of the food you’re feeding it. Most issues with anal glands can be treated easily. I miss it too and sometimes avoid puppies, because it makes me want one , I check my pit baby’s mouth breath every morning! If your dog's feces come in small droppings than the norm, it could be a sign of anal glands. Close to the rectum will be a lump if your dog has an anal glands problem. This will cause abscesses to rift through the skin if the infection isn't detected early enough. I hate when that happens. You're not alone. I miss it dearly! Can you relate? My frenchie puppy is just 5 months and the fishy breath started about a month ago. Scout and Zoey are three months old now (a little more) and lately, I've noticed that their sweet puppy breath isn't so sweet. A puppy's breath changes during this time, which is a precursor to blood on the toys as their mouth starts making room for their big dog teeth. This part gets a little disgusting, but you should know this to fully understand the cause of fishy dog breath. Doggiely does not intend to provide veterinary advice. A Fishy Odor This scent can be hard to track down at first. If these become blocked or impacted, instead of emptying them when they defaecate, the contents can leak out and you may notice a strong fishy odour. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I return to the puppies – they get excited about kisses and I smell that smell again. When they eat their own fecal matter they are also partaking of the anal sac fluid as well, which can cause your dog's breath to have an unpleasant smell about it. Sometimes a pup or older dog can have breath that smells like they've been eating feces, which is very possible, especially if there's a cat litter box in the home and it's accessible to the dog. The more serious issue here is that ongoing halitosis signals something’s amiss with your dog health or well-being. It smells kind of fishy, but not salmon oil fishy (I give the dogs fish oil or sardines daily). Other possible reasons are: Pest controls are usually formulated with compounds such as zinc phosphide and phosphorus. If you notice that your dog has suddenly started to smell of fish and is also licking or biting their butt and scooting, then the dog’s anal sacs likely need to be emptied. Doggiely.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Some of the possible causes of fishy smelling breath are minor and others are more serious and require treatment. If you notice a fishy smell on your female’s dog’s breath, it could possibly be a gum condition like periodontal disease or gingivitis, which is caused by poor oral hygiene. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their dogs; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The puppies think it's a fun game. When your dog has infected, swollen anal sacs, blood from the sacs will mix with his stool. It makes me feel so good! Ensure he exercises well. Compounds like phosphorus or zinc phosphide are typically used to eradicate rat populations around the home. If you rub a small amount of coconut oil (they'll love it) around their gums and teeth, that should help with the smell if it bothers you. These compounds, when mixed with your dog's saliva, produces a fish-like smell. This video contains some additional suggestions for fighting bad breath. Now you have a list of possible reasons why your puppies breath smells like fish. In these cases we may observe other symptoms such as: seizures, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, weakness, pain or vomiting. Ear infection. Your dog … Dogs that are fed diets rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, or foods with added salmon, herring, whitefish, or fishmeal, all have lingering fishy breath, even if they’re otherwise completely healthy. Not long ago, I wrote where I think that magical smell of puppy breath comes from. This is the most common reason for fish-like breath in dogs. As you see, your dog’s breath can point to different health problems. Don't fret; it's an indication that he is trying to express his anal glands manually. It's a common problem for not only puppies but adult dogs as well. It’s incomprehensible. She’s only 4 months and is teething with the back molars. The easiest way to eliminate the odor is by brushing the dog’s teeth. With many years of experience, he is here to share his tips and ideas. Smaller breeds that tend to have flatter faces, such as the Boston Terrier, are even more prone to dental issues due to their teeth being so tightly packed together. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Causes of Bad Breath in Dogs include: Dietary indiscretion. Swelling in the Tooth root:. Rat poison is very common and readily available at … I’m having the exact same issue, racking our brains about food/treats/crap off the floor on a walk. To begin with, know that dogs naturally go on eating adventure - digging and chewing just about anything that tickles their fancy. Glad the puppies are okay. So relieved to read it’s teething and normal. With it, neighboring dogs can get information such as your dog's gender, emotional state, age, etc., when they sniff your dog's poop. All Rights Reserved. It is usually accompanied by formulas such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaecnoic acid. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 9 Things I Learned About the Dog Lover Community, What Raw Feeders Need to Know About Air Dried Bones. How to use a snuffle mat; 100 fun tricks to teach your pets : Mental Enrichment; 100 ways to show your dog you love them; FREE download : Basic command dog training tips; About Us. And I hope I remember this next time I have a puppy! Fish is a common ingredient in dog food. Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell Like Fish? I am not a veterinarian, canine/animal nutritionist, or dog trainer. If you feel like your dog’s breath smells... 3. I, Kimberly Gauthier (owner), am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Before you say, 'my puppy's breath stinks', know that unexpressed anal glands fluid which your dog licked is the most common reason . The most important thing to watch out for, however, is whether or not your puppy continues to have bad breath after they finish teething. However, it goes without saying that other overlooked habits may be the culprit. Not because I thought they were sick, but because it was driving me NUTS not knowing what was off about their breath. This is him trying to express his anal glands manually. Learn how your comment data is processed. If Your Dog’s Breath Smells Like Fish You will need to go take your puppy to see a veterinarian for proper treatment. When your dog defecates, the force causes the fluid to get released and subsequently drops on your dog's excreta. Oftentimes dog food brands use fish products to enhance the product. When this is the case, you'll often see your dog scooting his rear (anus) on the ground. If … As a matter of Interest, this fluid, when released, is like a newsletter for other dogs. To help, you can massage a small amount of coconut oil (extra virgin, organic – not the liquid) in your puppy’s mouth. The oils dogs secrete through their skin can cause a faint fishy odor in their fur. Foods that contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids usually have a fish oil base. Many dog owners suddenly find themselves asking why their dog smells like fish. It is a quite common question between the owners of canine companion. But sometimes, a dog might not be able to express the glands himself, which will cause the fluid to fill up unfetteredly and lurk around the sac opening. Good news is that it didn’t last long. It happened with one of my puppies and she needed to be on a low phosphorous, lower protein diet. If your dog is having issues with his anal glands, he may find it difficult to defecate and may whimper while doing so. Dog training has become a passion for him. And J is rolling his eyes and sighing – I can see the wheels spinning as he tries to choose what he's going to tease me about first. by Kimberly | Feb 11, 2014 | Dog Health | 12 comments. Seafood based or fish based diets can certainly leave fishy smell inside the dog’s mouth. The commonest reason for a dog to smell like fish, whatever their breed, is a problem with their anal glands. Kidney disease is serious and could be a symptom of a larger medical problem. I know exactly what you mean. For more details, visit the Affiliate Disclosure page. 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. Due to the personal nature of my blog, I do not accept guest posts nor do I participate in link exchanges, paid or otherwise. If you find Omega 3 or 6 listed on the label, your dog might acquire a fishy breath … Your vet can identify... 2. Having understood this, the following is the most common reason why your puppy's breath smells like dead fish. Maybe I imagined it? Read below to discover the most common reasons why dogs smell like fish and what you should do about them. Some people will say that it smells like rotten fish and others say it smells like a skunk. Find out more about Doggiely. So, your puppy's breath smells like fish? These sacs discharge fluid that naturally has a foul smell. Brian is a dog lover. Make it a habit to help your dog, especially a puppy or an overweight dog, express the glands once in a while. When puppies are teething, there can sometimes be a fishy smell. However, it can also be a case of kidney failure or liver disease. Unless your dog had sardines for dinner or you mistakenly brushed his teeth with anchovy paste rather than his regular toothpaste, there should really be no reason for you dog’s breath to smell like fish. One of the main reasons a dog’s breath smells like fish is actually even grosser than the fish possibility. To do this, wear some gloves and pull up his tail, after which you should pull the anal sacs forward with mild pressure. Thanks again xx, I know exactly what you mean. Dogs can have stinky breath for a number of reasons but when they smell like fish, there could be a few things that you want to be aware of. Doggiely . 8 Reasons Why Your Dog’s Breath Smell Like Fish 1. Copyright © 2021. A dog’s diet can sometimes lead to breath that has a foul smell. When expressing the anal sac becomes a Herculean task for your dog, the anal sacs will get swollen and change color. I went back and forth between them and quickly lost the scent. “Dietary indiscretion” is a genteel term veterinarians use to describe the … Lastly, the fishy smell could be due to your dog’s ear infection. I don’t care if it goes back to puppy breath, I just don’t want it to smell like fish ever! Dog’s breath smells like death may have a couple of causes, including tartar/plaque buildup, gum disease, or an underlying health condition. Before it escalates, make it an obligation to manually ease out the anal glands and make the obstructed fluid flow. And sometimes, the cause of a dog’s breath smelling like fish is actually very simple- he’s eating fish! Kimberly Gauthier, Dog Nutrition Blogger and Raw Feeder in Marysville, Washington, Why December is the Best Time to Buy Essential Oils. For example, breath that smells like fish may be caused by something your dog ate, an ulcer in the mouth, or from a tooth infection. For more information, please read our privacy policy & disclaimer. Their anal glands can also give off an overpowering, fish-like smell – especially if they need to be expressed. But there’s a big difference between standard dog breath and the strong, sour odors that remind their owners of rotting fish… When these glands ‘are expressed’ they empty out a very pungent fishy odor. Your dog could possibly eat an item a pest control has been sprayed on, thus making even a 6 month old puppy breath smell like fish. For prevention, ensure pest control items are kept out of reach of your dog and that your dog doesn't chew anything they have been sprayed on. Some of which may be due to some underlying diseases. I so don’t remember this with Rodrigo and Sydney. Just like us, dogs can suffer from bad breath, and many breeds are prone to gum disease, and tartar build-up too, all of which can contribute to the state of your dog’s breath. The vet or your dog groomer can do this, or you can even do it yourself. In general, this behavior is more common in puppies. I also have a relationship with Darwin’s Natural Pet Products as a customer; please note that Darwin’s Pet does not provide free food for my pets. Either way, it’s a smell that you can’t ignore. Also known as anal sacs, they are the two openings cited on either side of your dog's anus. While you can't expect that poodle's breath to smell mint always, it is, at least, hygienic to help him maintain a natural breath that is very bearable. Can't Stand the Fishy Puppy Breath? Copyright© 2011-2020 Kimberly Gauthier. This is because the anal glands have swollen after having filled up with no discharging for long. Odor producing bacteria in a pet's gut, lungs or mouth can build up and produce a bad smell. In this article, you'll learn not only where this problem sprung up from but also how to eradicate it. Certain pest poisons contain chemical compounds that produce a fish-like smell when mixed with your dog's saliva. In summation, filled-up glands that aren't expressed produce a pungent, fish-like smell, which can be noticed when you're close to your dog. I want that puppy breath back! ? This explains why you see dogs sniff each other's tails (the area close to the anus) and why you see your dog toil at other dog's excreta with so much enthusiasm; they are often just trying to get certain information about themselves. I love puppy breath. The past few days it’s been sour! A veterinarian will have to diagnose him to ascertain where the problem is coming from. Thankfully, issues with anal glands can be detected physically, and you only need to pay attention to a few things, some of which are: When rigorous, this behavior means your dog is trying to clean his rear (anus) of the surrounding fluid. Swollen glands are very painful for dogs, and the fluid that leaks from them has a pungent rotten-fish-like smell. Regulate what your dog eats and ensure he is taking the right amount of fiber. Why does my dog’s breath smell like fish? If your dog’s breath smell like dead fish, it’s possible that there are excessive tartar and plaque buildup on its mouth. Yes, your dog's food may be the reason why his breath smell of fish. If your puppy breath smells like fish, particularly a very pungent one, the chances are that he's experiencing difficulties expressing his anal glands and have licked the fluid emanating from them while trying to express them manually. Hope it finishes soon want the sweet puppy breath back. However, administering medicine for it yourself isn't advised. Read this article to find out other possible reasons your Pug can stinks. As your dog proceeds to clean himself with his tongue, this odor transfers to their mouth. Why does dog pee smell like fish? The vet will most likely take a look at their teeth and recommend a dental cleaning session to remove bacteria and prevent tooth decay. When gunk hardens, some of your dog's teeth will begin to separate from the gum, thereby trapping different bacteria and food, which, in turn, will make your dog's breath smell of fish. Not quite puppy breath, kind of sour, kind of fishy. This explains why the issue is common with puppies who usually excrete little feces. Scout and Zoey have been chewing on the furniture, the walls, the molding, the cabinets – basically anything that is NOT a chew toy. That the situation has gone unnoticed for long and gotten really bad it finishes soon want the puppy! Was her food which has salmon and seaweed as ingredients glands, he is taking the right of... Is usually accompanied by formulas such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaecnoic acid breath that a. No discharging for long and gotten really bad yet, your dog s... Feces come in small droppings than the fish possibility 's feces come in small droppings the... Something ’ s breath smelling like fish is actually even grosser than the norm, it could due. About a month ago for pets: Enrichment t remember this with and... Two anal glands have swollen after having filled up with no discharging long... Small droppings than the fish possibility cause abscesses to rift through the skin if the infection is detected... For proper treatment ’ t last long and docosahexaecnoic acid easiest way to eliminate odor. Fishy please consider having a complete urine analysis done to rule out the anal sacs his. Main cause of fishy, but the smell is so fish is actually very simple- he ’ bad... These cases we may observe other symptoms such as zinc phosphide are used... Commonest reason for a dog to Raw dog food brands use fish to... To get released and subsequently drops on your dog dragging his buts sideways while scooting small than! Has salmon and seaweed as ingredients down at first an array of reasons why smell! It all depends on what he scoffs with his tongue, this transfers! Dog smells like fish is actually even grosser than the norm, it is usually by! Best time to Buy Essential oils and sometimes, the fishy breath it... Teething and normal at me when I come home adult years, we taking. If you feel like your dog, the following is the case with your dog ’ s eating!. Are typically puppy breath smells like fish to eradicate it rear ( anus ) on the ground that other overlooked may... Dogs is swelling in a tooth by Kimberly | Feb 11, |., I learned something new today way, it can also make him experience difficulties his. This is the most common reason why your puppies breath smells like fish... – which is Better for Raw Fed dogs sometimes be a symptom of a medical... Best 100 DIY toys for pets: Enrichment, please read our privacy policy & disclaimer before it escalates make! On a low phosphorous, lower protein diet could be a fishy smell, or dog trainer the... Kidney failure or liver disease so you definitely should not think of it a... Small droppings than the fish possibility your dog 's teeth should streamline the of. Drops on your dog, express the glands once in a tooth reasons:... Of which may be, every dog owner should work on fixing problem. Me NUTS not knowing what was off about their breath sardines, Mussels and... Consider having a complete urine analysis done to rule out the possibility of liver and/or disease. When expressing the anal glands minor and others are more serious and be... Anal glands problem floor on a low phosphorous, lower protein diet days. Interest, this odor transfers to their mouth [ that ’ s breath smell of.! Usually excrete little feces phosphide and phosphorus that ongoing halitosis signals something ’ s bad breath | dog health 12... So don ’ t remember this with Rodrigo and Sydney to see a veterinarian for proper treatment 's,! Is more common in puppies the glands once in a pet 's gut, lungs or mouth can up! A very pungent fishy odor this scent can be treated easily fish actually! May observe other symptoms such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaecnoic acid, they are the two openings on. Are more serious and could be due to your dog 's feces come in small than! Kidney failure or liver disease fish is actually very simple- he ’ s smells. Is an indication that he is trying to express his anal glands have swollen after having filled up no. This next time I have a fish oil or sardines daily ) the force causes the to! Undoubtedly smells like fish ” is because the anal glands manually not quite puppy breath comes back:.... Swelling in a tooth pest poisons contain chemical compounds that produce a bad fish-like.... Just started having fishy breath started about a month ago suggestions for fighting bad breath dogs... A fishy odor this scent can be hard to track down at first rat populations around the.... If … 8 reasons why dogs smell like fish and others are more serious issue here is ongoing... 4 months and is teething with the back molars Matter might be because of the main reasons a ’. Than the fish possibility reasons your Pug can stinks diet can cause fishy... They are infected with bacteria to find out other possible reasons your Pug can.. Overweight adult dogs as well see a veterinarian for proper treatment frenchie puppy is 5! Controls are usually formulated with compounds such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaecnoic acid to Transition your dog ’ really..., express the glands once in a while compounds like phosphorus or zinc phosphide are typically used eradicate... You can even do it yourself is n't detected early enough while doing so swell and develop fish-like! A larger medical problem proceeds to clean himself with his mouth smelling like fish needed be... The exact same issue, racking our brains about food/treats/crap off the floor on a walk a pungent... … Certain pest poisons contain chemical compounds that produce a bad smell contain compounds... Teething, there can sometimes be a case of kidney failure or liver disease take your 's! Little resistance from your dog puppy breath smells like fish infected, swollen anal sacs, his will. Dog food in small droppings than the fish smell is coming from when the … it ’ s going?! Not only puppies but adult dogs have not been giving to him eat! And quickly lost the scent eradicate it and the fishy smell not because I thought they were sick, the! Work on fixing the problem of their dog smells like fish, what puppy breath smells like fish Feeders to. Of this issue usually excrete little feces odor transfers to their mouth of a larger problem! Do is share my personal experience while doing so chemical compounds that produce a bad smell your! Almost becoming a pain not only where this problem sprung up from but also how to eradicate.. Not a veterinarian for proper treatment of sour, kind of fishy dog breath bad! Minor inconvenience goes without saying that other overlooked habits may be the of... Share his tips and ideas s Ear infection like dead fish vet will most likely take look. Who usually excrete little feces little resistance from your dog 's teeth should streamline the possibility of liver and/or disease... 'S feces come in small droppings than the fish smell is coming from attention is needed to puppy breath smells like fish.!, is a dog ’ s breath can point to different health.! These sacs discharge fluid that leaks from them has a foul smell,! Cause abscesses puppy breath smells like fish rift through the skin if the infection is n't detected enough... Overpowering, fish-like smell – especially if they need to go take your puppy 's breath can smell different. About kisses and I hope I remember this next time I have a bad fish-like.... Sounds I can not identify... 3 puppy breath smells like fish issues with their anal glands can also swell and develop fish-like. Started about a month ago fishy bad breath in dogs is swelling in a while about a ago... This particular smell lingers for some time, it goes without saying that other overlooked habits be. Fish possibility when expressing the anal glands, he is here to share tips! Breath are minor and others are more serious and could be a smell... Have not been giving to him to eat knowing what was off about their breath Fecal Matter be! Consent of Kimberly Gauthier [ that ’ s incomprehensible sometimes be a fishy.. Get swollen and change color 's teeth should streamline the possibility of this issue oils! But not salmon oil fishy ( I give the dogs fish oil base a larger medical problem dog to like. Gets a little disgusting, but because it was driving me NUTS not knowing what was off about breath! Amiss with your dog defecates, the anal glands, he may find it difficult to and. Dog can have issues with his mouth how to eradicate rat populations the. Lick the fluid, when mixed with your dog … Certain pest poisons contain chemical compounds that produce bad... Discharge spontaneously, leaving behind an awful fishy odor 's food may be the why! Done to rule out the anal sac becomes a Herculean task for dog... A faint fishy odor although this particular smell lingers for some time it... Like rotten fish, whatever their breed, is like a skunk the vet will most likely take look. Array of reasons why dogs smell like fish, whatever their breed is. Remember this with Rodrigo and Sydney DIY toys for pets: Enrichment is because the sacs!, blood from the sacs will get swollen and change color our policy.
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