Imagine this. Your dog hops on the couch, tail wagging, eyes sparkling… and suddenly you’re hit with a smell that makes you wonder if they’ve been moonlighting at the fish market. That unmistakable fishy odor isn’t exactly what you signed up for when you brought home a furry best friend.
The truth? You’re not the only one catching whiffs of this mystery scent. Dogs have their quirks, and sometimes those quirks smell suspiciously like fish. The upside is that the reason behind it is usually fixable, once you know where it’s coming from.
So before you start questioning your pup’s dinner choices, stick around. This guide will peel back the “why” and give you easy fixes to keep cuddle time smelling sweet again.
Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish?
Anal Gland Problems (Most Common)
If your dog smells like fish, chances are high that the anal glands are to blame. These tiny sacs, tucked right next to your dog’s anus, act like a scent marker. Normally, they release a small amount of fluid each time your dog passes stool. But when the glands don’t empty on their own, things get messy and smelly.
Pet parents often notice the signs before they connect the dots. Scooting across the carpet, constant licking at the rear, or a dog that suddenly avoids sitting are all red flags. That fishy odor isn’t your imagination; it’s your dog’s way of saying something is off.
Some breeds, like French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas, are more prone to anal sac problems, but any dog can experience them.
If the glands become impacted or infected, the smell gets stronger, and your pup may be in real discomfort. At that point, a vet visit is the best move to relieve the pressure and prevent further issues.
Dental or Mouth Issues
Not every fishy smell comes from your dog’s rear end. Sometimes the real culprit is right under your nose. If your dog’s breath makes you pull back mid-cuddle, it could point to dental problems that are more common than you might think.
Bacteria build up in the mouth can turn rotting teeth, infected gums, or even stuck food into a fishy odor that lingers.
It is not just the smell. Dogs with poor oral hygiene may also drool more, drop food while eating, or paw at their face because of discomfort. You might even notice tartar building up on the teeth or swelling around the gums. These are all classic signs that something is wrong.
According to Cornell University , periodontal disease affects nearly 80 percent of dogs over the age of three, making it one of the most widespread health issues in canines.
Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Yorkshire Terriers are especially prone, and dogs with shorter muzzles, such as Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus, face extra risk because their teeth grow crowded together.
If your dog’s breath smells fishy, it is often a sign that dental cleaning or even a professional dental exam is overdue.
Skin Infections and Allergies
A fishy smell that seems to follow your dog around like a cloud might actually be coming from their skin. Yeast loves warm, hidden places, which is why paws, armpits, and skin folds become prime real estate for infections. Once it sets in, the odor is hard to miss, sharp, sour, and stubborn even after a bath.
What usually sets the stage is itching. Allergies push dogs to scratch, chew, or rub against anything in reach, breaking the skin just enough for yeast or bacteria to move in. Soon, you may notice greasy patches of fur, red irritated spots, or hair falling out in clumps. Those changes on the outside are a clue to what’s brewing underneath.
Dealing with these smells often takes more than a quick wash. Medicated shampoos can help, and in some cases, oral medications are needed to knock out yeast infections fully.
When the odor sticks around or sores appear, a vet checkup becomes essential. With the right skin diagnostics, you can finally pin down whether it’s yeast, bacteria, or allergies causing your dog’s fishy odor and get your pup feeling comfortable again.
Ear Infections
That constant head shake your dog does is not always about being goofy; it can be a cry for help. Ear infections are sneaky, and one of the biggest giveaways is the smell. Instead of the usual clean, doggy scent, you may catch a sharp, sour odor that feels out of place.
Breeds with heavy, floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels and Beagles, are especially prone. Their ear flaps trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect spot for yeast or bacteria to settle in. Once infection takes hold, scratching and tilting the head become daily routines, and the odor only grows stronger.
Unlike a dirty paw that you can rinse at home, infected ears need proper care. Cleaning helps, but most dogs require medicated drops or vet-prescribed treatments to fully clear the problem. Getting ahead of it not only removes the smell but also saves your pup from the pain that comes with a deep ear infection.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
When a dog smells fishy, the source can sometimes be their urine. A urinary tract infection changes the scent, making it sharp, foul, or fish-like. Once it soaks into the fur near the dog’s anus or into bedding, that fishy odor is hard to miss.
Dog parents often notice bathroom habits shifting first. A pup with a UTI may strain, pee in small amounts, or leave puddles indoors, even if they are house trained. Along with frequent urination, some dogs show other symptoms like licking excessively at the area or acting restless after peeing.
Strong ammonia or fishy smell on the dog’s stool or bedding often confirms that something more than a simple accident is happening.
UTIs are uncomfortable and can lead to bigger issues like kidney disease if ignored. A vet visit and proper treatment usually resolve the infection quickly.
Diet and Digestion
Not every fishy smell points to illness. Sometimes it comes straight from the dinner bowl. Dogs who regularly eat fish-based kibble or treats often carry that scent in their breath or even on their skin. For some pups, the odor fades quickly, but others hold onto that dog’s fishy smell long after mealtime.
Diet can also influence how digestion works. Poor-quality food or hidden sensitivities may upset the stomach, leading to soft stool, bad breath, or gas that makes the whole room smell like fish. Dog parents often overlook this link, but what goes into your dog’s mouth eventually affects how their body smells on the outside.
If meals seem to trigger a stronger odor, it may be time for a diet review. Switching to a limited-ingredient formula or avoiding fish-based options can reduce the fishy odor and improve your dog’s overall health.
Rolling in Gross Things
Some dogs fetch balls, others fetch smells; the stinkier, the better. Rolling in fish remains, trash, or who-knows-what isn’t bad manners in their mind; it’s a hobby. Think of it as your pup’s idea of “eau de garbage.”
The problem for dog parents is that this perfume lasts. Fishy odor clings to fur and works its way into the dog’s skin oils, which means a quick shake won’t make it vanish. By the time you’ve buckled them into the car, that dog smells like fish, and the aroma has already spread to the seats.
The only way to win this smelly game is speed. Rinsing right after the roll or wiping your dog down keeps the odor from setting in. Wait too long, and you’ll be living with a pet who smells more like a fish market than a cuddle buddy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminate the Fishy Smell
Step 1: Identify the Source of the Odor
Before you can fix the fishy smell, you need to play detective. Start with the usual suspects: the mouth, ears, butt, paws, and belly. A slow, gentle sniff around these areas will often give you the first clue.
Pay attention to your dog’s behavior. Scooting across the floor, licking at the rear, or scratching at the ears are classic red flags. Waxy buildup in the ears, greasy patches on the skin, or constant chewing at the paws can also point you in the right direction.
Notice when the smell shows up. If it’s stronger right after bathroom breaks, anal gland issues could be behind it. If the odor lingers around the mouth and your pup isn’t on a fish-based diet, dental issues may be the culprit. Writing down these patterns helps your vet (and you) get to the bottom of the problem faster.
Step 2: Clean the Rear Area with Gentle Grooming Wipes
Sometimes the fishy odor really does come from the back end, and no amount of air freshener will cover it. A quick, gentle clean after bathroom breaks can make a huge difference.
Instead of grabbing baby wipes from the cabinet, reach for wipes made specifically for dogs. Products like Pogi’s Grooming Wipes are designed with aloe vera and vitamin E, which soothe sensitive skin and keep the area fresh without irritation. Because they’re pH-balanced for pets, they won’t cause the redness or itching that baby wipes often do. They’re also safe enough to use every day, which gives dog parents peace of mind.
It’s tempting to overdo it with shampoo when odors show up, but frequent scrubbing isn’t great for your dog’s anal glands. Gentle wiping is far more effective and keeps your pup comfortable until a vet visit is needed. Think of it as small, consistent care that prevents the smell from turning into a bigger issue.
Step 3: Give a Full Bath Using Odor-Neutralizing Shampoo
When wiping isn’t enough and the fishy smell lingers, it’s time for a proper bath. Think of it as hitting the reset button on your dog’s coat. Using a deodorizing shampoo made for dogs helps neutralize tough odors instead of just masking them.
During bath time, focus on the zones where odor loves to hide under the tail, along the belly, between the armpits, and around the paws. These warm spots often trap moisture, which makes smells harder to shake.
Skip the human shampoos. While they might seem like an easy substitute, they upset the natural balance of a dog’s skin, which ranges between pH 5.5 and 7.5. That imbalance can lead to dryness, irritation, and even more odor.
After rinsing, dry your dog thoroughly. Damp fur creates a perfect breeding ground for yeast infections, and nothing undoes a good bath faster than a musty smell returning a few hours later. A fresh, dry coat is the best way to lock in that clean finish.
Step 4: Clean the Ears Carefully
When a dog smells fishy, the ears are often the last place pet parents think to check. Yet floppy or hairy ears trap wax and moisture, creating the perfect setup for yeast infections or bacterial infections. Once that buildup starts, a fishy odor can be stronger than anything coming from the dog’s anus or skin.
Keep things simple with a dog-safe ear cleaner and a cotton ball. Wipe away visible dirt and wax, but avoid digging into the canal. Q-tips can push debris deeper and cause damage. Cleaning the outer ear regularly helps prevent recurring anal sac problems from being mistaken for ear odor.
If the smell persists, or you notice red ears, discharge, or your dog scratching nonstop, an ear infection is likely. At that point, a vet visit is the only way forward. Proper drops or topical medications will clear up the infection and stop the dog’s fishy smell from returning.
Step 5: Brush the Teeth or Use Dental Chews
When a dog smells fishy, the problem can often be traced back to the mouth. Bad breath is more than just a nuisance; it may point to dental disease hiding below the surface. Rotting food stuck between the dog’s teeth, gum disease, or early tooth decay can all turn a healthy smile into a source of odor.
Brushing with dog-safe toothpaste is still the gold standard. Human pastes often contain xylitol, which is toxic to pets, so always stick to products designed for dogs. Finger brushes or enzymatic gels make the process easier, especially if your pup resists a full toothbrush.
Not every dog loves brushing, and that is where dental chews and water additives can step in. These alternatives help reduce plaque, freshen the dog’s breath, and slow down the buildup that leads to periodontal disease.
Step 6: Visit the Vet for Anal Gland Expression
Sometimes, no amount of wiping will tame that fishy odor because the problem runs deeper in your dog’s anal glands. When these little sacs get clogged or irritated, the smell clings no matter what you do at home.
This is where the pros step in. Vets and certified groomers know how to perform anal gland expression safely, without hurting your dog or making the issue worse. Trying it yourself without training is risky and usually ends with more mess than success.
For stubborn anal sac issues, the vet may recommend antibiotics to fight infection or, in rare cases, minor surgery. The upside? Once those glands are handled properly, the dog’s fishy odor disappears, and your pup is back to feeling (and smelling) like themselves again.
Step 7: Evaluate Diet and Health
What goes into the bowl often shows up in the way your dog smells. Meals heavy in fish-based food or treats rich in fish oils can leave behind a lingering odor on the coat and in the dog’s breath. It is not always a problem, but when that dog smells fishy every day, it is worth taking a closer look at the menu.
A simple switch in protein can make a big difference. Trying chicken, lamb, or even limited-ingredient formulas can reduce odor while still keeping nutrition balanced. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, probiotics or digestive enzymes can help the gut process food more smoothly, improving the smell of the dog’s stool and keeping digestion on track.
Over time, the right dog’s diet does more than mask odors. It supports skin health, prevents recurring anal sac issues, and helps keep the body balanced. A well-fed dog is usually a healthier, fresher-smelling dog, which makes every cuddle more enjoyable.
Tips to Prevent Future Odor Problems
Regular Grooming and Hygiene Habits
Odor control starts before the smell even shows up. A few minutes of brushing each week loosens dirt and spreads the coat’s natural oils, making it harder for musty odors to build in the first place.
Daily touch-ups make a big difference, too. Pogi’s Grooming Wipes can be used right after a walk to swipe away mud on paws, clean the belly where grass brushes against, or freshen up the tail after bathroom breaks. Small habits like this stop smells from settling in.
The things your dog sleeps on or wears can be just as smelly as the dog itself. Washing bedding, collars, and favorite toys on a regular schedule keeps the whole environment clean, so odors do not sneak back in once your pup is fresh.
Oral Care Routine
Fishy odors often start in the dog’s mouth, which makes dental care one of the best defenses. Brushing your dog’s teeth two or three times a week helps prevent tartar, tooth decay, and gum disease, all common causes of bad breath and a fishy smell.
For dogs that resist brushing, VOHC-approved chews are a great backup. These chews are designed to scrape away buildup while freshening the dog’s breath smell. You can explore the full list of approved products directly on the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s site .
Even with at-home care, nothing replaces a professional touch. Once dogs reach two years of age, an annual dental cleaning at the vet helps keep the mouth healthy long-term. This routine not only protects against serious dental disease but also keeps cuddles from being interrupted by foul odors.
Ear and Skin Maintenance
Water that lingers is one of the easiest ways for smells to creep in. After a bath or swim, take a towel and gently dry inside and around the ears. Dogs with floppy ears, like Beagles or Spaniels, are especially prone to ear infections when moisture is left behind, and that can quickly create a strong fishy odor.
Skin needs the same kind of attention. In breeds with folds or thick coats, oils and dirt get trapped in hidden spots. This is where yeast infections or bacterial infections often begin. A quick wipe through the creases or a bath with medicated shampoos, if your vet suggests it, keeps the dog’s skin fresh and less likely to smell.
Making these simple habits part of your routine not only prevents odor but also protects your dog from bigger health problems later on.
Regular Vet Checkups
Routine vet checkups are one of the simplest ways to stay ahead of odor problems. An annual exam can reveal urinary tract infections, dental disease, or anal gland issues before they turn into a persistent dog’s fishy odor.
You can make these visits even more useful by keeping notes at home. Write down when the odor appears, whether it happens after bathroom breaks, meals, or playtime. These details help the vet identify patterns and find the right solution faster.
Consistent checkups combined with your own observations give your dog the best chance at staying healthy and smelling fresh throughout the year.
A Clean Dog is a Happy Dog
A pup that smells like fish may make you wrinkle your nose, but it rarely means disaster. Odors are your dog’s way of signaling that something needs attention, whether it is diet, teeth, ears, or those infamous anal glands. With the right mix of care at home and regular vet support, you can tackle the smell before it takes over your couch and car.
The easiest wins often come from small, consistent habits. A quick wipe after walks, a brush before bed, and the occasional bath can go a long way in keeping your dog comfortable and your home fresh. That is where Pogi’s Grooming Wipes fit in perfectly. Gentle, eco-friendly, and safe for daily use, they make odor control as simple as a swipe.
So stay observant, trust your nose, and remember that every cleanup is a little act of love. Your dog gets to stay happy and healthy, and you get the cuddles without the fishy surprise.
Keep the snuggles sweet. Stock up on Pogi’s Grooming Wipes today and make freshness part of your routine.
FAQs
Why does my female dog suddenly smell like fish?
When a female dog smells fishy, the most common reason is anal gland issues. The dog’s anal sacs can become full, impacted, or even infected, releasing a fishy odor that clings to the fur. In some cases, a female dog smells fishy due to urinary tract infections or even a vaginal infection. Because these problems often share similar symptoms, a vet visit is the best way to confirm whether it is related to anal sac disease, bacterial infections, or another health concern.
How can I tell if my dog has impacted anal glands?
Dogs with impacted anal glands usually show signs that are hard to miss. Scooting across the floor, licking the dog’s anus excessively, or showing discomfort while sitting are red flags. You may also notice a strong fishy odor coming from the rear end. Anal sac problems often cause swelling, pain, or soft stool that does not fully empty the glands. If your dog smells fishy and keeps displaying these behaviors, a vet should check for anal sac issues before they progress into anal sac disease or infection.
Can I use baby wipes instead of dog wipes to clean my dog's rear?
Pet parents often reach for baby wipes out of convenience, but they are not ideal for dogs. Baby wipes can disrupt the pH balance of a dog’s skin and cause irritation around sensitive areas like the anus. Dog-specific grooming wipes, such as Pogi’s Grooming Wipes, are safer because they are alcohol-free, hypoallergenic, and designed for daily use. They remove dirt and fishy odor without harming the dog’s anal glands or skin. Using wipes made for dogs is the best way to keep your pup clean and comfortable.
Do fish-based dog foods make dogs smell fishy?
Yes, a fish-based diet or treats containing fish oils can make a dog’s breath and coat smell fishy. While fish provides healthy proteins and fatty acids, the odor sometimes lingers in the dog’s stool, mouth, or skin. For dogs that smell like fish regularly, switching to chicken, lamb, or a limited-ingredient formula may reduce the odor. Digestive enzymes and probiotics can also support better digestion, making the dog’s diet less likely to contribute to unpleasant smells. Always review your dog’s diet with your vet if odors persist.
How often should I clean my dog’s anal area to prevent odors?
Cleaning your dog’s anal area after bathroom breaks can help prevent odors from lingering. Gentle wiping with dog-safe grooming wipes is better than frequent shampooing, which can irritate the dog’s anal sacs. Over-cleaning may dry out sensitive skin, so pet parents should aim for balance. If your dog smells fishy despite regular cleaning, it could signal impacted anal glands or anal sac issues that need veterinary care. Consistent hygiene paired with routine vet checkups is the best way to keep your pup fresh and odor-free.
When should I take my dog to the vet for a persistent odor?
If your dog’s fishy odor does not improve with regular cleaning, it is time for a vet visit. Persistent smells can point to anal sac disease, impacted anal glands, yeast infections, dental disease, or urinary tract infections. Other symptoms such as excessive licking, scooting, or soft stool should not be ignored. A vet can identify whether the problem is related to anal gland expression, skin infections, or even kidney disease. Addressing the cause early prevents discomfort and keeps your dog’s fishy odor from becoming a long-term issue.
