Fishy Smell in Dogs: What It Means and How to Fix It
Tanisha Kumari | Nov 19, 2025, 15:45 IST
Fishy smell
( Image credit : Freepik )
Fishy odor in dogs is more than just unpleasant it’s a sign of medical or hygiene-related issues. Here it explores the most common causes including anal gland impaction, poor dental hygiene, skin and ear infections and dietary changes. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms early and consulting a veterinarian when home remedies fail.
Dogs come with full of surprises but a fishy smell is one that most pet parents dread. This odor is noticed when the dog comes close or from their bed. A fishy smell is strong and hard to ignore which means something inside a dog’s body needs attention.
If a dog smells fishy after a bath it is time to look deeper. The cause might be medical and treating it at home might not help. Understanding the root cause is the first step to solving the problem.
The most common reasons for a fishy smell in dogs are anal gland trouble. Dogs have two small sacs on both sides of their anus which releases a smelly fluid when they poop. In healthy dogs these glands empty on their own but sometimes they get full or blocked and that causes a strong fishy odor.
When this happens dogs drag their bottoms on the ground or lick their rear. A vet helps by cleaning or expressing the glands safely.
Poor
![Fishy smell from dogs]()
Bad smell also comes from a dog’s mouth when a dog’s teeth are dirty or their gums are infected.
Food stuck between teeth also rot and smell bad over time so regular brushing and dog-safe dental chews help prevent this. Ask the vet for dental cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria safely.
Always check for breath changes in dogs. Fishy breath points to dental disease or even problems in the kidneys or stomach.
Skin and Ear Infection Also Causes the Smell
![Dog's floppy ears]()
Fishy smell also comes from a dog’s skin or ears. Moist areas like the folds of skin, armpits or ears that trap bacteria and yeast. These germs cause a bad smell that is described as fishy or sour.
Dogs with floppy ears or thick coats have more trouble with this. A dog who keeps scratch or shakes their head then an ear infection could be the reason. Bathing a dog with vet-approved shampoos and keeping the ears clean helps.
Food a dog eats can affect how it smells. Foods rich in fish oil or seafood cause a mild fishy odor especially if the dog sweats or licks itself after eating. This is not harmful but can be unpleasant.
Switching to a balanced diet help reduce the odor. Choose high-quality food and ensure your dog drinks enough water. A healthy diet keeps the skin, coat and mouth clean and fresh.
They recently changed your dog’s food and noticed the smell soon after try returning to the old diet and see if it helps.
When To See a Vet for a Fishy Smell
When the fishy smell stays after cleaning too then it is time to see the vet. The smell might come from an infection, blocked glands or problems in the urinary or digestive tract. Vet checks dog’s anal glands, teeth, ears and skin.
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If a dog smells fishy after a bath it is time to look deeper. The cause might be medical and treating it at home might not help. Understanding the root cause is the first step to solving the problem.
Anal Gland Issues
When this happens dogs drag their bottoms on the ground or lick their rear. A vet helps by cleaning or expressing the glands safely.
Poor Dental Health Cause Fishy Breath
Fishy smell from dogs
( Image credit : Freepik )
Bad smell also comes from a dog’s mouth when a dog’s teeth are dirty or their gums are infected.
Food stuck between teeth also rot and smell bad over time so regular brushing and dog-safe dental chews help prevent this. Ask the vet for dental cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria safely.
Always check for breath changes in dogs. Fishy breath points to dental disease or even problems in the kidneys or stomach.
Skin and Ear Infection Also Causes the Smell
Dog's floppy ears
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Fishy smell also comes from a dog’s skin or ears. Moist areas like the folds of skin, armpits or ears that trap bacteria and yeast. These germs cause a bad smell that is described as fishy or sour.
Dogs with floppy ears or thick coats have more trouble with this. A dog who keeps scratch or shakes their head then an ear infection could be the reason. Bathing a dog with vet-approved shampoos and keeping the ears clean helps.
Diet Change How a Dog Smells
Switching to a balanced diet help reduce the odor. Choose high-quality food and ensure your dog drinks enough water. A healthy diet keeps the skin, coat and mouth clean and fresh.
They recently changed your dog’s food and noticed the smell soon after try returning to the old diet and see if it helps.
When To See a Vet for a Fishy Smell
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!