Clubs Offering:
Dogs can smell like many things, depending on what they have most recently rolled in, but one of the more unpleasant aromas dogs commonly develop is one of fish.
If your dog smells like fish, it is probably not because he figured out how to spray himself with Eau de Sardine. A fishy odor is usually the result of secretions from the anal glands.
Anal glands, which are also called anal sacs, are small sacs located on either side of your dog’s anus. These sacs are full of specialized sweat glands that produce an unpleasant smelling secretion that acts as a scent marker for your dog. When your dog poops, these secretions pass onto the feces, letting other dogs know important chemical information about your dog. This explains why your dog is so interested in other dogs’ poop, not to mention the tail sniffing that goes on when two dogs meet.
Dogs also “express” their anal sacs when they are scared, which is perfectly normal, if a bit odorous. Anal gland secretions have a distinct smell that many people describe as fishy. If your dog smells like fish, chances are there may be something going on with their anal glands. Luckily, there are ways to deal address the smell.
Anal sac disease, which is a term used to describe problems with the anal glands, is very common, particularly among small dog breeds. The largest dog breeds are not usually affected.
Impactions
Normally, your dog’s anal glands are naturally expressed in small amounts each time she defecates. Sometimes, however, the anal sacs are not emptied completely of fluid, and the fluid becomes dry and causes impaction. Impacted anal sacs cannot express properly, which is very painful for your dog. The sacs feel hard to the touch, and when expressed manually by a veterinarian or other professional, produce a thin ribbon of pasty, brown material. If impacted anal glands aren’t treated, they can become abscessed.
Impactions can happen for several reasons. There could be an abnormality in your dog’s anal sacs, or your dog could have soft stool, which is not firm enough to express your dog’s anal glands when she defecates. Obese dogs are at an increased risk of impacted anal glands, as their sacs do not empty well.
Infections and Abscesses
Anal glands can also get infected, and in this case, they can also become abscessed if left untreated. Infected and abscessed anal sacs are very painful, and the area may appear discolored or swollen. If left untreated, these abscesses can rupture through the skin.
“Abscesses need prompt attention,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer. “They are painful and sometimes require surgery. The dog also usually needs antibiotics and pain medications.”
Anal Sac Tumors
Anal gland tumors limit your dog’s ability to express his anal glands himself, and they make the anal glands feel firm and enlarged. In most cases, anal sacs with tumors will not express at all, and your veterinarian may take a biopsy and perform an ultrasound to diagnose the problem.
There are other symptoms of anal sac disease besides a fishy smell. Dogs with irritated anal sacs may scoot on the floor, bite or lick at their anus, or have difficulty defecating. They may even vocalize when they defecate because it is painful. You might also feel a hard lump near the rectum, or notice blood and/or pus on your dog’s stool. Although scooting is a fairly common sign that may seem laughable, it is a helpful symptom and warning of anal sac disease. If you notice any of these signs, or any discoloration around the anus, call your veterinarian and get your dog in for evaluation.
There are certain conditions your dog may have that can increase the chances of anal sac disease. These include: being overweight or obese, food and environmental allergies, hypothyroidism, skin mites, and bacterial or yeast infections of the skin.
The bottom line: If your furry pal has a funky aroma, see a vet. “Sometimes pets smell differently than people and its all right because, well, theyre animals,” Tracey says. “But if you notice a strong and unusual odor or your pet has additional symptoms, your dog needs veterinary care.”
“Anytime your dog has a smell thats not normal, you should see your veterinarian,” Tracey says. If your vet doesnt find an oral or dental infection, the next step is a dental cleaning. Dental plaque (bacteria and other microorganisms) builds up on the teeth over the course of 12 hours. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, plaque hardens into tartar after three days and it encourages more bacteria to grow. At that point, routine brushing doesnt get rid of it. The only way to remove it is through professional cleaning.
To prevent tartar, many pet parents give their dogs dental chews. “Theyre helpful, but they dont take the place of brushing your dogs teeth once a day,” Tracey says. “Its like thinking you could eat carrots and get clean teeth. It helps to brush off some of the plaque, but its no match for daily brushing.”
The areas most prone to yeast infections include the paws, face, ears, genital area, and along the tummy. Signs that your dog may have a yeast infection in those locations include:
Sometimes the glands get so full its difficult to push the liquid out. The glands can also get infected. Canines may release the liquid when theyre stressed or scared, too. If theres something wrong with your dogs anal glands, you may also notice your pooch:
Fishy fragrance #3: Urinary tract infections
While anal gland problems are pretty common, they aren’t the only reason for a fishy aroma around a dog’s rear end. Perhaps instead you are asking yourself “Why does my dog’s pee smell like fish?” or “Why does my female dog smell like fish?”
Sometimes highly concentrated urine can be a bit strong smelling. But it does not usually spell a problem for your dog. On the other hand, urine that smells like fish can also point to a urinary tract infection (i.e. UTI in dogs) or a kidney infection (i.e. pyelonephritis in dogs). UTIs are more common in female dogs due to their shorter urethra. So a UTI could also be the explanation for a fishy-smelling female dog.
Especially if your dog is also urinating frequently, having urinary accidents, being a lethargic dog, or has bloody urine, you should make an appointment with your vet. Your dog may need antibiotics to combat the infection and keep his or her condition from worsening.
Fishy Smell coming from Dog, Squeezing Anal Glands
Why does my dog smell like fish? If you are pondering (or perhaps googling) this question, then you have come to the right place! Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby helps you get to the bottom of your dog’s fishy odor and gives you some solutions that aren’t fishy—and can help your dog smell less fishy too.
Depending on your dog’s sense of adventure and level of hygiene, he or she can exhibit any number of odd odors that may lead you to sniff and exclaim, “What did you get INTO?” But one particular scent can be an indication that your dog may need a visit to the veterinarian.
Specifically, I’m talking about your dog smelling like fish. If your dog didn’t just roll in a dead fish (that you know of…) then he or she might have one of these four issues we are about to talk about. So let’s dive right in!