If there is one smell I can’t stand from my dog, it is a fishy smell. First, I thought the smell came from the dead fish my dog found somewhere in the trash.
Then I asked my partner to confirm the fishy odor. She confirmed the smell.
Then I dedicated my time to do some research about the smell. I discovered astounding information: the fish smell from a dog means there could be a health issue.
There are several health issues that your dog may suffer from; they include the following:
- Diabetes – When your dog has diabetes, it will stop producing insulin or other bodies’ needs. Then it may begin to smell like fish.
- Parasites – Different parasites typically affect dogs. Examples of parasites include tapeworms, hookworms, whip worms, and roundworms.
- Ear infections – Various diseases affect dogs; only your veterinarian will know how to diagnose and treat them.
- Autoimmune disease – Your dog may be suffering from Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis.
- Bacteria or yeast infections on your dog’s skin may also be enough to cause a foul smell in your dog.
- Kidney disease – Your dog may have a foul smell if it has kidney disease.
- Dandruff – Those flakes on your dog’s fur may not only be a sign that your dog needs a nutritional diet but also cause a foul fish smell.
Here are some of the reasons your dog may be having a repulsive fishy odor:
1. Bad Breath
One of the possible causes of a fishy smell is dental disease. When your dog suffers from a dental illness, it will typically have a foul odor. If your pet doesn’t receive routine dental check-ups, it is likely to have this problem.
2. Anal sacs
Anal glands, which other people can anal sacs, may also be the cause of your dog’s smell. Anal sacs are sweat glands that are responsible for foul-smelling secretion. For instance, when your dog poops, the anal sacs usually pass to feces. So if your dog has a health issue, it is likely to have a fishy smell.
How to solve this problem?
Don’t ignore the fishy smell from your dog. Contact your vet to take a look at your pup. Sometimes, a solution may quick and easy. For instance, a vet may have to empty the anal glands manually, which is straightforward. Some dog groomers can also manually express dogs. Or they can even teach you how to do this yourself. Keep this in mind, though: When you annually express the glands of your dogs too frequently, you cause inflammation.
Which home remedies can you use to get rid of your dog’s foul smell?
The best home remedy that you can use to treat your dog’s fishy smell is apple cider vinegar. It can act as a urinary system tonic and cleanser. Or even repel fleas, bacteria, and germs. Apple cider vinegar is also good at preventing indigestion and food poisoning. Some dog owners dab a bit of apple cider vinegar on dogs’ ears to treat ear infections.
Alternatively, you can also consider using baking soda or lemon juice. After using one of the above home remedies, you should consider washing your dog with a deodorizing shampoo.
If you find this helpful, you might also want to read why does your dog lick my feet.
