🐕 Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? Common Causes and Fixes

Let’s face it—being a dog parent comes with its fair share of weird moments. Like when your pup randomly barks at a wall, eats a bug and acts proud about it, or does that mysterious circle-spin before plopping down to sleep. Cute? Yes. Quirky? Absolutely. But nothing quite prepares you for the day your dog starts smelling like they’ve just crawled out of a tuna can.

Seriously—what gives? One minute, they’re your sweet cuddle buddy. The next, they’re radiating an odor that could clear out a room.

And we’re not talking about regular dog smell (because let’s be honest, that has its own… “aroma”). We’re talking fishy. As in, “Did someone leave sardines in the sun?” levels of fishy.

Before you go spiraling down a rabbit hole of worst-case scenarios (been there), take a deep breath—preferably upwind—and know this: you’re not alone, and more importantly, it’s often fixable.

This isn’t just a random quirk. That fishy funk is your dog’s way of waving a big ol’ smelly flag saying, “Hey human, something’s up back here.” Whether it’s a medical issue, grooming problem, or something they ate (again)—we’re going to break it all down.

So, grab a lint roller (because you know fur is everywhere anyway), maybe light a candle, and let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what causes this stink, how to stop it, and when it’s time to call the vet.

This guide is your no-shame, judgment-free crash course in solving one of the most baffling—and honestly, stinkiest—mysteries of dog ownership.

Let’s sniff out the truth. 🕵️‍♂️🐾

🐾 First of All… Is This Normal?

Short answer? Sort of.

Long answer? It depends.

A faint odor here and there might not be a red flag. Dogs get into stuff. They roll in gross things. They lick weird areas. But if your pup suddenly smells like they’re packing a can of sardines in their pants (and they don’t even wear pants), it’s time to investigate.

The fishy smell could be harmless. Or it could be your dog’s way of saying: “Hey human, something’s up back here. Help a pup out?”

So let’s start with the number one suspect…

🚨 The Usual Suspect: Anal Glands

Ah yes. The glamorous world of dog ownership.

If you’ve never heard of anal glands before, welcome to the club no one wants to be in, but probably needs to be.

What Even Are Anal Glands?

Anal glands (also called anal sacs) are two small sacs located just inside your dog’s butt, at roughly the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. They naturally secrete a smelly, oily substance used for marking territory and canine communication. Think of it as your dog’s signature scent, like a perfume—but, you know, disgusting.

When everything’s working right, your dog expresses (aka empties) these glands naturally when they poop. But when they’re impacted or infected, the gross stuff builds up and starts leaking out—or worse, festering.

And yep, you guessed it: that’s where the fishy smell comes from.

Signs of Anal Gland Trouble

• Fishy or metallic odor from the rear end
• Scooting their butt across the floor like a maniac
• Excessive licking or biting near the tail or butt
• Swelling, redness, or even bleeding back there
• Reluctance to sit or discomfort when sitting

What You Can Do

• Get their glands expressed. A vet or groomer can do this. Some brave souls learn to do it at home (YouTube has tutorials… if you dare).
• High-fiber diet. It helps bulk up stool, which in turn helps express those glands naturally.
• Keep the rear end clean. Unscented wipes or dog-safe cleansing sprays work wonders.
• Regular check-ups. Especially if your dog is a repeat offender in the fish-smell department.

🐾 Pro Tip: Smaller dogs and certain breeds (like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Poodles) are more prone to anal gland issues.

😬 Okay, So What If It’s Not the Glands?

Good question. Anal glands steal the spotlight, but they’re not the only smelly culprits. Here are some other possibilities:

🦷 Dental Drama: Bad Breath or Something More?

Let’s not sugarcoat it—some dogs have rank breath. Like, curl-your-nose-up-and-die-a-little-inside kind of breath. But if it smells fishy specifically, there could be a few things going on.

Possible Causes:

• Dental Disease – Plaque, tartar, and gum disease can lead to bacteria overgrowth that smells like… yup, fish.
• Stuck food or debris – Rotten kibble, grass, or even a random object wedged in the teeth can rot and reek.
• Kidney issues – In some cases, bad breath mimicking a fishy smell can be a sign of organ trouble.

What You Can Do:

• Brush their teeth! (Daily if possible, using dog-safe toothpaste.)
• Use dental chews and treats.
• Schedule regular dental cleanings with the vet.
• Look for weird stuff stuck in their mouth (but don’t go poking too deep).

🚨 If the breath smells strong and metallic and your dog seems lethargic or won’t eat—call the vet. Could be serious.

🐕‍🦺 Skin Infections or Yeast Overgrowth

Doggy skin can be sensitive, especially in folds or under fur. Moisture + bacteria = stinky problems.

What to Look For:

• Red or irritated skin
• Greasy fur or flaky patches
• Fishy odor coming from the neck, armpits, paws, or ears
• Constant licking or scratching

The Usual Suspects:

• Yeast infections (yep, even on skin—not just ears)
• Bacterial infections
  
• Fungal infections
  
• Allergies leading to inflamed, smelly skin

Fix It With:

• Medicated shampoos (ask your vet for one that targets yeast or bacteria)
• Anti-fungal sprays
• Changing your dog’s diet (some foods trigger skin reactions)
• Keeping problem areas dry and clean

👂 The Ears Have It: Fishy Funk from Floppy Friends

Floppy-eared dogs like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Labradors are especially prone to ear infections—and yep, those can smell straight-up fishy.

What’s Going On?

• Wax buildup, trapped moisture, and bacteria have a party in your dog’s ear canal. Gross party, 0/10 would not attend.

Signs:

• Head shaking or tilting
• Scratching or pawing at ears
• Visible gunk or discharge
• Redness or swelling in the ears
• And of course… that telltale smell

What You Can Do:

• Clean ears weekly with vet-approved ear cleaner
• Dry ears thoroughly after baths or swimming
• Visit your vet for prescription meds if it’s an infection

🍗 Diet, Poop, and All That Digestive Stuff

Yup, your dog’s diet can mess with their natural smell.

Things That Can Make Your Dog Smell Fishy:

• Eating fish-based kibble (it can literally come out smelling the same way it went in)
• Food intolerances or allergies
  
• Digestive issues like IBD or pancreatitis
  
• Picky dogs that sneak into the trash or eat dead fish at the beach (true story, it happens)

What Helps:

• Switch to a non-fish-based protein like chicken, turkey, or lamb
• Use digestive enzymes or probiotics
  
• Feed high-quality, grain-free kibble if allergies are suspected
• Watch what they eat outside. Seriously. They’re sneaky.

💧 Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

It’s rare, but if your dog’s pee or back-end smells weird—even fishy—it could be a UTI.

Symptoms:

• Peeing more often or having accidents
• Straining to pee
• Blood in urine (sometimes hard to see)
• Licking their privates excessively

Fix:

• Vet visit + antibiotics
• More water in their diet (wet food or water bowls everywhere)
• Cranberry supplements (with vet approval)

🧼 The Simple Stuff: Hygiene and Grooming

Sometimes, it’s not some hidden medical mystery. Your dog might just need a bath. Or a butt wipe. Or less time sniffing mystery puddles.

Hygiene Checklist:

• Bathe regularly (not too much—once every 4–6 weeks is usually enough)
• Wipe down paws, face, and butt after walks
• Use unscented grooming wipes between baths
• Trim fur around the rear to avoid cling-ons (you know what I mean…)

📅 When to Worry (and Call the Vet)

Not everything fishy is a crisis, but here’s when to get serious:

• The smell is strong and won’t go away
• There’s swelling, bleeding, or pus anywhere
• Your dog seems in pain or uncomfortable
• They’re scooting constantly
• Other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting show up

Better safe than sorry. Your vet can check anal glands, ears, teeth, skin, and more—all in one go.

🧰 Quick Fix Recap: Your Fish-Smell Survival Kit

Here’s your go-to action plan:

Problem	Fix
Anal glands	Vet/groomer expression, more fiber
Dental issues	Brushing, dental chews, vet cleaning
Skin infections	Medicated shampoo, antifungal spray
Ear infections	Clean regularly, see vet for meds
Diet-related smell	Switch protein, probiotics
UTI	Vet exam + antibiotics
Hygiene	Regular baths, wipes, grooming

🐶 Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone, and It Can Be Fixed

Let’s wrap this up—because no one wants to spend too much time thinking about butt smells, right?

By now, you know the fishy odor isn’t just in your head (or your nose). It’s a very real, very solvable issue that a lot of dog owners deal with—more than most will admit, actually. From anal gland drama to dirty ears to suspicious diet choices (looking at you, beach-fish-eating retriever), your pup’s smell is their way of talking to you… just in the grossest way possible.

And the good news? Once you pinpoint the cause, the fix is often straightforward. A vet visit, some dietary tweaks, a better grooming routine, or just keeping an eye (and nose) on their hygiene can make a world of difference.

Dogs don’t come with instruction manuals, but they do come with smells—and now, you’re equipped to decode one of the strangest ones.

Remember, it’s not a reflection on you as a pet parent. This isn’t about neglect or mistakes. It’s just part of the territory when you’ve got a four-legged best friend who occasionally smells like a fish market.

So the next time that unmistakable odor hits you mid-snuggle, don’t panic. You’ve got this. With a little attention, some TLC, and maybe a few wipes or vet visits, your pup will be smelling like themselves again in no time.

And who knows? One day, you’ll look back on this and laugh. Maybe.

Until then, may your air fresheners be strong, your dog’s butt be clean, and your days be less fishy. 🐾