How to Handle Your Dog's Fishy Odor

Dog lovers must come to terms with the fact that occasionally, their furry friends can have an unpleasant smell. But what if your dog consistently carries a strong fishy odor? This situation is often caused by swollen anal glands, so this article will focus largely on that issue. However, we'll also discuss how to identify and treat other health problems, as well as methods to eliminate the fishy odor both in your dog and in your home.

Swollen Anal Glands in Dogs. The anal glands release a chemical scent to mark the territory when a dog defecates. (This explains why dogs often sniff each other's behinds and poop!) This marking odor is mildly fishy, but pay attention to these signs if you notice a strong fishy smell from your dog:

• Dragging, licking, and other signs of discomfort. If your dog drags its rear on the floor or frequently licks and bites its anus, it may have swollen anal glands.
• Noticeable swelling on the left and right sides of the anus. Dogs have two anal glands, one on each side of the anus. If you spot a swelling on either side of the anus, it could be a sign of swollen glands.
• Signs of more severe, unusual issues. If blood or pus is leaking from the glands, or if the area looks red and feels hot, they might be infected. If one of the glands feels firm (it should normally be soft), your dog might have a tumor. Visit a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is highly likely if your dog’s urine has a strong, unpleasant odor. However, even if the smell is not foul but distinctly sharp, UTI could still be the cause. If you notice this, contact your vet for further assessment.

• Bladder infections and kidney stones may also contribute to the foul smell of your dog's urine.

Endometritis is an infection of the uterus in unspayed female dogs. Along with a strong odor, symptoms may include vaginal discharge, frequent urination, lethargy, abdominal swelling, and loss of appetite.

• If you suspect your dog may have endometritis, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Periodontal disease, or gum inflammation, could be the cause of your dog’s bad breath. Simply brushing your dog’s teeth might not resolve the issue, so it’s important to consult your vet for diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

• Although less common, bad breath may also indicate kidney disease, digestive problems, or diabetes. Don't ignore it if your dog’s breath smells foul!

Contact your vet if you suspect any issues with your dog's anal glands. While it might be a minor problem (like an unpleasant odor) that can be easily treated, it could also be something more serious. Unless your vet has provided specific instructions on what to look for and how to proceed, it's best to consult them rather than attempt home remedies.

• If left untreated, swollen anal glands can become dangerous for your dog, but improper treatment can be just as harmful.

Watch as the veterinarian or pet care staff "expresses" your dog's swollen anal glands. When you contact the vet and describe the symptoms, they may advise you to bring your dog in for an appointment or recommend a grooming service that can perform the "expression" of the anal glands – this means gently squeezing them. It's a quick, easy, and painless procedure for your dog if done correctly, but it can be quite messy and smelly!

• The liquid released from the anal gland, which marks the scent, thickens inside the swollen gland, becoming a brown, smelly paste when expressed. If you're prone to gagging and don't plan on doing this yourself, stand near the dog’s head to help calm them down.

Perform this procedure yourself if the vet approves and guides you. For the safety of your dog, do not attempt to express their anal glands unless you’ve been trained. If this is a recurring issue, the vet might advise you on when to express the glands and show you the proper technique.

• Small dog breeds are more prone to recurrent anal gland swelling. If you own a small dog, the vet may teach you how to express the glands at home to reduce clinic visits.
• Once you know how to do it, expressing your dog's anal glands becomes a simple task. However, you can always leave this messy and unpleasant job to a professional!

Take preventive measures to avoid recurring anal gland problems. While some dogs, particularly small breeds, are more prone to anal gland issues, the risk can be minimized by maintaining good health for your dog. Whether your dog is large or small, and regardless of whether they have had anal gland problems before, follow these preventive steps:

• Feed your dog a high-fiber diet to ensure firm, well-formed stools.
• Make sure your dog drinks enough water to prevent constipation.
• Ensure regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

Treat any diagnosed conditions that cause foul odors, if applicable.

• Swollen Anal Glands. Refer to the relevant section in this article.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). After your vet diagnosis, administer the prescribed antibiotics and pain relief. Ask your vet if dietary changes or supplements can help prevent UTIs.
• Pyometra (uterine infection). The most common treatment is a spay surgery, but there are other options, so discuss alternatives with your vet.
• Periodontal Disease (gum disease). Treatment typically includes a professional cleaning by the vet followed by at-home oral care and dietary changes to maintain your dog’s dental health.

Clean around your dog's rear end daily. Moisten a soft cloth with warm water mixed with a mild, non-toxic soap suitable for dogs or use dog-specific wet wipes. Lift your dog's tail to wipe away any visible feces and remove odors that may not be visible. Dry the area with a soft cloth to avoid moisture lingering beneath the tail.

• Healthy dogs often release a scent to mark their stool or when startled or anxious.
• After cleaning, you can spray a thin layer of anti-dirt (and anti-feces) product to help keep the hair clean.

Bathe your dog once a week. The basic steps to bathe your dog are simple: wet your dog's fur with warm water from neck to tail. Apply dog shampoo (do not use human shampoo) and lather it gently. Rinse the soap out thoroughly with warm water, then pat dry and comb your dog's fur. Wash your dog's face separately with a soft, damp towel, free from soap or shampoo.

• Do not bathe your dog more than once a week—unless they are exceptionally dirty or smelly—unless advised by the vet. If there is no odor problem, indoor dogs usually only need a bath every few months.

Wash your dog’s bedding at least once a week. Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to your washing machine, then place your dog’s bedding, towels, and other washable dog items into the machine. Use laundry detergent and the regular wash cycle, and air-dry when possible. If any odor remains, try using enzyme laundry detergent along with baking soda.

• Enzyme-based cleaners contain beneficial bacteria that break down odor-causing molecules, which are then absorbed by the bacteria.

Try using baking soda or vinegar to tackle odors in your home. To handle dog smells on carpets, rugs, and upholstery, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the surfaces, wait 30 minutes, then vacuum it up. Another method is to mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on smelly areas, then blot dry with a clean cloth.

• For hard surfaces, you can spray the vinegar solution and wipe it dry as you would with other cleaning sprays.

Use enzyme cleaners to eliminate stubborn odors from your home furnishings. Similar to laundry soap, odor-eliminating enzymes use beneficial bacteria to break down and absorb odor-causing molecules. Enzyme cleaners are safe for most household surfaces, but always follow the instructions for the specific product you choose.

• You can use either all-purpose enzyme cleaners or ones specifically designed to remove pet odors (even just dog odors).