Dogs bring joy, love, and laughter into our lives, but they also occasionally bring strange and unpleasant smells. If your dog smells a little fishy, it’s not just you — many pet parents encounter this concerning odor.
From anal gland issues to tooth decay, several common conditions may cause your dog to smell like fish. Learn about the sources behind this fishy mystery, how you can help your pup smell fresh again, and how professional grooming supports your dog’s health and hygiene.
The Most Common Cause: Anal Gland Issues
If your dog’s rear end — or the area where they’ve been sitting — smells like fish, impacted anal glands may be the culprit. An impacted or infected anal gland emits a pungent odor that makes your dog’s butt smell like fish.
Anal glands (or anal sacs) are two small glands located on either side of your dog’s anus. These glands secrete a strong-smelling fluid for marking territory and identifying other dogs. This is part of your dog’s natural communication system and, though it might seem gross to us, it’s perfectly normal in the canine world.
Under normal circumstances, a dog’s anal glands empty when they poop. But when the fluid builds up, it can become thick, impacted, or even infected. That’s when things get fishy — literally.
Look for these common symptoms:
Scooting or dragging their bottom along the ground
Excessive licking or biting near the tail or anus
Swelling or redness around the anal area
Reluctance to sit or signs of discomfort when sitting
Sudden presence of a fishy smell, especially after sitting or lying down
If you suspect your dog has anal gland problems, schedule a private pampering session with Woofie’s for anal gland expression. If the glands seem to be infected, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian professional assessment and treatment. Routine expressions — especially for dogs prone to gland issues — can help prevent recurring problems.
Other Reasons Your Dog Might Smell Like Fish
If anal glands aren’t the issue, there are a few other potential causes behind your dog’s fishy odor.
Dental or Oral Health Issues
Just like humans, dogs can develop dental problems if their teeth and gums aren’t properly maintained. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, may suggest poor oral hygiene and sometimes causes dog breath to smell like fish.
Bacteria from plaque and tartar buildup increase the risk of infected gums or teeth, which may emit unpleasant odors. Untreated infections may cause an abscessed or decayed tooth and worsen the smell.
Try these tips for your pup’s dental hygiene:
Brush your dog’s teeth regularly using dog-safe toothpaste.
Offer dental chews or toys that help clean teeth.
Schedule annual dental cleanings and checkups with your vet to catch issues early.
Skin Infections and Yeast Overgrowth
Sometimes, the source of a fishy smell is closer to the surface. Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, such as under your dog’s ears, in skin folds, or between their toes, and overgrowths can produce a strong, musty, or fishy odor. Bacterial infections can also cause odorous and irritated patches of skin.
Some breeds have skin folds or thick coats that make them more susceptible to skin infections and yeast overgrowth, such as bulldogs, cocker spaniels, basset hounds, shar-peis, and poodles. Redness, oozing, hair loss, or frequent scratching may accompany the odor.
Reduce the risk of infections, overgrowth, and even spring allergy symptoms with these grooming practices:
Bathe your dog with vet-recommended shampoos.
Dry their coat and ears thoroughly after baths or swims to avoid moisture buildup.
Schedule regular grooming sessions, especially for long-haired or skin-folded breeds.
Urinary Conditions
If your dog’s urine smells like fish, a urinary tract infection (UTI) may be responsible. As a UTI progresses, bacteria and waste products can cause your dog’s pee to smell like fish. Anatomical differences also make female dogs more prone to UTIs and may explain why your female dog smells like fish from the rear. Professional grooming and good hygiene reduce the risk of UTIs. Consult a veterinarian if the fishy smell persists or is accompanied by frequent or strained urination.
Dietary Sensitivities
What your dog eats can affect how they smell. Poor-quality dog food or foods high in fish oils may contribute to a fishy-smelling coat or breath.
Dog foods with sub-par ingredients or fillers can affect digestion, which impacts body odor and may manifest as a fishy smell. If your dog has food intolerances or an imbalanced gut microbiome, these conditions may cause gas, smelly skin, and bad breath. While fish oil is great for your dog’s coat and joints, too much can make your dog's breath smell like fish and their fur a bit pungent.
Follow these diet tips to make sure your pup stays in peak health:
Choose a high-quality, balanced diet with easily digestible ingredients.
Consider a food sensitivity test if your dog’s odor changed after a diet switch.
Talk to your vet about hypoallergenic dog foods, probiotics, or digestive enzymes.
Woofie’s Can Help!
Pay attention to strange odors coming from your dog. A fishy smell might seem harmless, but it can signal an underlying health issue that needs attention. Whether it’s impacted anal glands, poor hygiene, or a dietary concern, Woofie’s can get to the root of the problem to support your dog’s wellbeing.
At Woofie’s, our trained groomers help address and prevent odors with routine baths and coat maintenance, anal gland expression services, and ear and skin care. Woofie’s at-home care visits are perfect for dogs who need a little extra grooming and hygiene attention in a calm environment.
Dog Smells Like Fish? Book a Woofie’s Grooming Session Today
Don’t wait for the smell to get worse. Our grooming experts pinpoint the issue and provide the care your pup needs to feel fresh and healthy again. Book your mobile grooming session today and say goodbye to the fishy funk for good.