Bad breath may be caused by the dog’s diet, eating a variety of foods or unhealthy foods, oral or dental disease, upper respiratory tract disease, infection, or other metabolic problems (such as diabetes).

Dental illnesses are common in dogs (especially those who do not have routine dental check-ups), and for this reason, many dogs have bad breath or breath that smells like fish.

Bad breath in dogs is a common condition that can cause some pet parents to hesitantly approach their dog.

In this article, we will examine the most prevalent reasons for the foul odor as well as what you could do to address the situation.

What Are the Causes for Your Dog’s Smell Like Fish?

Food Intake

The fishy smell may be caused by your dog swallowing something or getting stuck in his mouth. If the smell is stronger than usual and your dog is eating real fish, chances are good that it has got a little stuck in its teeth and hasn’t budged. Be sure to also look out for excessive drool.

If your dog likes to eat smelly foods such as cat feces, fish treats, or fish food, this could also be a source of fish breath odor. Although your dog may be on a slightly different diet than yours, his urine should smell like your urine.

Problems With Glands

Sadly, if somehow the fish smell is overwhelming and tends to be coming from the entire dog, along with its breath, an influence on the anal glands is a plausible reason. If your dog gives off a fishy odor, the most likely cause is that the anal glands are damaged and need to be released. 

Blocked anal glands can develop a fishy-smelling foul odor that can be inhaled by dogs if they lick the area. So, check their glands if your dog’s breathing suddenly becomes suspicious, especially if you know their oral hygiene is okay.

Dental Problems

If plaque, tartar, and periodontal disease are causing your dog’s bad breath, the best thing you can do is make an appointment with your veterinarian to see if your dog is suitable for brushing his teeth.

Bacteria grow in the interior of a dog’s mouth. An overgrowth of bacteria can cause sour breath when plaque solidifies into tartar. Poor dental hygiene in dogs causes halitosis, gingivitis, and dental problems.

It’s also possible that an internal ailment is at blame. Poor breath with a fishy odor is a symptom of kidney and liver damage. A sweet-rotten odor could indicate diabetes, whereas urine-smelling breath indicates kidney damage. If your canine is having problems peeing or taking a dump, you should take them to the vet right away.

There may be cases of gum disease (gingivitis), tooth ulcers, or abscesses that cause foul odor and some additional discomfort for the dog.

Fishy breath in dogs can sometimes be caused by broken teeth or abscesses, so have your veterinarian examine your dog’s mouth and teeth to clear out any particular dental issues.

How To Deal With This Situation?

Take Care of Their Oral Health

You can relieve bad breath by frequently brushing your dog’s teeth, ideally once a day, with a soft-bristled toothbrush or finger brush and dog enzymatic toothpaste. 

Using dentifrice or dental plaque and tartar removers such as bully sticks will also naturally clean your dog’s teeth.

Chew Toys

Providing your dog with a range of chew toys and dental rewards encourages them to take care of their teeth on their own. 

Chewing keeps your dog happier and healthier by alleviating boredom and avoiding plaque and tartar build-up. Simply select dog chew toys that are appropriate for the size and age of your dog.

Change in Their Diet

Fishy dog ​​breath may not be that uncommon if they eat a lot of fish in their diet. The fishy smell is generally not a reason for concern if you offer your canine a fish meal or supplement it with fish oil.

Microbial imbalances in your pet’s intestines can prohibit them from completely digesting their meal, resulting in soft or watery stools. 

That’s where a probiotic-rich diet might help stimulate the recovery process by forcing out the harmful bacteria and substituting them with healthy bacteria. Probiotics help in the digestion and absorption of nutrients by your pet.

Probiotics specifically made for dogs can promote balanced beneficial mouth bacteria and preserve breath fresh by combining your puppy’s regular meal with them.

When to Contact Your Vet?

If your dog has trouble urinating or defecating, this is a sign that it’s time to see your veterinarian right away.

Your veterinarian will run blood tests to make sure your dog can tolerate the anesthesia. This is also a great time to rule out any other potential causes of your dog’s bad breath.

 If you don’t notice any problems but are still worried about your dog’s bad breath, make an appointment and have the vet examine your dog and assess any underlying problems.

If you have a purebred dog that is particularly prone to tooth decay, ask your veterinarian about dental sealants. They help keep teeth and gums clean by preventing tooth decay and plaque formation. 

If you notice that your dog’s smell has changed, this could be a sign of skin or systemic condition. And believe it or not, the peculiar smell you smell could be a sign of a health problem.

Additionally, maintaining your dog’s physical fitness will prevent dogs from getting a slew of other health issues and can assist your veterinarian in determining the source of your dog’s foul breath before it spirals out of control.

Preventing systemic problems like diabetes can be as simple as feeding your dog a nutritious, balanced meal, allowing them sufficient physical activity, and taking them to the veterinarian for routine checkups. 

Furthermore, keeping your dog fit can help your veterinarian detect the true cause of your dog’s foul smell before it goes out of control, preventing a whole slew of medical problems.

Final Thoughts

You should make sure that your dog’s bad breath isn’t a sign of a more serious problem by consulting your dog’s veterinarian. We’ve included some methods to help you eliminate odors and improve your life and your dog’s.