The primary reasons a dog's breath may smell like fish include:
- Dental Issues: Plaque, tartar, gum disease, or infections in the mouth can cause bad breath with a fishy smell due to bacterial buildup and oral health problems. This is a common cause of persistent fishy breath.
- Diet: Dogs eating fish-based food or receiving fish oil supplements may have breath that smells like fish because of the fish ingredients and metabolism releasing nitrogen compounds with a fishy odor.
- Impacted or Infected Anal Glands: Dogs' anal glands produce a strong-smelling secretion used for marking territory. If these glands become impacted or infected, they emit a potent fishy odor, which can transfer to the dog's breath if they lick their rear end.
Other less common causes include digestive problems, urinary tract infections, and more serious health conditions like kidney or liver disease, which can also affect breath odor.
If the fishy breath persists, or is accompanied by other symptoms like scooting, licking their rear, difficulty eating, or signs of infection, consulting a veterinarian is advisable for diagnosis and treatment.
In summary, fishy breath in dogs is often due to dental hygiene issues, fish- based diet components, or anal gland problems. Regular dental care, diet review, and vet check-ups can help manage or eliminate this odor.
