Natural Remedies for a Fishy Smell in Dogs
Many dog owners report a fishy odor coming from their beloved pets. While dogs have their own natural scent, a persistent or strong fishy smell is typically not normal and may be a sign of underlying health issues such as anal gland problems, skin infections, or urinary tract infections. If you're wondering what natural remedies you can use to help, this guide is for you.
Common Causes of Fishy Odor
Before trying to treat the smell, it's crucial to understand its root causes. Common reasons for a fishy odor include:
- Anal gland issues: Impacted or infected glands can emit a pungent fishy odor.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Especially in female dogs, UTIs create a fishy-smelling urine.
- Dental disease: Decay or gum issues may sometimes smell fishy.
- Skin infections: Bacterial or yeast infections of the skin can exude a strong smell.
- Dietary factors: Certain proteins or low-quality diets may contribute to body odor.
Natural Solutions to Try
If your dog emits a fishy aroma and you prefer to try natural remedies before heading to the vet, consider the following options:
1. Increase Dietary Fiber
A common cause of a fishy smell is impacted anal glands. Increasing your dog’s fiber intake helps firm their stool, which can naturally express the glands during defecation. Natural fiber sources include:
- Pumpkin (plain, canned, unsweetened)
- Cooked sweet potatoes
- Ground flaxseed
- Bran cereal (unsweetened)
Start slowly and watch for changes in stool consistency.
2. Probiotics for Digestive Health
Digestive imbalances can contribute to both soft stool and body odors. Adding a quality canine probiotic can promote gut health, which may, in turn, help prevent anal gland issues. Look for probiotic products specifically formulated for dogs.
3. Fish-Free Diets
Ironically, some fish-based diets or treats can lead to external body odor. Switching to a fish-free, high-quality pet food may improve body scent if diet is a contributing factor.
4. Regular Grooming and Hygiene
Maintaining good skin and coat hygiene is essential, especially for dogs with skin folds or allergies. Regular baths with gentle, dog-safe shampoos—preferably ones with odor-neutralizing or medicated ingredients—help eliminate smell caused by bacteria or yeast.
5. Cleansing Wipes and Water
If your dog suffers from periodic gland expression or slight odor after going to the bathroom, unscented pet wipes or warm water rinses can help. Avoid human wipes with harmful chemicals or fragrances.
6. Hydration
Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water. Good hydration supports urinary tract health, reduces the risk of UTIs, and helps keep the system flushed.
7. Vaseline or Coconut Oil (for Minor Irritation)
If there’s mild redness or irritation around the rear, coconut oil (applied externally) has natural antimicrobial properties and can soothe the area. However, do not insert anything internally or use oils for infected areas without veterinary guidance.
When Not to Rely on Natural Remedies
While natural solutions can be helpful, certain symptoms indicate a need for veterinary care:
- Persistent or worsening smell
- Scooting or excessive licking around the anus
- Blood or pus in stool, discharge, or urine
- Swelling, redness, or visible lumps
- Lethargy, pain, or changes in appetite
Professional anal gland expression by a vet is sometimes necessary, especially for chronic issues. Untreated infections can become serious or lead to abscesses. UTIs, dental disease, or skin issues also require proper diagnosis and medical treatment.
Prevention Tips
Whether you've already tackled the smell or want to prevent it, consider these preventive strategies:
- Maintain a balanced, high-fiber diet
- Ensure regular exercise
- Provide consistent grooming and skin care
- Brush your dog’s teeth or offer dental chews
- Monitor bathroom habits and clean the rear area as needed
- Schedule routine vet checkups
Conclusion
A fishy smell in dogs is usually linked to anal gland issues, diet, infections, or poor grooming. Natural remedies such as adding dietary fiber, maintaining hygiene, and offering probiotics can alleviate the odor. However, persistent or severe symptoms always warrant a visit to the veterinarian. Early intervention prevents complications and ensures your dog stays comfortable, healthy, and smell-free.
