dog health · dog owner · grooming a puppy · Aug 22, 2022

My Dog's Breath Smells Like Fish

Does your dog's breath smell bad? You are not the only one with this problem. I'll tell you why my dog's breath smells like fish and what I'm doing to fix this issue.

Top 3 Causes Why My Dog's Breath Smells Like Fish

Dog breath shouldn't smell like anything, at least nothing unpleasant. However, all of us have felt horrible breath in the mouth of our furry friend. The causes that gave answers to why my dog's breath smells like fish are:

Dental problem 🦷
Diet 🍲
Personal cleanliness 🐕

➡️ Let's look at each particular situation.

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1. Dog Fishy Breath Due To A Dental Problem

A poor dental cleaning can contribute to the formation of plaque and tartar in your dog's teeth.

Its accumulation over time can cause more serious problems. They stand out among them:

Cavities.
Dental abscesses.
Gum infections.
Periodontal disease.
Root channel issues.

All these problems contribute to dog's breath smelling like fish. However, this is not the only reason you should take your dog for deep cleaning his mouth.

Have you thought about what can happen if dental diseases progress without control? Your dog could lose a tooth.

Lack of cleanliness is not only the cause of halitosis, evidenced by a strong fishy breath, but can also ultimately cause tooth loss.

2. My Dog Has Fishy Breath Because Of His Diet

This cause of dog's fishy breath is normal and logical, although little evaluated.

Does your dog eat tuna or fish? Check the dry food ingredients. If it contains fish and your dog has clean, tartar-free teeth, his diet may be the cause.

You can try feeding your dog fish-free for a few days to see if breath improves. In this case, you will know you have nothing to worry about.

3. Canine Cleaning Habits Cause Bad Breath

Dogs clean themselves, including their private parts. Have you ever thought about how this personal cleaning habits influences his breath?

Your four-legged friend cleans himself with his tongue after peeing and pooping. The secretions of his anal glands pass into his mouth and generate that fishy smell you notice on your dog's breath.

When the anal glands don't work quite right, they don't empty. As this situation creates discomfort, your dog will lick himself more. In turn, this will increase your dog's breath smell of fish.

Check out: The Best 5 Dog Bad Breath Home Remedies

6 Ways To Prevent Periodontal Disease In Your Dog

Brush your pup's teeth regularly at home with a specially formulated dog toothpaste.
Give your dog chew toys, or whole carrots, to scrape off the plaque.
Monitor your pup's mouth. Visit the vet if you see signs of inflammation or infection.
Give your dog some dental treats.
Take your dog to the veterinary consultation regularly.
Get your dog a dental cleaning at least once a year (twice a year would be ideal).

What If My Dog's Breath Persistently Smells Like Fish?

If you have tried the above recommendations and your dog's breath still smells fishy, you should go to the vet.

➡️ Bad breath can be caused by health problems, such as diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux, and other digestive or intestinal complications.

As you can see, "oh, no, my dog's breath smells like fish" is not an awkward thought. Take care of your dog's dental cleaning and monitor the situation for changes. In case your dog's breath continues to be fishy, consult your trusted vet.

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FAQ

How to get rid of fishy dog breath

How Can I Get Rid Of My Dog's Bad Breath Naturally?

To get rid of your dog's bad breath naturally, you can:

Give him previously washed carrots so that he bites them and removes tartar from his teeth.
Offer him yogurt regularly. Its antibacterial properties might help eliminate bad breath.
Give your dog lemon. Lemon muffins or lemon water may help kill bacteria in your pup's mouth.

How Can I Freshen My Dog's Breath Without Brushing?

To freshen a dog's breath without brushing, you have several options:

Chewing carrots or bones.
Dog chewing toys.
Dental treats.
Dental wipes.
Water dental additives. Ask your vet about them before use.

Does Yogurt Cure Bad Breath In Dogs?

Some studies have determined that the yogurt's antibacterial properties would eliminate the microorganisms that cause bad breath. So giving your dog yogurt, as long as he hasn't any dairy allergies, might be a good idea.

Do you need more information: Check out the study.

Do Carrots Clean Dog's Teeth?

Carrots don't actually clean dogs' teeth, but rather the chewing action. As a nutritious, low-calorie food with a hard texture ideal for chewing, experts recommend carrots to combat canine bad breath.

Check out: How To Make Your Dog Smell Good Without A Bath

What Should I Do If The Fishy Dog Breath Is Due To My Dog Licking His Anal Glands?

The anal glands can become blocked and generate a characteristic fishy odor. If your dog licks his anus, that smell will be transferred to his mouth and, therefore, you will notice a fishy dog breath. To solve this problem, you should go to the vet to learn how to empty your dog's anal glands. Some pups need their anal glands to be express every day. This process will resolve the fishy odor both on his body and mouth.

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