Dogs aren't particularly well-known for having good dental hygiene or having minty fresh breath. However, there is a significant difference between normal canine breath and the powerful, sour aromas that remind their parents of rotting fish.

Let us discuss all the reasons which cause fishy dog's breath.

3 Major Reasons for Fishy Breath in Canines

1.    It's Due to Halitosis

If plaque or tartar develops on your dog's teeth, it can cause foul breath (sometimes fishy), also known as halitosis. Other issues that lead to halitosis having fishy breath include tooth injury, root canal issues, or any periodontal disease. So, all these issues lead to severe fishy dogs' breath.

2.    It's Due to Food

Since your dog's food has fish as one of its main ingredients, it is possible that his breath will smell like fish. Omega fats are becoming a more popular and nutritious element in pet food. Every year, more and more firms use it in their recipes, and fish oil is the source of the vast majority of omega fats. Even if you give your pup chicken or turkey meals, the fish oil in the food may be causing your dog's breath to smell bad. Examine the components of the food you serve, including the treats, to see whether there is any fish or omega-fats in there somewhere. Omega-3 fatty acids may be found in both wet and dry dog food. So, fishy food may be the source of fishy breath in canines. If you do not like that odor, try changing your food with less fish oil or fewer fish ingredients.

3.    It's Due to Impacted Anal Glands

One of the hidden issues of fishy breath is impacted anal glands. It is because impacted anal glands smell like foul fish sometimes, and when dogs lick their buttocks, their breath smells like fish as well. Your dog may simply need his anal glands manually emptied, or expressed, which should resolve the odor. Some dogs, especially small dog breeds, require that their anal glands be expressed regularly.

Some Other Potential Causes of Fishy Breath in Dogs

Sometimes foul/fishy breath may not originate in the mouth but rather in another part of the body. These underlying disorders might also be to blame:

• Digestive Problems
• Respiratory Problems
• Liver Problems
• Kidney Problems

The Most Effective Treatment for Dogs with Fishy Breath

If you don't detect any abnormalities but you're still concerned about your dog's fishy breath, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so that he or she may inspect your dog and analyze any underlying issues that may be

Dr Sadia, DMV