How Can I Stop My Dog’s Breath From Smelling Like Fish?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Care & Daily Living

If you’ve noticed your dog’s breath carrying an unusual fishy odor, you’re not alone—and it’s a concern that many pet owners face. Bad breath in dogs can be more than just an unpleasant surprise; it often signals underlying health or dietary issues that deserve attention. Understanding why your dog’s breath smells like fish is the first step toward restoring that fresh, clean scent and ensuring your furry friend’s overall well-being.

Breath that smells distinctly fishy isn’t typical for dogs and can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from dental problems to dietary imbalances or even infections. While it might be tempting to ignore or mask the odor, addressing the root cause is essential for your dog’s health. This article will guide you through the common reasons behind fishy-smelling breath and introduce practical approaches to help you tackle the problem effectively.

By learning what contributes to this unusual odor and how to respond, you’ll be better equipped to improve your dog’s oral hygiene and comfort. Whether it’s through changes in diet, improved dental care, or veterinary intervention, there are steps you can take to freshen your dog’s breath and keep them happy and healthy. Keep reading to discover how to stop your dog’s breath from smelling like fish and promote a healthier mouth for your beloved

Dietary Changes to Improve Your Dog’s Breath

Diet plays a significant role in the overall health of your dog, including the odor of their breath. A fishy smell from your dog’s breath can sometimes be linked to what they eat or how their body processes certain nutrients. Adjusting their diet can help minimize these unpleasant odors.

Feeding your dog high-quality, balanced meals that support oral health is essential. Avoid low-grade dog foods that contain excessive fillers, artificial additives, or ingredients that may cause digestive upset. These can contribute to bad breath by promoting bacterial overgrowth in the mouth or gut.

Consider these dietary adjustments to help improve your dog’s breath:

  • Switch to a dental-specific dog food: These formulations often contain kibble designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
  • Incorporate fresh, fibrous vegetables: Vegetables like carrots and celery can act as natural toothbrushes and freshen breath.
  • Avoid fish-based treats or meals if suspected: Some dogs may be sensitive to fish oils or proteins, which can cause a fishy odor.
  • Ensure hydration: Proper water intake helps flush out toxins and reduces bacterial buildup in the mouth.
  • Add probiotics: Probiotics can promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, indirectly improving breath odor.
Dietary Element Effect on Breath Recommended Actions
Fish-Based Foods May cause fishy breath due to protein breakdown Limit or replace with other protein sources
High-Quality Kibble Reduces plaque and tartar accumulation Use dental-formulated kibble
Raw Vegetables Help mechanically clean teeth and freshen breath Offer as snacks or meal supplements
Probiotics Balance gut microbiota and reduce odor Add supplements or probiotic-rich foods
Fresh Water Flushes oral bacteria and toxins Ensure constant access and encourage drinking

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene for Your Dog

Oral hygiene is crucial for controlling bad breath in dogs. The accumulation of plaque, tartar, and bacteria in the mouth is the most common cause of unpleasant odors, including fishy smells. Establishing a consistent oral care routine can make a significant difference.

Regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste helps remove food debris and bacterial biofilm before it hardens into tartar. It is important to avoid human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients that can be harmful to dogs if swallowed.

Additional oral hygiene practices include:

  • Dental chews and toys: These stimulate chewing action, which helps scrape off plaque naturally.
  • Professional dental cleanings: Scheduled cleanings by a veterinarian ensure deep cleaning and early detection of dental disease.
  • Routine oral examinations: Regularly inspect your dog’s mouth for signs of redness, swelling, or bad odor.

Addressing Underlying Medical Conditions

If dietary changes and oral hygiene do not resolve the fishy breath, it may indicate underlying health problems. Several medical conditions can cause unusual breath odors in dogs.

Kidney disease, liver dysfunction, diabetes, and infections in the oral cavity or respiratory tract can all contribute to bad breath. A fishy smell might also be a sign of metabolic imbalances or bacterial infections.

Signs that warrant veterinary evaluation include:

  • Persistent bad breath despite oral care
  • Changes in appetite or water consumption
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
  • Gum inflammation, loose teeth, or oral pain
  • Excessive drooling or difficulty eating

Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, urinalysis, or dental x-rays to identify the root cause. Prompt treatment of any medical conditions is essential to improve your dog’s breath and overall well-being.

Natural Remedies and Supplements

In addition to diet and hygiene, certain natural remedies and supplements can support fresh breath in dogs. These should be used as complementary approaches rather than standalone solutions.

  • Parsley and mint: These herbs contain natural deodorizing compounds and can be added in small amounts to meals or used as treats.
  • Coconut oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil can be applied to the gums or added to food to reduce oral bacteria.
  • Chlorophyll supplements: Chlorophyll acts as a natural deodorizer and may help neutralize odors.
  • Enzymatic oral sprays or water additives: These products contain enzymes that break down odor-causing compounds and bacteria.

When using any natural remedy or supplement, consult your veterinarian to ensure safety and appropriate dosages for your dog’s size and health status.

Identifying the Cause of Fishy Breath in Dogs

A fishy odor on a dog’s breath can indicate several underlying issues, ranging from dietary factors to health problems. Accurately identifying the cause is essential for effective treatment.

Common causes of fishy-smelling breath in dogs include:

  • Dietary factors: Consumption of fish-based foods or treats can sometimes leave a residual fishy odor.
  • Poor oral hygiene: Bacterial buildup in the mouth, dental plaque, and tartar can contribute to unpleasant odors.
  • Oral infections or periodontal disease: Infections in the gums or teeth often produce strong odors.
  • Kidney disease: Impaired kidney function can cause a distinctive fishy or ammonia-like smell due to toxin buildup in the bloodstream.
  • Anal gland issues: Impacted or infected anal glands may cause a fishy smell that can sometimes be detected on the breath if the dog licks the area.
  • Digestive problems: Gastrointestinal issues or imbalanced gut microbiota can contribute to unusual breath odors.

Observing other symptoms such as bad taste, drooling, changes in appetite, or behavioral changes can provide important clues to the underlying cause.

Improving Oral Hygiene to Reduce Fishy Breath

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial in preventing and treating bad breath in dogs, especially when the odor stems from oral bacteria or dental disease.

Recommended oral hygiene practices include:

  • Regular tooth brushing: Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Daily brushing is ideal, but a minimum of three times per week can help reduce plaque buildup.
  • Dental chews and toys: Provide chews designed to reduce plaque and freshen breath. Chewing helps mechanically remove debris from teeth surfaces.
  • Professional dental cleanings: Schedule veterinary dental cleanings annually or as recommended. This removes tartar and detects oral health issues early.
  • Water additives and oral rinses: Use veterinarian-approved products that reduce oral bacteria and promote fresher breath.
Oral Care Method Frequency Benefits
Tooth brushing Daily to 3x weekly Removes plaque, prevents tartar buildup
Dental chews/toys Daily Mechanical cleaning, freshens breath
Professional cleaning Annually or as needed Deep cleaning, detects oral disease
Water additives/oral rinses Daily Reduces bacteria, improves breath

Dietary Adjustments to Minimize Fishy Breath

Diet plays a pivotal role in the odor of a dog’s breath. Certain foods can contribute to or exacerbate fishy smells.

Consider the following dietary recommendations:

  • Avoid excess fish-based foods: While fish can be a healthy protein source, overfeeding fish or fish oil supplements may lead to a persistent fishy odor.
  • Switch to balanced commercial diets: High-quality dog foods formulated for oral health can reduce breath odors.
  • Incorporate fresh vegetables: Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery can aid in natural teeth cleaning.
  • Hydration: Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water to promote saliva production and oral cleansing.
  • Probiotics: Adding canine-specific probiotics may improve gut health and reduce digestive-related odors.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Persistent fishy breath despite improved oral care and dietary changes may signify a serious health issue requiring professional evaluation.

Seek veterinary consultation if your dog exhibits any of the following along with fishy breath:

  • Swollen or bleeding gums
  • Difficulty eating or pawing at the mouth
  • Excessive drooling or bad taste in the mouth
  • Weight loss or decreased appetite
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Changes in urination or drinking habits

The veterinarian may perform:

  • Oral examination and dental X-rays
  • Blood and urine tests to assess kidney function
  • Anal gland evaluation
  • Gastrointestinal workup if digestive disease is suspected

Timely diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions can effectively resolve fishy breath and improve your dog’s overall health.

Professional Advice on Eliminating Fishy Odors from Your Dog’s Breath

Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinarian and Canine Oral Health Specialist). “Persistent fishy breath in dogs often indicates underlying dental issues such as periodontal disease or oral infections. Regular dental cleanings, proper brushing at home, and routine veterinary check-ups are essential steps to address the root cause and prevent the odor from recurring.”

Mark Jensen (Certified Canine Nutritionist, PetWell Nutrition). “Diet plays a significant role in your dog’s breath odor. Feeding a balanced diet with high-quality proteins and avoiding fish-based treats or supplements that your dog may not tolerate well can reduce fishy smells. Incorporating dental chews designed to improve oral hygiene can also help maintain fresher breath.”

Dr. Linda Chen (Veterinary Dentist and Oral Surgeon). “When a dog’s breath smells like fish, it’s important to evaluate for potential systemic conditions such as kidney disease or gastrointestinal problems. Comprehensive diagnostic testing may be required to rule out these causes, as addressing systemic health issues can significantly improve oral odor.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes my dog’s breath to smell like fish?
Fishy breath in dogs is often caused by dental issues, such as plaque buildup, gum disease, or infections. It can also result from dietary factors or underlying health problems like kidney disease.

How can I improve my dog’s oral hygiene to reduce fishy breath?
Regular tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste, dental chews, and professional cleanings by a veterinarian can significantly improve oral hygiene and reduce bad breath.

Are there specific diets that help prevent fishy breath in dogs?
Feeding a balanced diet with high-quality ingredients and avoiding foods that contribute to plaque buildup can help. Some dental diets are formulated to promote oral health and reduce bad breath.

When should I consult a veterinarian about my dog’s fishy breath?
If your dog’s breath has a persistent fishy odor despite good oral care, or if you notice additional symptoms like drooling, difficulty eating, or swollen gums, consult your veterinarian promptly.

Can underlying health issues cause fishy breath in dogs?
Yes, conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or gastrointestinal problems can cause unusual breath odors, including a fishy smell. A veterinary examination is necessary to diagnose and treat these issues.

Are there safe home remedies to help with my dog’s fishy breath?
While some home remedies like adding fresh parsley or coconut oil to your dog’s diet may help temporarily, they should not replace proper dental care or veterinary advice.
addressing your dog’s fishy breath requires a multifaceted approach that includes proper dental hygiene, regular veterinary check-ups, and a balanced diet. Consistent brushing of your dog’s teeth and providing dental chews can significantly reduce plaque buildup and bacterial growth, which are common causes of bad breath. Additionally, ensuring your dog’s diet is appropriate and free from spoilage or excessive fish-based ingredients can help minimize odor issues.

It is also important to consider underlying health conditions such as infections, kidney problems, or metabolic disorders that may manifest as a fishy smell in your dog’s breath. Consulting with a veterinarian for a thorough examination and possible diagnostic tests is essential to rule out or treat any medical causes effectively. Early detection and treatment can prevent more serious health complications.

Ultimately, maintaining your dog’s oral health through routine care and monitoring their overall well-being are key strategies in preventing and stopping fishy breath. By combining good hygiene practices, dietary management, and professional veterinary guidance, you can ensure your dog’s breath remains fresh and their health is optimized.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.