Is there something fishy going on with your dog’s breath? While it might seem like a minor (and annoying!) issue, that tell-tale odour can sometimes be a sign of something more. Wondering how to fix fishy dog breath? Then this guide is for you.
At Green Pantry, we’re passionate about the benefits that natural dog food and remedies have on your beloved pet. And in this blog, we’ll delve into the causes of fishy breath and what you can do to prevent it.
Say goodbye to questionable stenches and hello to fresher breath!
What causes fishy dog breath?
First of all, let’s get to grips with why your dog has fishy breath. Fishy or questionable breath could be the first sign of poor dental health, usually a buildup of bacteria like plaque and tartar. Plaque forms on a dog’s teeth after they eat, and if it’s left to sit there, it starts to harden into tartar within a few days. Bacteria in plaque and tartar are quite smelly, hence the fishy dog breath.
You may have found yourself asking, ‘Why does my dog smell like fish?’ Some other common (and not so common) causes of fishy breath include:
- Dental or gum disease: Smelly, fishy dog breath is often the first gum disease symptom. The bacteria that build up in the mouth can produce foul-smelling compounds.
- Anal gland issues: While this may seem unrelated, it’s a common cause for fishy odours. When a dog’s anal glands become full, infected, or impacted, your dog may lick their rear end more frequently. This can transfer the fishy-smelling fluid from the anal glands to their mouth (unpleasant, right?)
- Stomach problems: Dogs with gastrointestinal problems, like acid reflux or tummy upset, may also have smelly breath. This is due to the stomach acids that come up during episodes of reflux or upset, also indicating they may have digestion problems.
- Diet: The foods your dog eats can have a direct impact on their breath. If your dog is specifically eating foods that contain fish-based ingredients or are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it can leave a lingering fish smell in their mouth.
- Underlying health conditions: In some cases, a fishy smell can be a symptom of a more serious health problem, such as kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or your dog being overweight. These conditions can cause chemicals to build up in the body and produce a change in breath odour.
If your dog has a severe and thick tartar buildup, then professional cleaning will be needed! Find out more about the importance of professional dog dental care by reading our interview with Hannah Watson, owner of Clean Canines in Suffolk.
How to fix fishy dog breath, naturally
Now we’ve established why your beloved friend has fishy breath, it’s time to get rid of it! Brushing your dog’s teeth is the gold standard of dog dental care; however, studies show that less than 10% of dog owners brush their dog’s teeth.
We understand that the responsibility of brushing your dog’s teeth every single day, especially if they like to wriggle and squirm, can be a struggle! Don’t worry, though, as there are plenty of other ways you can fix fishy dog breath.
Support your dog’s gut health
Taking care of your dog’s gut health can massively improve their breath. And, this can be easily achieved with our range of delicious natural recipes from Green Pantry! Feeding your pup a balanced diet with plenty of protein, fibre, and natural fats can do wonders for their digestive system. Combine this with fresh, clean water and avoid feeding them any table scraps.
In particular, our Trout with Salmon, Lentils & Spinach dog food is easy to digest and is perfect for those with sensitive tummies. Trout is easy to digest, low in fat, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Spinach provides plenty of antioxidants, supporting immune, cardiovascular, and bone health. And lentils help to maintain muscular health and digestive regularity.
Consider a natural, dental diet
If you value natural and wholesome solutions, then you may be interested in our natural dog supplements. In particular, our natural dental supplement is a simple and effective solution for combating fishy dog breath, as well as supporting healthy teeth and gums! Ingredients like sea kelp and mint help to freshen breath and support plaque reduction, all without having to struggle with a toothbrush.
One small scoop is all it takes – simply sprinkle over the top of your favourite Green Pantry dog food or natural treats. For more information about our supplements, check out our blog: What are the Best Supplements for My Dog?
We’d also recommend our Turkey with Mint and Parsley dog food, which aims to promote better dental health in dogs. The combination of mind and parsley can help to combat unpleasant breath odours, and the fluorine in parsley supports healthier teeth!
Dental chews or toys
These practical items can be a helpful strategy when it comes to getting rid of fishy breath. The physical act of chewing and gnawing on chews or toys helps to scrape away plaque from the surface of your dog’s teeth. Lots of dental chews also have specially designed shapes with nubs, ridges, and grooves that help to get into those hard-to-reach areas.
Always have fresh water
While it may seem simple, making sure your dog has access to clean and fresh water at all times could be the answer to your fishy dog breath woes. Keeping hydrated helps to flush out any bacteria or odour-causing compounds from their mouth. You could even add a dental wash for dogs so that the water is specifically formulated to freshen your dog’s breath.
Say goodbye to fishy kisses with the help of Green Pantry
Hopefully, this blog has given you some practical tips for how to fix fishy dog breath. By implementing our tips and tricks above, you’re not just tackling bad breath – you’re supporting your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Here at Green Pantry, we welcome dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. With nearly 20 years’ worth of experience in dog nutrition, we’re here to help your dog lead their best life.
If you have any queries surrounding your furry friend or need some advice, please get in touch. A member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you or chat with you on the phone on 01553 811 320!
