My Chihuahua Smell Like Fish: What Could Be the Cause?

Do you ever wonder why your Chihuahua smells like fish? Depending on your Chihuahua’s health, what they eat, and what they’ve been up to. Similar to humans, Chihuahuas may produce some extremely offensive bodily smells. While a normal, healthy Chihuahua’s skin and coat should have little to no odor, many things can cause your Chihuahua to develop an unpleasant smell. So, If you think your Chihuahua smells fishy, we will explore some possible causes in this article.

Where Does the Smell Like Fish Coming From?

You will need to do a little detective work when trying to pinpoint the source of your Chihuahua’s fishy smell. Try to check if the fishy smell is coming from their:

-Breath

-Ears

-Anus

-Skin and coat

Identifying where the odor is most noticeable might assist solve the puzzle of why your Chihuahua could smell a bit odd for various reasons. Dogs really don’t appear to care about their own smell, in contrast to how hard humans try to reduce and cover up bodily odors by routinely washing, using deodorants, and wearing perfume.

Besides, dogs are often drawn to stuff that people find disgusting, including trash and rotten animal bones. And Chihuahua is no exception. If your Chihuahua has been rolling in something stinky, that could cause their fishy smell. Otherwise, if the dog smell is associated with other symptoms, it can indicate a health problem that needs treatment.

Health Conditions That Causes Chihuahua Smell Like Fish 

A few health conditions might cause your Chihuahua to smell fishy. Let’s explore each one in more detail.

➥Ear Infections

An ear infection is one of the most common causes of a fishy smell coming from your Chihuahua. If you notice your Chihuahua scratching at their ears or shaking its head frequently, it could be a sign that they have an ear infection. Other symptoms include redness, swelling, and discharge in the ears.

➥Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are another possible cause of why your Chihuahua smells like fish. If the fishy smell comes from their skin or coat, it could be a sign of a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections can be caused by allergies, parasites, or other underlying health conditions. Symptoms include itchiness, redness, and hair loss.

➥Anal Gland Issue

The anal glands are two small sacs located on either side of your Chihuahua’s anus. They produce a foul-smelling fluid that is used to mark their territory. Dogs are prone to anal sac illness, particularly small breeds like the Chihuahua. Your dog will have pain and swelling due to the condition caused by the anal sacs getting affected or blocked as a result of duct inflammation. Anal gland issues are often accompanied by scooting, licking, or biting at the anus.

➥Skin Yeast Infections 

Yeast infections are another possible cause of why your Chihuahua smells fishy. These skin folds may accumulate yeast and dead skin cells, resulting in a fishy-smelling stink. Yeast infections may also develop in your Chihuahua’s ears, the pads of its feet, and around the eyes. While reducing the number of carbs in your dog’s food will help, the best remedy is complete bathing with warm water with the best Chihuahua shampoo.

Female dogs often get vaginal yeast infections, which may also give off a fishy smell. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungi and are often accompanied by itchiness, redness, and hair loss.

➥Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a common health problem in dogs, especially older dogs. Kidney disease can cause your Chihuahua to smell fishy because of the build-up of toxins in their body. Symptoms of kidney disease include weight loss, increased thirst, urination, and lethargy.

➥Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is another possible cause of why your Chihuahua smells fishy. A UTI is a bacterial infection that affects the bladder or kidneys. Symptoms of a UTI include increased urination, blood in the urine, and pain during urination. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to kidney damage.

➥Dandruff

Dandruff is a common skin condition that can cause your Chihuahua to smell fishy. Dandruff is caused by dry, flaky skin and is often accompanied by itchiness and hair loss.

➥Periodontal Disease

Your dog’s breathing may have a mild fishy odor if they haven’t recently consumed fish. Periodontal disease, a problem carried on by an infection or inflammation of the Chihuahua’s gums, is often the reason for this. Your dog may have periodontal disease, which might be the source of the odor if you’ve observed a lot of tartar on their teeth or swollen, red gums.

Periodontal disease is caused by plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth and gums and is often accompanied by bad breath, drooling, and difficulty eating. It can cause a fishy smell coming from your Chihuahua’s mouth.

➥Parasites

Parasites are another possible cause of why your Chihuahua smells fishy. Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, can cause a fishy smell in your dog’s stool. Other symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting.

External parasites, such as fleas and ticks, can also cause your Chihuahua to smell fishy. These parasites can cause your dog to scratch and bite at their skin, leading to hair loss, hot spots, and infection.

➥Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune disease is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. This can cause a fishy smell in your Chihuahua’s skin and coat. Autoimmune disease is often accompanied by itchiness, hair loss, and hot spots.

➥Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that causes the body to be unable to produce or use insulin properly. It can cause a fishy smell in your Chihuahua’s skin and coat. If your Chihuahua has diabetes, they may drink and urinate more frequently, be more tired than usual, and lose weight.

➥Pyometra

This condition can be seen in female Chihuahuas when their uterus becomes infected. It can cause a fishy smell in your Chihuahua’s vulva. Pyometra is often accompanied by increased urination, straining to urinate, and bloody or pus-like discharge from the vulva.

Treating Chihuahua Smell Like Fish

The dog smell could be bearable, but you want to get rid of it for your Chihuahua’s sake. Here are a few things you can do:

✔️Get Help From Your Vet 

You may be dealing with a more severe condition, so the best thing to do is to take your Chihuahua to the vet. They will be able to determine what is causing the fishy smell and provide you with the appropriate treatment.

Consult your Chihuahua’s veterinarian before trying any at-home remedies unless they have previously given you instructions to do so.

✔️Treat Any Medical Condition That Has Been Diagnosed

If your Chihuahua has been diagnosed with a medical condition, be sure to follow your vet’s treatment plan. This will help clear up the fishy smell and improve your dog’s overall health. Stick to the medication, whether oral or topical, and schedule the dosage your veterinarian has prescribed. Do not miss any doses, especially if it’s antibiotics, since this can make the condition worse.

✔️Give Your Chihuahua A Bath

Bathing your Chihuahua with a mild dog shampoo will help remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that may be causing the fishy smell. Be sure to avoid using human shampoo, as it can strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin and coat and irritate them. After the bath, thoroughly dry your Chihuahua’s coat with a towel. If possible, use a blow dryer set on low to help speed up the process.

✔️Brush Your Chihuahua’s Teeth

If periodontal disease is the cause of the fishy smell, you will need to brush your Chihuahua’s teeth daily. It will help remove plaque and tartar build-up and improve their oral health. You can use a toothbrush designed specifically for dogs or a gauze pad wrapped around your finger. Be sure to use dog toothpaste as human toothpaste can harm dogs.

✔️Give Your Chihuahua A Balanced Diet

A healthy diet is important for all dogs but especially for those with medical conditions. If your Chihuahua has diabetes, feeding them diabetic-friendly dog food will help regulate their blood sugar levels. If they have pyometra, feeding them a high-quality diet will help to boost their immune system.

✔️Provide Your Chihuahua With Plenty Of Exercises

Exercise is important for all dogs, but it’s especially important for those with medical conditions. If your Chihuahua has diabetes, exercise will help regulate its blood sugar levels. If they have pyometra, exercise will help to boost their immune system.

✔️Give Your Chihuahua Lots Of Love And Attention

No matter what is causing the fishy smell, your Chihuahua needs lots of love and attention. They are probably feeling uncomfortable and may even be in pain. Be sure to give them plenty of cuddles and kisses. If they have a medical condition, be sure to follow your vet’s treatment plan. This will help clear up the fishy smell and improve your dog’s overall health.

How to Get Rid of Chihuahua Smell Like Fish

The fish smell coming from your Chihuahua might have been circulating all around the house, especially in your Chihuahuas beddings and favorite spots. Though the smell is just in your Chihuahua’s body, the smell might have already settled in your house. If you want to get rid of the fishy smell in your Chihuahua and your house, here are a few things you can do:

⬤Wash Your Chihuahua’s Beddings

You should start by washing all of your Chihuahua’s beddings. This includes their blankets, pillows, and toys. Be sure to use a mild detergent and wash them in hot water. You may need to wash them more than once to eradicate the fishy smell.

Use an enzyme washing detergent and baking soda if the clothes still have a fishy odor. The good bacteria in enzyme cleansers dissolve odor-causing chemicals by releasing enzymes, wherein the bacteria might also consume. Baking soda, on the other hand, is a natural deodorizer. It works by absorbing the fishy odor from your Chihuahua’s beddings.

⬤Sprinkle Baking Soda Around the House

After you have washed all of your Chihuahua’s beddings, you next need to sprinkle baking soda around your house. This will help absorb the fishy smell that might have settled in your carpets, furniture, and flooring. Be sure to vacuum the baking soda after a few hours.

⬤Use Air Purifiers

Another way to remove the fishy smell from your house is to use air purifiers. Air purifiers work by trapping the fishy odor particles in their filters. It will help freshen up the air in your house and remove the fishy smell.

⬤Clean Your Chihuahua’s Favorite Spots

If your Chihuahua has a favorite spot in the house, be sure to clean it. This will help remove the fishy smell from their favorite spot and make it more comfortable.

⬤Use Vinegar and Lemon Juice

Vinegar and lemon juice are both great for removing fishy odors. You can use them to clean your Chihuahua’s favorite spots or sprinkle them around the house. Be sure to dilute the vinegar and lemon juice before using them.

Frequently Asked Questions

📌Why does your Chihuahua’s bottom smell like fish?

There are a few reasons why your Chihuahua’s bottom might smell like fish. The most common reason is because of anal sac disease. It is a condition where the anal sacs become infected. Other causes include food allergies, poor hygiene, and urinary tract infections.

📌Why does your Chihuahua’s breath smell like fish?

Dental disease is the most common reason why your Chihuahua’s breath might smell like fish. It is because the bacteria in their mouth can cause their breath to smell bad. Other causes include kidney disease and liver disease.

📌What should you do if your Chihuahua smells of fish?

If your Chihuahua smells of fish, the first thing you should do is to take them to the vet. It is because the fishy smell might be a sign of a medical condition. Once you have ruled out any medical conditions, you can try cleaning their favorite spots and using air purifiers to remove the fishy smell from your house.

📌Why do female Chihuahuas release a fishy smell?

There are a few reasons why female Chihuahuas might release a fishy smell. The most common reason is because of an infection in the reproductive tract. Other causes include poor hygiene, diet, and stress.

📌How can you prevent your Chihuahua from smelling like fish?

The best way to prevent your Chihuahua from smelling like fish is to practice good hygiene. It includes bathing them regularly, cleaning their favorite spots, and using air purifiers. You should also take them to the vet for regular checkups to ensure they are healthy.

📌What can you wash your Chihuahua with?

Chihuahuas shouldn’t be bathed with human shampoos, despite the fact that they could feel like being a part of the family. The skin of dogs might be adversely affected by even infant formula. Rather, go with a shampoo, especially for dogs, since it will function to their more balanced skin pH. It’s recommended to stay with water alone if you don’t even have any dog shampoos. If you’re insistent on using human shampoo, make sure it’s diluted with water at a ratio of about one cup to a gallon.

You might also try mixing in some oatmeal to help soothe your dog’s skin if it becomes dry from the shampoo. Finally, avoid getting soap in its eyes and rinse completely to avoid irritation.

📌Why does my Chihuahua stink even after a bath?

There could be a couple of different reasons why your Chihuahua smells even after a bath:

1. Make sure you’re using dog shampoo and not human shampoo.
2. Make sure you’re rinsing all the soap out of their fur.
3. Check to see if they might have an ear infection.

Ear infections can cause a bad odor even after a bath. If you’re still unsure, take your Chihuahua to the vet for a checkup.

Final Thoughts

Why does my chihuahua smell like fish? I hope this article has helped you figure out the cause of the fishy smell. If you’re still unsure, take your Chihuahua to the vet for a checkup. Remember to practice good hygiene and take them for regular checkups to keep them healthy and smelling fresh. Thanks for reading!