How to get rid of fishy smell from dog at home?

A dog that smells like fish can be more than an awkward moment with guests — it often affects how you interact with your dog, how comfortable your home feels, and sometimes it hints at an underlying health issue. I typically see owners delay fixes because they treat the odor as nuisance-level when, for some dogs, it is a sign that needs attention. This guide explains what that smell usually means, how to stop it quickly at home, and when you should see a veterinarian.

How a fishy odor impacts your dog’s health — and your living space

Most owners notice the smell in familiar moments: after a swim in a pond, when a dog has rolled in something outdoors, or any time a damp coat hasn’t been dried. Those situations are common, but the impact goes beyond a stinky couch.

When a dog smells noticeably fishy it can change how visitors react, cut short cuddle sessions, or make routine grooming more stressful. Dogs pick up on our avoidance and that can reduce the positive interactions they get; over time some become anxious about handling. For apartment dwellers the problem is amplified because enclosed spaces hold odors; active dogs who get wet or dirty frequently are at higher risk of repeated episodes; and people who show dogs need to manage subtle smells that judges may notice.

Importantly, a persistent fishy odor may suggest a health problem rather than just dirt. Recurrent smell can be linked to ear infections, overgrowths of skin yeast or bacteria, or issues with the anal glands. Not every case is medical, but it’s worth treating a persistent or severe odor as potentially meaningful rather than merely unpleasant.

Fast, effective fixes you can do immediately

If you need to reduce the smell right now, the following low-effort steps often make a clear difference in minutes to hours:

1. Surface clean and dry: Brush away debris, spot-clean fur with a damp cloth, and use an absorbent microfiber towel to dry damp areas thoroughly. Keeping the coat dry stops smelly compounds from forming.
2. Quick bath: Use a mild, dog-specific shampoo and rinse well. Even a short bath with a pH-balanced formula can cut odor immediately. Avoid human shampoos — they can strip protective oils and worsen problems.
3. Ear check and wipe: If the smell seems to come from the head, gently wipe outer ear surfaces with a vet-approved ear solution or disposable ear wipes. Don’t stick cotton swabs deep into the canal.
4. Clean bedding and soft gear: Remove and wash bedding, blankets, and removable crate pads in hot water if the fabric allows, or use an enzyme cleaner for persistent smells. Keeping the dog’s environment fresh prevents quick recontamination.

What creates that fishy smell: common causes explained

The “fishy” scent is often the result of tiny chemical reactions on skin and in hidden spaces. A dog’s skin is home to many bacteria and yeasts that normally live in balance. When that balance shifts — through excess oil, trapped moisture, or inflammation — microbes can multiply and release volatile compounds that smell strongly.

Ear infections are a common source. The external ear canal can become an environment where particular bacteria or yeasts thrive; anaerobic organisms in infected ears may produce pungent, sometimes fish-like, odors. If your dog’s ears are warm, smelly, or they shake or scratch a lot, the canal is worth inspecting.

Anal sac secretions naturally have a strong scent intended for communication, but when sacs are impacted or infected the smell can seem unusually fishy or foul. Dogs may scoot, lick the area, or show discomfort when the sacs are a problem. These secretions contain fatty acids and other compounds that can be quite sharp.

A wet coat can also concentrate smells. When water soaks a dog’s fur, bacteria on the skin are better able to break down secreted oils into small, smelly molecules — some of which resemble trimethylamine, the compound people often call “fishy.” That’s why thorough drying matters as much as cleaning.

Typical times and triggers: when the odor shows up

You’ll often notice the smell after specific events. Swimming in stagnant water, puddles, or slow-moving ponds raises risk because those environments contain bacteria and organic matter that cling to fur. Rolling in carrion, compost, or garbage introduces strong smells directly onto the coat.

Delays in drying or grooming are another trigger. If a coat stays damp — inside ears, under folds, or in long fur mats — microbes have a better environment to multiply. Dogs with thick undercoats or long ears may trap moisture and therefore smell more after wet weather or play.

Biological cycles can make things worse at times: allergy flare-ups, seasonal humidity, hormonal fluctuations, or certain dietary changes may shift skin chemistry and make an odor more likely. A sudden change in diet or exposure to a smelly fabric softener or outdoor substance can also alter how your dog smells.

Red flags to watch for — when the smell signals a medical issue

Not every fishy smell requires a vet, but some signs point to a medical issue. If the odor persists despite cleaning and drying, that persistence is a clear reason to seek professional input. Chronic smell often means an ongoing infection, skin disease, or another internal problem.

Look for local signs of trouble: redness, swelling, discharge, pain when touched, intense scratching, or visible sores. For ears, a dark waxy discharge, repeated head shaking, or your dog holding the head to one side are concerning. For the anal area, scooting, licking with intensity, or swelling around the glands should prompt a check.

Systemic signs — such as decreased energy, fever, loss of appetite, or swollen lymph nodes — indicate a more significant infection or illness. Recurrent episodes, especially if the odor appears alongside changes in stool or urinary signs, warrant a vet visit for diagnosis and targeted treatment.

At‑home action plan: practical steps to neutralize the odor

When you have time to address the problem properly, follow a calm, safe sequence rather than improvising. These steps are what I recommend to owners who want to solve the problem at home while watching for red flags.

1. Localize the source: Gently smell and inspect your dog. Check the coat, ears, mouth, tail base, and anal area. Use gloves if you prefer. Knowing where the odor is strongest helps you target the next steps.
2. Clean ears gently: If the smell is from the ears and they look mildly dirty without severe swelling, use a vet-recommended ear cleaner on a cotton ball or disposable wipe. Hold the flap up, wipe the visible parts, and stop if your dog shows pain or if you see open wounds. Never pour cleaner deeply if the eardrum might be ruptured.
3. Bath with a pH-balanced shampoo: Choose a dog-formulated shampoo — preferably one suggested by your vet for skin or odor concerns — and use lukewarm water. Massage the shampoo well into the coat, allow a brief contact time if instructed, then rinse thoroughly. Residual shampoo can irritate skin and trap odors.
4. Dry completely: Use a high-absorbency towel and, if your dog tolerates it, a low-heat dryer. Make sure skin folds, under the tail, and ear flaps are dry. Dampness left in place can quickly recreate the smell.
5. Address anal glands carefully: If you suspect the glands, don’t attempt deep expression unless you’ve been trained. You can watch for scooting or licking and then ask your vet or a groomer to express them safely. Infections of the glands require veterinary treatment.
6. When to see the vet: Seek evaluation when odor persists after these steps, when there’s pain, discharge, or systemic signs, or when episodes recur. A vet can examine, cytology the skin or ear discharge, and recommend topical or systemic therapy if needed.

Preventing recurrences: home-care and environmental fixes

Small changes to routine and the home can reduce recurrence. Regular grooming — brushing, trimming mats, and scheduled baths based on your dog’s lifestyle — keeps excess oil and debris under control. After wet play, make a habit of towel-drying and, if practical, using a dryer on a low setting.

Wash bedding, crate pads, and frequently mouthed toys often. For stubborn smells, an enzyme laundry additive or pet-safe detergent can break down organic residues that ordinary detergent may leave behind. Consider waterproof covers for couches or beds if outings are messy.

On walks, limit access to stagnant ponds and obvious trash. Teaching recall and “leave it” helps prevent your dog from rolling in smelly substances. Finally, train your dog to accept ear checks, nail trims, and drying by pairing handling with treats and calm praise — that tolerance reduces stress for you both when cleaning is needed.

Vet-recommended products and safe tools for odor control

Choose tools and products designed for dogs, and when in doubt ask your veterinarian for a specific recommendation for your dog’s skin and ear health. Useful items include high-absorbency microfiber towels, a low-heat pet dryer or a quiet human dryer used carefully, and soft grooming brushes suited to your dog’s coat type.

Look for pH-balanced, dog-specific shampoos; for dogs with recurrent skin issues a chlorhexidine-based or medicated shampoo may be recommended by a veterinarian. For ears, vet-formulated cleaners that remove wax and debris without harsh alcohol are safest. Disposable ear wipes are handy for routine maintenance.

For fabric and environment cleaning, enzyme-based cleaners are more effective on organic odors than plain detergents. Waterproof bedding covers and washable crate pads reduce buildup. If you use any topical or cleaning product, follow manufacturer safety instructions and check with a poison hotline if accidental ingestion is a concern.

Sources and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Anal Sac Disease — Merck Veterinary Manual, section on anal sac impaction and infection.
• AVMA: Bathing, grooming, and coat care — American Veterinary Medical Association guidance for pet owners on bathing frequency and products.
• American College of Veterinary Dermatology: Owner Resources — ACVD patient information on ear diseases and skin infections in dogs.
• Journal of Veterinary Dermatology: “Canine otitis externa: a review of pathogenesis and treatment options” — peer-reviewed review discussing microbiology and odor-producing compounds.
• Journal of Small Animal Practice: “Anal sacculitis and impaction in dogs” — clinical review covering signs and management of anal sac disease.
• Pet Poison Helpline: Household products and pets — guidance on cleaning product safety and emergency steps for exposures.