French bulldogs are beautiful dogs and everybody loves clean and charming pups. However, one less appealing thing about French bulldogs is that sometimes there will be a fishy smell that will come from your furry companion. If you are also one such owner who encounters this problem then you might be wondering, “Why does my French bulldog smell like fish?” This article will tell you all the reasons behind this unpleasant odor and how to address this problem.
1. Anal Glands: The Most Common Culprit
The most common cause of the fishy smell in French bulldogs is because of their anal glands. Anal sacs, or anal glands, or the small glands located on each side of your dog’s anus. These glands produce a strong smell that usually comes when a dog defecates. Frenhies use these secretions to mark their territories.
In some dogs, these anal glands do not empty properly and cause a buildup of fluid. This will result in discomfort in Frenchies and result in licking or scooting on the ground to relieve the discomfort. As a result, fluid will leak and result in a fishy odor.
Cause Of Anal Gland Impaction
- There are different causes behind anal gland impaction in French bulldogs.
- One major cause is diet, a diet that has no fiber will lead to soft stool and this will not help the anal gland emptying naturally.
- An overweight Frenchie is more to anal gland issues.
- Some Frenchies have a smaller and deeply positioned anal gland that makes them susceptible to this problem.
Symptoms of Anal Gland Issues:
- Scooting on floor
- Licking the rear end
- Redness or swelling near the anus
- A persistent fishy odor
Treatment:
If you feel that the fishy smell in French bulldogs is because of an anal gland issue then consult your vet immediately. Your vet will manually express the gland and advise a dietary change or treatment for your pup.
2. Dental Issues
Dental issues can also contribute to the fishy smell of French bulldogs. French bulldogs are very prone to gum diseases, oral infections, and tooth decay. These issues will lead to bad breath and rotten or fishy odor in French bulldogs.
Causes Of Dental Problems:
Frenchies just like other breeds suffer from dental issues because of their face structure jaws and teeth. Their small mouth will lead to overcrowding and it will be easier for plaque to build up. Poor dental hygiene can also cause dental issues.
Symptoms of Dental Issues:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Drooling more than usual
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Loose or missing teeth
- Red or swollen gums
Treatment:
Dental hygiene plays an important in preventing dental problems in French bulldogs. Regular brushing of teeth and providing dental chew toys to your pup will help in keeping their gums and teeth healthy. French Bulldog toothbrush is the world’s best teeth cleaner for your Frenchie.
It has a bristle on top and a holding base on the bottom, you can even insert toothpaste in it. It is made of durable and nontoxic rubber so it is completely safe for your dog. Even after that if you notice a dental problem or a fishy smell then consult your vet immediately.
3. Skin Conditions
Frenchies have sensitive skin and they can suffer from a lot of skin issues like yeast infections, allergies, and bacterial infections. Skin infections that are caused by yeast will emit strong odor and it will be described as fishy by the owners.
Causes of Skin problem
As you know there are a lot of skin folds on the neck and face of French bulldogs and in these areas, moisture and bacteria will accumulate that will lead to infection. Environmental factors, allergy to food, or grooming products will lead to skin irritation, scratching, and eventually infection in French bulldogs.
Symptoms of Skin Issues:
- Red, inflamed, or itchy skin
- Hair loss or thinning coat
- Foul-smelling odor, sometimes fishy
- Excessive licking or scratching
- Presence of sores or lesions
Treatment:
If your Frenchie is suffering from any skin issue then you must know the underlying cause. Your vet can do different tests and help you know about different allergies and infections at play and recommend treatments like shampoo, antibiotics, or a change in diet. Keeping your Frenchie skin fold clean will also help in preventing infections.
4. Diet and Digestive Issues
The fishy smell in French bulldogs is sometimes because of their diet and digestive health. There are some treats and foods that are rich in fish oil which can be the cause of fishy odor or breath and will also lead to release of oil through the skin. Furthermore, digestive issues like malabsorption or gastrointestinal upset will also lead to bad breath or change in body odor.
Cause Of Digestive Issues
French Bulldogs have very sensitive stomachs and are prone to intolerance and allergies. Any abrupt change in diet, poor-quality food, or indigestion can cause digestive problems.
Symptoms of Digestive Issues:
- Fishy breath after eating
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Gas or bloating
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
Treatment:
If you feel a fishy smell when your Frenchie is eating then, surely, diet is the cause of this problem. Consider switching to a good quality dog food as it will help in reducing the odor. If the digestive issues persist then consult your vet and rule out the underlying health issue.
Conclusion
A fishy smell in French bulldogs is very unpleasant and it is often a sign of an underlying health issue and it should be addressed with proper care. There are many causes behind this problem but the first step is to understand the root cause and then find the solution. Proper grooming, regular veterinary checkups, and a healthy diet will play a key role in keeping your French bulldog smell great. If you have any doubt in your mind feels free to consult your vet so your pup stays happy and healthy.
