Why does my puppy's breath smell like fish food after eating?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Male | neutered | 5 months and 6 days old | 7.8 lbs
How to get rid of your puppy’s bad breath? He currently eats Purina Pro Plan Chicken/Rice and has his teeth brushed with doggy toothpaste each night. Despite this effort he still has a lingering odor that smells somewhat “fish food” like especially after meals.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 22nd, 2018
I would guess that this is potentially food related, and if it is transient and he is doing well on his food otherwise there may not be anything to be worried about. If it bothers you, you could try changing his diet to another flavor or another brand altogether (I recommend sticking to foods by Purina, Hill's, Royal Canin, Iams or Eukanuba). You could also consider trying a probiotic supplement. Although Guido is young he could still also have a tooth problem and if the odor seems to be around all the time you may want to have your vet examine his mouth.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 10th, 2019
Sometimes dogs will have bad breath that is due to their diet, or occasionally it can be a sign of gastrointestinal disease. Even though his teeth do have minimal tartar in your photo he still could have dental disease - most dental disease is below the gum line in dogs. You may want to have your vet examine Oscar’s mouth closely for any signs of a problem if the tub breath is new.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 5th, 2017
Your dog is getting to the age where he is likely to have significant dental disease, since he is a small breed dog. I recommend scheduling a complete oral health exam under anesthesia so that a veterinarian can take dental radiographs of your dog's teeth as there are likely some that are rotting and require extraction and antibiotics--rotting teeth smell like old fish!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 19th, 2019
You may want to have your vet examine Bow to make sure he doesn’t have any dental disease or other oral disease causing his bad breath. If your vet has already examined Bow your best bet would probably be to brush his teeth using a dog toothpaste. You should acclimate him slowly to tooth brushing and try to make it a good experience by pairing with treats. Try brushing for a very short period of time each day and stop if he starts to get upset.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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