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Fishy smelling urine.

Species: Dog
Breed: Greyhound
Age: 5-8 years
Hi - my dog Bluebell has had a fishy smell to her urine for quite some time and originally I thought that must be the way she smells. But, lately I thought it could be something else and I should get some expert advice. If she has had a wee over night I can smell a herring fish smell from the top of the stairs before I've even gotten to the kitchen- it always smells like Herring to me. Please advise.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Interesting. This does not sound like something that's normal and I would recommend having her urine checked by your vet. A bad small could possibly mean a bacterial or a yeast infection. While most bladder infections cause the dog to be uncomfortable and urinate more often, not all of them do.

It's also possible that there is an infection somewhere else. A vaginal infection possibly could do this.

Anal gland issues often will cause a fishy smell but anal glands don't get expressed into urine. So, if you're sure that the smell is in her urine then this is not it.

Again though, I'd definitely recommend having your vet check her and her urine out.

Dr. Marie.


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Thank you for your advice. Unfortunately I've just come out of work and I have very little money. Is there anything that you know of I could give her. I think you are right as she sometimes licks her female private part incessantly. I could barely afford the consultation at the minute, never mind any tests they would need to do. Is there anything over the counter I could try with her.Leza


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

The problem is that we don't know what the cause is. Regardless though, it's unlikely that there is an at home treatment unfortunately. If you do see that there is redness around her vulva (which could be a sign of an infection in the skin around the vulva) you could try using neosporin/polysporin cream three times daily on this area. However, in most cases if there is an infection the dog is going to need antibiotics in pill form in order to heal completely.

I wish I had more answers for you. You may want to look into the local humane society as sometimes they will have low cost veterinary care available.



Customer reply:

Thank you for your help Dr. best wishes, Leza.


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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.