If you’ve noticed your puppy’s urine smells distinctly fishy, this can be concerning. There are a few potential causes for this unusual odor that require veterinary attention.
Causes of Fishy Smelling Puppy Urine
Here are some of the most common reasons a puppy’s urine might have a fishy odor:
Urinary Tract Infection
One of the most likely culprits for smelly puppy pee is a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs occur when bacteria get into the bladder and multiply. The bacteria cause inflammation and irritation, producing strange smells.
Puppies are prone to UTIs because their immune systems are still developing. Female puppies are at particular risk due to their shorter urethras. Symptoms include:
- Fishy or foul urine odor
- Peeing more frequently
- Discomfort when urinating
- Dribbling urine
- Blood in urine
UTIs should always be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your vet. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the kidneys.
Bladder or Kidney Infection
A bladder infection (cystitis) or kidney infection (pyelonephritis) can also cause fishy-smelling pee. Since puppies have small bladders and immature immune function, they are prone to these types of infections.
Signs include:
- Fishy urine odor
- Straining or whimpering when peeing
- Frequent urination
- Blood in urine
- Vomiting or fever (with kidney infection)
Bladder and kidney infections require veterinary treatment with antibiotics and sometimes intravenous fluids. Left untreated, they can lead to sepsis.
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina that occurs in unspayed female puppies. It can cause a fishy odor in the urine as well as:
- Swollen, red, irritated genitals
- Vaginal discharge
- Frequent licking of genital area
Vaginitis is often caused by bacteria moving from the GI tract into the reproductive tract. It’s treated with antibiotics.
Structural Abnormalities
Certain inborn structural problems in a puppy’s urinary tract can lead to urine retention and bacterial overgrowth. Two examples are:
- Ectopic ureters: when the ureters that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder are misplaced and connect in the wrong spot.
- Urethral strictures: narrowing of the urethra.
These conditions allow urine to pool and stagnate, allowing bacterial overgrowth. They are treated surgically.
Diagnosing the Cause
To determine the underlying reason for your puppy’s smelly urine, the vet will begin with a physical exam and then recommend:
- Urinalysis: Checks for signs of infection such as bacteria, blood, crystals.
- Urine culture: Identifies the specific bacteria causing an infection.
- Imaging tests: X-rays or ultrasound to look for structural problems.
Based on the test results, the vet will choose the appropriate treatment.
Preventing Smelly Puppy Pee
You can help prevent your pup from developing smelly urine by:
- Potty training: Take your puppy out frequently to encourage urination. Limit opportunities for accidents.
- Sanitation: Clean up accidents immediately with enzyme cleaner. Disinfect toys and bedding.
- Urinary health diet: Feed food that supports urinary tract health.
- Access to water: Provide fresh, clean water at all times to encourage regular urination.
- Spaying: Reduces risk of vaginitis in females.
Schedule regular vet visits to monitor your puppy’s health. Address signs of illness promptly to prevent urinary issues from developing.
When to See the Vet
Contact your vet promptly if you notice:
- Fishy urine smell
- Difficulty or pain when urinating
- Increased frequency of urination
- Blood in the urine
- Other signs of illness like vomiting or lethargy
Puppies need veterinary assessment for fishy urine rather than home treatment. Timely treatment can help prevent chronic urinary problems in adulthood.
Conclusion
Several health issues can cause a fishy odor in a puppy’s urine. This abnormal smell warrants veterinary attention to diagnose and treat the underlying problem. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections, vaginitis, and structural issues can help prevent lasting health effects for your pup as they grow up. With proper prevention and care, your puppy’s fishy urine smell should resolve and not return.