Why Does My Golden Retriever Smell Like Fish? Causes and Easy Fixes Table of Contents Quick Answer: Why Does My Golden Retriever Smell Like Fish? The First Time I Smelled It (And the Forum That Saved Me) Quick Reference: What You Can Do Right Now Part 1: The Number 1 Culprit—Anal Glands Part 2: When It's Not the Anal Glands—Ear Infection Discovery Part 3: The Fishy Breath Mystery Part 4: When to Worry—UTIs, Pyometra, and Skin Infections Part 5: Diet and Other Surprising Causes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Final Thoughts: What I Wish I Knew Earlier Why Does My Golden Retriever Smell Like Fish? The most common cause is anal gland issues —two small scent sacs near the anus become impacted or infected, releasing a fishy-smelling liquid. Other causes include ear infections (yeast or bacteria), dental disease, skin yeast infections, or a urinary tract infection. The fix depends on the source: add fiber to firm up stools, clean e...