How to Get the Smell of Dead Fish Out of a Dog's Fur

Similar to human hair, dog hair absorbs odors from its surroundings. A dead fish odor can affix to your dog through direct contact with dead fish or pungent sea water, or if the odor of fish is in the air. The last thing you want is the smell lingering in your dog's fur. While prevention is the best method for avoiding the unpleasant smell of dead fish, you can remove the odor completely with proper cleansing techniques and supplies.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/3 cup glycerin
  • Plastic container
  • 1 cup lemon-scented dish detergent
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • Water
  • Washcloth
  • Towels
  • Baking soda
  • Brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pour one-third cup of glycerin into a plastic container. Add 1 cup lemon-scented dish detergent, 1 cup white vinegar and 1 qt. warm water to the container. Close the container and shake the ingredients to make a deodorizing dog shampoo.

    • 2
      Make bathing an enjoyable experience for your dog.

      Wet your dog's fur with warm water. Apply shampoo at the back of the neck and work into a lather. Shampoo your dog, adding more shampoo as needed, from neck to tail. Use a damp washcloth to carefully wash your dog's face, avoiding the ears and eyes.

    • 3

      Rinse your dog thoroughly to remove all traces of the deodorizing shampoo. Towel-dry your dog to remove as much moisture as possible from its fur. Allow the fur to air-dry completely.

    • 4

      Treat any lingering dead fish odor by sprinkling baking soda over your dog's dry fur. Use your fingertips to work the baking soda down into the fur. Allow the baking soda to remain on your dog's fur for at least 20 minutes.

    • 5

      Brush your dog to remove the baking soda and dead fish odor.