Ask the Vet - Anal Glands
We have a 10-month-old basenji who is active, full of mischief, and appears healthy. In the past few weeks, however, I have noticed that her rear end sometimes leaves a foul odor on the furniture or carpet. We have not noticed any changes in her behavior, and she eats, sleeps, urinates, and defecates normally.
What you smell are her anal glands, or anal sacs. All dogs have two small sacs inside the muscle wall around their rectum. These are secretory sacs, meaning their walls actually produce a liquid substance. When dogs were feral, these glands were used to mark territory. Now, they do not serve much of a purpose other than to annoy owners.
The glands tend to leak at strange times, and the odor is indeed awful.
In addition, a small area of moisture and discoloration usually accompanies the smell.
Of concern is if the sacs become clogged, which is uncomfortable. Dogs may scoot their rear ends along the floor or lick their anal area in an attempt to alleviate the pressure.
Ask your veterinarian to check your dog’s anal glands. They may need to be “expressed,” or emptied. Most dogs do not have major problems with these glands, but some dogs do have chronic problems. However, any problems usually can be managed by having the glands regularly expressed. So do not worry; this is a common, easily controllable issue.