This post is dedicated to my sister her, fiance, and their dog Elliot.

Anal glands, the bane of carpets and white pants everywhere. That unmistakable- gag inducing- stench akin to rotten fish wrapped in diapers and left out in the sun for a week.  The smell (I’m unsure if it accurately reflects the paint peeling effect) originates from our furry friends glands, specifically those that encircle the anus. The glands normally fill with a thick substance that has somehow manages to brew the smelliest thing known to mankind. You can find the two glands on either side of the anus at the 4 and 8 o’clock position. Normally, in an ideal world these glands which function mainly as scent marking glands would release anytime our friends go number 2. SOMETIMES we can be graced with doggies that may have difficulties with this and scoot their bottoms on that prized carpet in your living room in hopes to release them(is that why people hang carpets on the wall?). Occasionally I’ve had dogs that get so nervous in the clinic that I often get a little present when I bend down to check them out.

There are essentially three common situations: those that release easily (see above), those that don’t, and those that become infected. I’m not sure any are “winning” situations but in general the first is easier than the other two.

Some may need to bring their dogs in to have the anal glands expressed on a regular schedule. This involves placing one finger in the rectum and one outside and essentially expressing the gland manually. Some very keen owners ask to be taught but most are more than willing to give me the job. There are a few common reasons why these glands fill up and don’t express themselves:

1. Dog had liquid diarrhea or super soft stool, if the poop doesn’t press against the sides of the rectum the glands wont express. Often dogs that have had some dietary indiscretion and some diarrhea will have anal gland issues. Occasionally dogs need to um, bulk up their stool? and adding some fibre to the diet helps (consult your veterinarian if you think this might be the case).
2. Dogs that have a form of dietary allergy I find seem to fill their anal glands up fast, after switching to hypoallergenic diets I have patients do much much better.
3. Functional abnormality, something just ain’t right and regardless of what you do these glands need to be expressed manually from time to time.

Long story short, if you notice your dog scooting frequently or turning back to chew and lick their behind, it may be a good idea to stop by your vet to have them check it out. Impacted anal glands can be painful and can lead to nasty infections which sometimes require surgical drainage or removal!