Anal glands smell Jan 19, 2024 · Dog anal glands smell is common for many dogs but it is a problem that will require some effort, time, and patience. Your dog just licked his anal gland and very likely expressed them. In the meantime, you can learn more about dog anal gland smell here Mar 9, 2024 · One of the most noticeable symptoms is a foul odor emanating from the anal area, which can be a sign of impacted or infected anal glands. 5 days ago · Signs Your Dog Needs His Anal Glands Expressed. This fluid, used to mark territory, is Jun 16, 2022 · This would be another non-anal gland reason that the back end of a female dog would smell like fish. Preventing Anal Odor Nov 4, 2022 · Anal gland impaction happens when one or both of the anal glands are not emptying properly and become obstructed. Anal glands are small sacs located on each side of a cat's anus, beneath the skin. Animals in the mustelid family have particularly pungent anal gland secretions, though they usually only release their scent when they feel threatened. Nov 12, 2021 · My dog eats enough fiber and we have anal gland wipes, but around week 3-4 after being bathed, she doesn’t stink but her anal glands smell so terribly Reply Brian Evans on March 27, 2024 at 11:19 am Nov 11, 2024 · If you suspect your cat's smelly tush is the result of a UTI, seek immediate veterinary care. . What Are Anal Glands? Normal Function vs. Anal Gland Expression. Please always talk with a vet anytime you smell something not right with your dog, as it can often be the sign of a bigger health issue. Dietary Factors: Certain foods, especially those high in fish-based proteins, can contribute to fishy-smelling breath or body odor in Golden Retrievers. I notice this mainly when we pull into the vet’s parking lot and my GSP gets a whiff of the air, he knows and he gets scared. While his smell is undoubtedly unpleasant, what he experienced is perfectly normal and may likely happen again in a similar situation. Dec 11, 2022 · Until you teach your dog not to get on the couch, try furniture covers to take the anal gland damage. Dealing with Anal Gland Odor. [ 2 ] In non-human mammals, the secretions of the anal glands contain mostly volatile organic compounds with a strong odor, and they are thus functionally involved Table of contentsWhy does my dog still smell after his glands have been expressed?Dog still smells after glands expressed: 5 reasons#1: The smell won’t totally go away#2: They’re not completely emptied#3: Because of the ‘splash zone’#4: Their glands fill up too quickly#5: Anal gland problemDog still smells after glands expressed: 5 tips#1: Monitor them#2: Clean … 3. Flatulence; Diarrhea; Constipation; Recognizing Anal Gland Issues. One of the most common reasons why a dogʼs butt may smell like fish is anal gland issues. Jan 30, 2025 · – Scooting, biting their rear, bad odor, visible swelling and discharge are some signs of anal glands problem in dogs. If you find that this doesn’t do the trick, it might be that the glands weren’t fully expressed in the first place. They sit low on either side of the anal cavity at the 4 and 8 o’clock positions and can range from pea to grape size depending on the animal. It can be alarming at times especially if you think your dog could be bleeding internally. Here’s what to know: Sep 22, 2021 · A bad smell can also be a symptom of anal leakage, an infection, or the result of pain keeping you from cleaning your anus completely. D og owners who notice an unusual metallic odor coming from their dogs need to be aware this could signal serious health issues ranging from impacted anal glands to dental disease or kidney failure. While dogs have the most problems with their anal glands, even cats can have issues. They’re typically located at the 8 and 4 o’clock positions. Feb 18, 2025 · Why Does My Cat’s Butt Smell? Understanding Feline Odors. What’s that SMELL? Many pet owners are stumped the first time they notice the pungent, fishy odor coming from their pet. Anal gland smell can be an annoying problem when it comes to keeping furniture smelling fresh. Jun 3, 2024 · These anal glands can become overfull and even clogged – and smelly. , ferrets sold at pet stores are “descented” by surgically removing the anal Nov 14, 2024 · Once your dog gets into a situation when they are scared, they emit an odor from their anal glands. Also referred to as anal sacs, these glands can be seen on either side of a dog's anus, and they're lined with both sebaceous and apocrine glands. This odor is usually caused by impacted glands; however, this can also indicate an infection or even a tumor. Problems; Other Causes of a Smelly Cat Butt. If anal gland problems are the culprit, your veterinarian can manually express the glands to relieve discomfort and eliminate the fishy odor. Sometimes the infected material is all trapped in the uterus. Groundhogs also have sweat glands on the corners of their mouth that emit an odor. But other times, the dog will have a stinky vaginal discharge due to the infected material draining out of the body. After the first week of having him, I started to notice the smell. Any time you detect a strong fish-like odor coming from your pup’s rear end, the butt glands are likely involved. It’s not the prettiest topic, but it’s life with a dog. However, a much more likely reason that your cat's tush smells like fish is clogged anal glands. A full course of antibiotics should cure the infection and the smell. , Demodex, Sarcoptes) The difference in anal glands between species. Julie Buzby gives some background on anal glands, and then explains the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of anal gland issues in dogs. If your dog smells like fish, chances are there may be something going on with their anal glands. Here’s what Apr 16, 2024 · Dog anal glands smell bad from time to time … but it can be easy and cost-effective to help dogs learn how to express dog anal glands on their own. Discomfort or Pain: Your dog might display signs of discomfort, like whining or yelping when sitting or showing sensitivity when their hind area is touched. How To Recognize Normal And Problem Anal Glands Some people worry when they smell the fishy smell of anal glands, but it is absolutely normal for healthy dogs to express the anal glands once in a while. “There are so many different camps of people,” says Dr. Like a skunk, your kitty gets scared and sprays anal sac fluid to communicate to another member of his species or a potential predator that she should stay away, according to the Drake Center for Veterinary Care. How can I tell if my dog is having anal gland issues? Signs of anal gland problems include scooting on the floor, licking or biting at the anus, a fishy odor, and Sep 2, 2024 · Manually expressing the anal glands can help relieve any discomfort or minor problems your dog is having with their glands, but infected or impacted anal glands will need to be treated with vet-prescribed medications. These sac or gland secretions contain pheromones or a specific scent that can give other dogs information, such as social ranking, identification, defense, and more. However, these sacks should empty themselves over time, and if you’re noticing a smell, it could indicate a buildup of the fluid these glands produce, or, in some instances, it may indicate a more severe probl Jan 27, 2025 · The anal glands can be viewed as the body’s garbage bin that empties automatically whenever the toxin levels reach a certain point. The digestion of these proteins can result Sep 21, 2024 · Fishy Odor . There are a few signs to look out for when your dog needs some help with his anal glands. Here's how to express anal glands at home. Like all other glands in their body, anal glands can get blocked or infected. These glands are normally expressed when a dog defecates, but sometimes they can become impacted or infected, leading to a fishy odor. Digestive Problems: An unbalanced gut can lead to bad smells coming from both ends of a dog, including a fishy odor. Jul 18, 2023 · Butts aren’t supposed to smell like daisies, and doing nothing for the sake of bettering your anal smell is a-okay too. Jun 27, 2024 · There is nothing that compares with the joys of being a pet parent. Oct 27, 2021 · Anal gland secretions have a distinct smell that many people describe as fishy. These glands secrete an odor that helps dogs mark territory. They Serve a Purpose in the Wild. S. If you notice a strong, foul smell coming from your cat’s anal area, it’s important to seek veterinary The anal glands or anal sacs are small glands near the anus in many mammals. To combat the fishy smell associated with anal gland issues, try Aug 30, 2021 · The purpose of anal glands is to allow dogs to scent mark their territory by leaving their own unique odor in their urine or stool. If you've noticed your dog smells really strong, like poop or musky fish, or smells even after a bath, chances are good that you need to check out your dog's anal glands. He went outside to “work it out” and came back in. Tada! Most dachshunds anal gland problems will be helped by increasing fibre in their diet or taking specific anal gland supplements. It’s the reason dogs introduce themselves by sniffing one another’s hind quarters . In this article, we'll explore what dogs' anal glands smell like, as it relates to pets. When your dachshund’s poop is the right consistency, things will start to work naturally and the fishy smell will disappear! Mar 8, 2025 · Dogs’ anal glands smell because they secrete a substance that dogs use to mark their territory. What are signs of an anal gland infection in cats? Anal gland infections may also result in scooting and licking around their butt. Expressing the anal glands regularly can help prevent odor-related issues. Oct 10, 2024 · What are anal glands and why do they smell so bad? Anal glands are small sacs located on either side of a dog’s anus. Mar 7, 2025 · 2. Regular baths and cleaning of the anal area can prevent the build-up of secretions that cause odor. Nov 17, 2021 · Know the signs causes, treatment and how to prevent anal gland disease in your dog with the help of the experts at the American Kennel Club. Anal sac disease is a common and very smelly problem. Jan 27, 2025 · Also called the anal sacs, anal glands are pea- to grape-sized glands located just inside of a dog’s anus. Mar 21, 2018 · What you smell is the emission of his anal glands. The scent secreted by the anal glands is usually quite pungent, and if the glands are impacted or infected, the odor can become even more unpleasant. Nov 15, 2022 · So what are the anal glands, and are they supposed to smell like fish? First, both dogs and cats have two small anal glands. It often has a distinctive odor that smells similar to rotten or aged fish or has heavy metallic aromas. Jan 24, 2024 · Infected anal glands: The vet may need to flush out the glands and will likely prescribe antibiotics. The scent that their anal glands release has a very strong smell that can cause your Great Dane to smell horrible. These glands will express every time that your Great Dane poops. In such dogs, monthly or even weekly anal gland expression is needed to squeeze out all the fluid. The most obvious is the scooting along the floor or a fishy smell. To help you navigate these problems, integrative veterinarian Dr. This might be a spot clean using dog shampoo, dog wipes, dog grooming spray, etc. Sure, it’s not the most pleasant subject (even for dog lovers), but it’s an important part of your dog’s health. In the wild, the anal sac secretions are used by cats to help mark their territory. 5. Fecal material like cecotropes can be stuck in the fur around their anus. Managing Urinary Tract Infections. Your Great Dane can also easily get poop stuck in the fur around their rectum. Regular vet check-ups can help prevent these issues. To answer the second question, your cat’s anal glands should be expressed regularly only if your cat has a medical history of infected anal glands. Since every dog is different, their anal glands and sacs also work differently. As you know by now, every dog’s organism is different. Various tough, effective, pet-friendly options are available for Jun 28, 2024 · If your dog's butt smells fishy or metallic, it could be their anal glands. While it may not be due to an affinity for sardines, it often stems from secretions from the anal glands. Apr 23, 2024 · 【Neutralizing Anal Odor】: Our soothing no-touch spray, formulated with purified HOCl, effectively neutralizes the unpleasant odor produced by anal glands, freshening the air and ensuring that cats and dogs remain fresh and odor-free even after repeated use In this article, we will explore how to get rid of anal gland smell in pets, along with 7 interesting trends related to this topic. anal sac impaction, infection, rupture, or cancer) can quite literally be a pain in the rear for your dog. In this article, learn more about the functions of the anal gland, how to express anal glands in dogs, and how to get rid of the dog anal glands smell. This causes the fluid to thicken and the gland to swell. Thus, each dog has their glands filled at different rates. Various approaches for removing anal gland odor from your things exist. Know the signs causes, treatment and how to prevent Apr 3, 2024 · This process involves using gloves, lubrication, and a paper towel to catch the expelled fluid. They can also provide guidance on managing anal gland issues long-term. Since the volume and speed at which this happens is different for every dog, the required frequency of expression naturally also differs. The pungency will depend on this specific pup. If you know, you know. Dec 5, 2023 · What To Do if Your Dog’s Anal Glands Are Leaking . Feb 18, 2024 · Anal glands can smell bad due to impaction, infections, or abscesses that cause a buildup of secretion within the glands. So, how can anal glands be the issue if the bad breath is coming from the opposite end? The answer is simple. Commonly referred to as shooting the glands, at times the emitted oils will spray onto objects within range and saturate his backside. Nov 6, 2018 · What are anal glands? PetMD describes anal glands as little pouches situated between the internal and external sphincter muscles. I wiped the area again with hydrogen peroxide (using a thicker wad of tissue), and the smell was greatly reduced. Let’s discover what smells groundhogs emit, why they use these smells, and how clean they keep themselves and their habitat that might contribute to their distinct odor. His glands would leak almost daily, and I mean they would leak. That said do dogs anal glands smell bad after tearing up or rapturing? Yes, as a matter of fact apart from the bad odor produced from raptured anal glands, there is also the risk of your dog catching serious infections. But owning a dog also comes with some… unpleasant odors. Regular anal There are many great things about having a dog, but getting rid of the dog anal gland smell is not one of them. The contraction can happen when your pup is frightened or stressed. Understanding the Anal Glands. Mar 7, 2023 · When these glands become impacted or infected, they can emit a fishy smell. Anal Glands. Expressing a dog's anal glands is best taught in person by someone familiar with the process, such as a veterinarian or veterinary Mar 4, 2024 · The fishy smell emitted from your dog’s butt comes from their anal glands, sometimes referred to as anal sacs, which are a normal and healthy part of a dog’s anatomy. There are several signs that can indicate impacted anal glands. Dogs have two small glands located on either side of their anus that produce a smelly, oily substance. Aug 17, 2021 · Obstruction of the anal gland duct – mass/tumor, inflammation to the muscles, etc. This can lead to a foul odor and discomfort for your dog. As Lynyrd Skynyrd so poetically sang, “Ooh, that smell!” There are few odors as noxious and distinct as the smell of anal gland secretions. Jun 12, 2024 · Wipe your dog’s rear end clean with a paper towel. They produce a foul-smelling, oily substance that is used for marking territory and communication. What are anal glands? The anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small glands ranging from about the size of a pea to the size of a grape. Apr 17, 2023 · What Are Anal Glands and Anal Sacs? The anatomical details here are important: The “anal sacs” are small, balloon-like structures on either side of the anus, just inside the anal sphincter; The “anal glands” describes the glandular tissue that produces the secretion that fills the anal sacs. Treatment for UTIs typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection. g. Dogs may also exhibit behaviors such as scooting their rear on the ground, licking or biting at the anus, and showing signs of discomfort or pain around their hindquarters. One can be found below their chins and the other can be found in their backside, very near their anus. It's important to use a mild, pet-safe cleanser to avoid irritation. These glands can become impacted or infected, leading to discomfort, pain, and a strong odor emanating from the rear end. Many dog owners talk about their dog or puppy having a metallic smelling breathe. In that case, call your vet and them about the problem your dog is experiencing. Proper Jan 9, 2025 · Anal glands or sacs are two small pouches on the inside of a dog’s anus, one on each side. If the glands are too hard to express, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. Sometimes, they might require to be manually expressed. Jan 30, 2025 · Some of the most common signs of anal gland issues in cats include scooting, licking their butts frequently, a bad odor coming from their hind end, or redness, swelling, pain, or foul-smelling fluid around their butt. How to Get Rid of Dog Anal Gland Smell. Anal Gland Issues. Run items through the laundry. Luckily, there Jan 16, 2025 · If you notice a strange, iron, or metallic smell surrounding your beloved furry friend, the prime culprit is your dog’s anal glands, especially if the odor is accompanied by scooting and licking. Nov 20, 2023 · Dog anal gland issues (e. All canines have modified sweat glands that produce liquid for marking territory and communicating with other dogs. When this is the case, it is important that you only use pet-safe products to clean up your dog. Dec 9, 2023 · Anal gland odor is unpleasant, but it can happen. Preventative Measures: To prevent future incidents of dog gland smell on your carpet, consider having your dog's anal glands expressed regularly by a veterinarian or groomer. The smell from the anal glands can be described as musky. You may notice an unpleasant fishy smell in addition to your dog’s attempts to relieve his discomfort by scooting around on his bottom. These glands are located inside the rectum and help dogs express scent during social interactions. Dogs have anal glands on either side of their anus. The most common sign of impacted anal glands is the odor. May 23, 2023 · Anal glands. All dogs have scent glands just like a skunk. When the sacs don’t empty properly, the fluid builds up and may leak onto your dog and the environment leaving a fishy odor. These glands, also known as dog's anal sacs, produce a distinct scent used for communication. While the scent is typically strong in most cats, the specific scent varies I had owned a dog before, but never experienced any issues with anal glands before. Goldstein. Anal gland impactions are the most common disorder associated with dachshund anal glands. Nov 9, 2023 · Anal gland smell on your dog. Maintaining your dog's grooming and hygiene is essential for managing anal gland smell. The fluid they secrete is typically thick, brown, and has a strong odor. While many dogs express the glands themselves by displaying natural behaviors such as scooting or licking the anus, excessive attention to their glands may indicate a problem . Should raw fed dogs have issues with anal glands? In a perfect world, no. Impacted anal glands: The vet will sedate your cat and remove the contents of the anal glands. If your dog got her anal gland smell on your sheets, slipcovers, or clothing, you can run them through the washer with detergent. Fabrics hold odor, so they need to go in the wash. Anal Glands in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Preventing Ruptured Sacs | Canine Journal Find out what normal anal glands are, how to spot issues with your dog’s anal glands and how to Anal abscess drainage: Lances and cleans out infected anal glands; Seton placement: Thread placed through fistulas to drain infection; Fecal diversion: Redirects feces away from diseased lower colon; Talk to a colorectal surgeon or gastroenterologist to see if any surgical intervention may help improve odor and quality of life. The scent glands under their chins don’t smell but the scent glands on their bums can cause a rabbit to smell bad. Jun 20, 2022 · Groundhogs have anal glands that emit a musky smell, usually when they feel threatened. Diet and Anal Glands. Anal Scent Glands Rabbits have two scent glands. That smell can be Apr 9, 2024 · Dog Anal Gland Smell. Sep 24, 2019 · The anal gland smell was gone immediately from my hands, but not from Rodrigo. Anal glands also may be expressed when the dog suddenly contracts the anal sphincter, the circular muscle that controls the anus. . If you have ever experienced an atrocious odor coming from the backside of your beloved cat, you have probably had the pleasure of smelling anal gland discharge. We'll also discuss seven interesting trends related to this topic, as well as address 14 common Nov 4, 2022 · If a dog's butt smells fishy, it likely means the dog has an anal gland issue. How can I tell if my dog's anal glands are impacted? – Signs of impacted anal glands include scooting, licking or biting at the rear end, and a 4. He would be sleeping on the couch and I would smell it. While the scent is typically strong in most cats, the specific scent varies Mar 7, 2025 · 2. Dec 9, 2023 · If you’ve ever been around a dog with full anal sacs that started leaking, you’re familiar with dog anal gland odor. This procedure means removing both anal glands, which will officially eliminate all anal gland issues because there won’t be any more anal glands! However, there are complications associated with this surgery, if done incorrectly, such as nerve damage, so we recommend the services of a specialist surgeon should this surgery be indicated. To combat the fishy smell associated with anal gland issues, try Apr 3, 2024 · This process involves using gloves, lubrication, and a paper towel to catch the expelled fluid. It releases the fluid from the glands and prevents it from leaking, which usually causes the stink. 7. But what causes the unique fishy smell? In this article, we’ll review what anal glands smell like and why they have that particular odor. The presence of a foul odor is often a telltale sign of anal gland problems in cats. However, by understanding why dogs express their glands and how you can prevent it from happening, you can keep your furniture clean and odor-free. It’s unlike anything else. If your dog's anal glands are leaking, or your dog is scooting or licking their rear end, those anal glands must be manually expressed or emptied by a human. When dogs sniff each other’s backside, they can tell whether the stranger is a Feb 23, 2025 · While anal gland issues are the most frequent reason, the fishy smell could also be related to: Dental Issues: Bacteria in the mouth can cause halitosis and occasionally create a fishy odor. When we talk about raptured glands what about when your dog’s anal glands are intact, what do dogs anal glands smell like then? Apr 7, 2022 · Anal gland secretions often have a very strong odor that can be difficult to remove completely. The anal glands also are a form of communication between dogs. The contents within anal glands will typically be extracted when a dog has a bowel Feb 14, 2024 · Foul Odor: A strong, unpleasant odor around your dog’s rear end could be a sign of an anal gland issue. To get rid of the foul anal gland fluid around your house, enzymatic cleaners along with baking soda and white spirit vinegar The liquid inside your feline friend's anal glands is dark and odorous, and the way the glands expel it is similar to that of a skunk. Anal glands are small sacs located on either side of your pet's anus that secrete a smelly substance. Oct 5, 2023 · If your dog starts to smell again merely days after its last expression, it could be the case that it simply has anal glands that fill up with fluid more quickly than the average hound. If you notice a fishy smell coming from your dog’s behind, it’s most likely associated with their anal glands. [1] They are situated in between the external anal sphincter muscle and internal anal sphincter muscle . Understanding Anal Glands Anal glands, also known as To shed more light on this topic, we reached out to a veterinarian, a pet groomer, a pet nutritionist, and a holistic pet care practitioner for their insights on why dogs' anal glands smell: “Anal gland issues are a common concern among dog owners, and it's important to address them promptly to prevent discomfort and infection. You’ll notice a pungent, fishy odor quite different than the odor from flatulence. Anal glands are a way of communication to dogs. First, let's delve into what causes anal gland smell in pets. Skin mite infestations (e. Learn what causes that gross dog anal gland smell & how to help. May 2, 2019 · You need to consult a veterinarian to empty their anal glands, to drain an abscess, to receive antibiotics to deal with an infection, or to diagnose the problem behind the soft stools. As an odor removal specialist, I have often had to remove odor issues caused by anal glands from cats and dogs and because of this I have researched the components of anal gland secretions to better understand what is in the anal gland fluid or as better described the anal sacs so I could apply the correct chemicals to remove the smell. You may apply a deodorizer to rid your dog’s rear end of the foul anal gland smell. In the U. Impacted anal sacs are uncomfortable for your dog and can be potentially very serious if they rupture or become infected. Now that we've covered some effective ways to get rid of dog gland smell on your carpet, let's take a look at some interesting trends related to this topic. Signs Your Cat Needs Anal Gland Expression; When to See a Vet; Preventing and Managing Odors. While both dogs and cats have anal glands and both species can develop infections, it is much more common for dogs than cats to get infections. These odors tell dogs lots of things about one another, such as what their mood is like, how healthy they are, and whether they are stressed. Odor. Luckily, these days, you can find wipes with powerful neutralizing properties that can help with this. Dec 12, 2012 · Ironically, producing a distinctive smell is part of the anal gland’s reason for existing. Jun 12, 2017 · “Their anal glands are very strong smelling scent and territory marking glands,” said Fiorella. They also use this scent to communicate with each other, which is why you will often see dogs sniffing each other’s butts! Feb 25, 2024 · Managing Anal Gland Smell at Home Regular Grooming and Hygiene. Anal sac disease can occur when a cat’s anal glands fail to expel fluid properly. If you’ve ever seen a dog sniff another’s butt, now you know why. A fishlike smell is one possible Dec 9, 2023 · 9 Ways to remove anal gland odor from your things. Stress can make a dog smell, so if your dog stinks when scared and the odor is particularly fishy, it could be the sign of an anal gland problem. Keep reading to learn what causes hemorrhoids to smell and A dog with anal gland problems will commonly scoot her hind end along the ground in an attempt to relieve the pressure, but she may display less noticeable signs, which may include: Excessive licking or chewing underneath the tail; Redness or swelling around the anus; A sudden foul odor; Leakage of anal gland fluid on resting areas Aug 25, 2023 · The fishy smell coming from your dog’s anus is due to the release of fluids from the anal glands. The iron smell could also result from your dog licking their backside and the anal glands having leaked. So, if you notice a stinky smell after a few days of anal gland expression, it might be the case that your dog’s anal glands have started to fill up again. CHECK AVAILABILITY 👉 CHECK AVAILABILITY 👉 How To Get Rid of Dog Anal Gland Smell Written by Dr. While the smell of anal gland secretions can vary depending on the individual dog, there are some common characteristics that pet owners should be aware of. When anal glands are full, they can leak when a dog is sleeping or picked up, but there are also other things you should look out for. Mar 26, 2024 · Expressing dog anal glads is a gross and smelly task, but it can relieve some serious discomfort. What comes out of the glands is usually brown in color and fishy in odor. The most common reason dogs smell like fish is anal gland problems. James Bascharon Dogs can have a variety of scents, but one of the less pleasant odors your furry friend might emit is that fishy smell. Cleaning Dog Anal Gland Smell From Household Items May 26, 2023 · Another possible situation because your dog’s anal glands might still smell after an anal gland expression is because your dog’s anal glands refill quickly. Feb 14, 2025 · Anal gland problems such as dog anal gland infection impacted anal glands or anal gland abscesses are common and frustrating problems that affect lots of pets. Ruptured anal glands: These need to be cleaned out under sedation while the pain and infection are also managed. Apr 23, 2021 · Common symptoms of anal gland disease include “scooting” – dragging the rear end across the floor, a foul odor, pain, and/or licking or attempts to lick/bite at the rectal area. On the other hand, sometimes your dog has a lingering smell after expressing his or her anal glands. The anal glands generate a personal smell, like a canine fingerprint. What causes dog anal gland issues? – Anal gland issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, and lack of exercise. – Even as simple as loose stool, when ignored, can cause anal gland issues. Jul 10, 2023 · What Causes That Odor? One of the most common ways people first realize their dog has impacted or enlarged anal glands is they notice an odor. May 23, 2023 · Expressing your pup’s anal glands is the first step to getting rid of that not-so-pleasant odor! Have a vet or groomer check them every few months so you can nip any smelly situation in the bud. Are you smelling some odd, fishy scent on your dog's breath, like he stole your can of sardines? It could be his anal glands. Mar 17, 2025 · Here’s how to get rid of dog anal gland smell in five easy steps, both from your pet’s body and the surfaces in your home. Cats have two small glands located on either side of the anus called anal glands, which produce a small amount of fluid that is used to mark territory and communicate with other cats. While it’s completely normal to occasionally get a whiff of your dog’s anal glands, a persistent fishy scent could indicate a problem. The exact composition of this substance varies between dogs, but it generally contains fatty acids, proteins, and bacteria. Together with build-up of the secretion, clogging can also cause infection. Anal glands are usually emptied when your dog passes a stool. Gently squeeze the gland with your thumb and forefinger to release the fluid. This veterinarian-reviewed article looks at causes, treatments, and prevention of anal gland issues. llcfnarjvsrqqkvqsyhtdxunizrlafhcnnchmwrmnrcnxuphmgggmxsobdxissdtazxekosdzx