Does your dog have a tendency to drag his or her butt across the carpet? Do you notice him paying a lot of attention to his backside? Are you starting to wonder if she has a strange obsession with her own butt?

Although most pet owners do not think twice about a dog’s backside unless there has been an unfortunate potty incident, anal glands can give dogs a lot of problems. 

Impaction of the Anal Glands

Dogs have glands that sit on either side of the anus that emit an odorous liquid to help them mark their territory and get to know each other. There is a reason that dogs greet each other by sniffing bums; this personalized odor allows them to really “meet” one another. Although dogs do not really control when these glands empty, regular bowel movements can help keep them functioning properly. Problems arise when these glands become blocked, which can lead to an unfortunate smell emanating from your dog and could even cause him pain or infection. If you notice any of the following, schedule an appointment with your Wagly team to see if an impacted anal gland is the issue:

  • A distinctive fish-like odor (even after baths)
  • Your dog paying extra attention to his or her backside (like licking or difficulty sitting)
  • Butt scoots along the floor
  • Brown or grey liquid coming from the anal glands

Breeds that Might Have Anal Gland Issues

Although anal gland impaction can happen to any dog, there are certain breeds that tend to have issues with these glands more than others:

  • King Charles Spaniels
  • Cocker Spaniels
  • Poodles
  • Shih-tzus
  • Older dogs of multiple breeds are also more susceptible to having difficulty with anal glands.

If your dog has an impacted gland, our veterinary team can express (empty) the gland and provide the necessary antibiotics or pain relief. 

Whether you need veterinary, boarding, or pet daycare services, Wagly Veterinary Hospital & Pet Campus is here for you. With locations in Lake Hills (Bellevue), Washington, Tustin, Rancho Santa Margarita, or Blossom Hill (San Jose), California, we make it easy to get the full-service care you need. Visit us online to book an appointment today.