Every dog has two anal glands or sacs, near the rectum. These sacs are sometimes called scent glands, and may be a way dogs identify each other. Hence, the tendency for nose-to-rear sniffing. The secretion that comes out is liquid and brownish. Anal sacs can also be emptied as the result of sudden contraction of the anal sphincter-when the dog is frightened or upset for example. Soft stools are a primary cause of malfunctioning glands. When the sacs do not empty normally, they can become impacted and infected. Your pooch may be giving you a clue that she is having anal gland trouble if she scoots on her rear, or bites her tail, rump, or rear as though in pain. Over-full glands can be relieved by a quick expression of the fluid by hand; infected glands will require antibiotic therapy. Your furry kid will normally get their anal glands expressed at every grooming so check with your groomer on this.
