It’s quite comical to watch a dog scoot its rear end across the floor. It can be so endearing that many people forget dogs do this because their anal scent glands are causing them significant irritation. Some irritation is minor and can be handled at home with relative ease, while other instances are more severe and may signal an infection.
Anal scent glands are two glands located near the anus, situated between the internal and external sphincter muscles. All carnivores, except for bears, are equipped with these glands. Their primary function is to release a personal and identifying scent, which explains why dogs insist on sniffing each other’s rear ends when they meet. It’s similar to a handshake for us, but in their case, the smell is permanently imprinted in their minds. This is also the reason dogs have an insatiable need to kick dirt after going to the bathroom. They’re not trying to bury their waste but instead spreading it around to let the entire neighborhood know they’ve been there and marked this territory as their own.
When a dog is stressed, either physically or emotionally, their body’s natural reaction is to release a sudden and intense discharge from their anal glands. This behavior ties back to their natural pack instincts. If a dog is about to fight or has been injured, it’s essential to signal to the rest of the pack who is in distress.
Dogs don’t rely on facial features or hair patterns to identify each other. A pack of German Shepherds, for example, can’t identify one another based on unique markings. Their scent is their identity. Before a fight, the release from the anal glands alters the dog’s aroma, making it more pungent. This strong scent serves as a clear message, preventing unnecessary conflicts. If one dog has already been beaten, the pack’s health is at risk if the other dog doesn’t recognize this and continues the fight.
Likewise, the injured dog needs to signal that it’s the weakest member, so if the pack is attacked, the intruder will be able to identify who is most vulnerable. This self-sacrificing behavior benefits the entire pack, rather than just the injured individual.
Draining the Anal Glands is Not a Pleasant Job
In most cases, these glands remain unnoticeable and are simply part of the dog’s systems. When the dog goes to the bathroom (hopefully outside by now), the anal glands naturally empty. This is both a cleansing process and part of their territory-marking behavior. However, sometimes the natural process of emptying the glands becomes interrupted.
Infections are the most common cause of anal scent gland dysfunction. Something as simple as an itchy bottom can lead to the dog dragging its rear end across a rough surface, which can cause skin damage. Bacteria can invade the area, and before you know it, your dog’s anal sac is filled with a foul-smelling fluid. This is typically easy to spot, as the gland will swell, and the initial cut may ooze, revealing the entry point for bacteria. Occasionally, an infection may develop internally. Either way, the swelling and irritation are clear signs that the anal glands need to be drained.
Draining the anal glands is not a pleasant job, but it’s necessary for the dog’s comfort and health. The person doing the draining should be sure they know what they are doing and set aside any personal discomfort about touching their pet’s rear end. While it may not be a job for the weak of stomach, draining the glands is not difficult.
To drain the anal glands, simply squeeze the entire gland firmly but gently, much like popping a pimple. The contents will ooze out with a strong, unpleasant aroma, but without this process, the infection or discomfort will only worsen. Using a chamomile tea bag soaked in warm water can help draw some of the fluid to the surface, making the draining process easier. Place the tea bag on the dog’s anus for about 10 minutes before squeezing. Be sure to prevent the dog from licking the area during this time.
If you are uncomfortable draining your dog’s anal glands, a groomer or veterinarian can take care of the task. While there’s no need for someone else to handle it, if it makes you feel more comfortable, you can always let them take over. After all, this is one of the more unpleasant aspects of dog ownership.
If you decide to have someone else do it, make sure you’re present and paying attention. There may come a time when you have no choice but to drain the glands yourself or watch your dog suffer in discomfort. After draining the anal glands, any infection should be treated immediately with antibiotics. While it may not be the most enjoyable part of caring for your dog, they will certainly appreciate your efforts to help keep them comfortable — and maintain their status in the neighborhood. After all, they wouldn’t want their puppy pals to think they had disappeared simply because their scent wasn’t at its usual spot.
