What is this smell from my dog?

Question

Every month or so my dog gets this really strong odour about him, its like a really foul fishy smell and when he gets it he wants to l**k everything to get the smell on there. Its really horrible i am not sure what it can be the whole room smells of it within half an hour it fades and then doesnt come back for another month or so (my dog is male) i just cant work out why, can anyone help me? Thanks.

Answer 1

Your dog might need to have his anal sac expressed.

Anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small glands situated just below and either side of the anal opening. These glands produce a substance that is secreted through ducts just inside the r****m when pressure is put on the glands- most commonly by the passing of f***s. This substance has a strong odor which is very unpleasant to humans but was probably useful to animals, especially in times gone by, for marking their territory. It smells, I know. I have this problem with my dogs.

However, try not to neglect the problem as it might cause an infection. Have you ever seen him scoot? For example, drag his butt on the ground. Scooting can cause damage to the a**s and indicates that your dog is having trouble with his anal glands and needs some type of intervention. Course, the smell is a "strong" indicator. No pun intended!

The best thing to do is to have it checked regularly and expressed when needed. You can take it to the Vet which I believe is much better than a groomer. A groomer can do the same job though it might  be as best as the Vet. You can also do it yourself. It's a stinky situation but ask your Vet how to do it before trying. I'm doing it at home & so far it's ok.

Good luck. Hope it helps.

Answer 2

Hm, this sounds definitely of a skin problem. Does he chew at certain spots (that could mean hot spots) but then again it comes and goes. You should definitely take the dog to a vet just to be sure. It could be a couple of different things. It could also be a nervous thing. My dog hates to ride in a car, and when he does he shakes and gets this nasty smell. He may just need a good Veterinary prescribed shampoo to use every couple of weeks! Good luck!  

Answer 3

Take him to a grooming salon, and get a bath, tell them to express his anal glands they should do it but make sure you tell them. Some dogs cant express their anal glands. Just do this every month. Or you could learn to do it your self but why not have your dog come home smelling really good. Good Luck!