Understanding Dog Anal Gland Issues: Signs, Causes & Treatment

Learn how Aby discovered his dog’s anal gland issue and why that “smelly butt” wasn’t just a bad odor. A real story to help dog parents spot signs early and take action before it turns serious.

Bella’s Story: A Wake-Up Call

A couple of months ago, Aby noticed something strange with Bella, a 4-year-old Black pug. She had a strong, foul smell coming from her rear — and I don’t mean the usual “doggy” smell. It was sharper, almost fishy and clearly not normal.

At first, I brushed it off. Dogs are dogs, right? But within days, it got worse. Bella started acting a little uncomfortable — she wasn’t scooting or licking excessively, but that smell just wouldn’t go away. So, I did what any concerned dog parent should do: I took her to the vet.

What the Vet Found: Impacted Anal Glands

The vet examined Bella and told me something I had never heard of before — her anal glands were impacted. These are two small sacs near a dog’s anus that release a scent when they poop. In some dogs, especially small breeds like pugs, these glands don’t always empty on their own.

When that happens, the fluid builds up, becomes thick and eventually causes discomfort, infection or worse.

The vet manually expressed the glands, applied some antiseptic and prescribed a follow-up visit. I honestly had no idea that something so small could cause so much discomfort for my Bella.

Medical Terms for Anal Gland Issues in Dogs

1. Anal Sac Impaction
   ➤ This is when the anal glands (or “anal sacs”) don’t empty properly and get filled with thick fluid.
   ➤ Most common and usually what my vet meant when they cleaned my Bella’s glands.
2. Anal Sacculitis (pronounced: sak-yoo-LY-tis)
   ➤ This is when the anal glands become inflamed and infected.
   ➤ Dogs may have swelling, redness and discharge — often requires antibiotics.
3. Anal Sac Abscess
   ➤ When sacculitis goes untreated, it can lead to an abscess (pus pocket) that may burst or ooze blood/pus.
   ➤ More serious — may need surgery or lancing.

What Happened Next: It Came Back

Due to some personal reasons, I couldn’t make it to the follow-up. A few weeks passed and sure enough, the smell returned. That’s when I realized — this isn’t just a one-time thing. Bella might be one of those dogs who needs regular care in this area.

And it hit me: how many pet parents are missing this? How many dogs are silently suffering because of something we assume is “just normal dog smell”?

Why Anal Gland Care Matters?

Here’s what I’ve learned and want to share with other dog parents:

❗️Signs that Your Dog Might Have Anal Gland Issues:

• Strong, fishy or foul smell from their rear or from Anus
• Scooting (dragging their butt on the floor)
• Licking or biting their anus
• Swelling or redness near the rear
• Whining or discomfort while sitting or pooping

💡 What You Can Do:

• See a vet at the first sign. Don’t wait.
• Warm compresses can help soothe mild discomfort.
• Add fiber to your dog’s diet (plain pumpkin, sweet potato or vet-approved supplements).
• Keep your dog’s weight in check – obesity worsens gland issues.
• Get regular checks, especially if it happens more than once.

Final Thoughts: They Can’t Speak, But We Can

Bella is part of my life — not “just a dog.” Her pain is real, even if it’s silent. And if this blog helps even one dog out there avoid infection, discomfort or surgery, I’ll consider it worth writing.

So next time your pup smells a little “off,” don’t just shrug it off. That small smell might be hiding a big problem.

Take it from me — and from My Daughter Bella.