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My dog has smelly anal discharge and other dogs keep licking his rear.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Male | neutered | 8 years and 3 months old | 92 lbs

Rocky, boxer, 8 y.o., neutered 6 most ago, active, eats well, has food allergies managed by food choices, eats Exeed , lamb and rice. Rocky has smelly discharge from his rectum, a few times a day has compulsive leaking of his groin area and anus. 2 other our dogs also lick Rocky's anus and sniff it for some time, but do not do it to each other.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 10th, 2017

I would need a bit more information, but given your description above I am concerned about Rocky's anal glands. In healthy dogs, they express on their own, but in some cases they fill up and need assistance in being expressed. Even worse, sometimes they become impacted and infected. This requires antibiotics and medical intervention. In the most severe cases, the anal glands need to be surgically removed. Based on your description I am concerned that his are impacted and infected. I would have a veterinarian examine right away to confirm.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on July 18th, 2017

    It's true that dogs can sometimes develop anal gland issues (either infections, or overly full glands) that can cause discomfort and a strong odor in this area - for some dogs, this may mean that they spend a lot of time sniffing or licking at their anus. This is not a life-threatening issue at all, more of a minor annoyance in most cases :) If you're concerned, I would recommend taking Bruno to your vet to have his anal glands checked - he may need to have them expressed if they are overly full or uncomfortable.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 4th, 2018

    I think you are right to suspect an infection as the signs you described may be compatible with it. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

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Hi, my dog seems to have a fishy smell coming from his rectum. When I let him out today, it seemed to look a little irritated. Is there a topical cream I can use for him or do i need to call the vet. I havent noticed him licking at all.
You are probably smelling his anal sacs. They are like scent glands in a skunk. They are on eithe side of the anus and the fluid smells awful, like rotten fish. If you’re smelling this then you should bring him in to have the fluid expressed. Sometime dogs get infection in the anal sacs which can be very painful and hard to heal. Most dogs empty the fluid when they defecate or express it when scared, again like a skunk. If the opening gets clogged the fluid can build up causing itching and sometimes infection. They will do a rectal palpation to empty the fluid and that will show whether there is infection present. Thanks for using Boop by Petco to help you care for Rocky.
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