Is it normal for my dog's rear end to have a metallic smell sometimes?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 68 lbs
My dog has a rust/metallic potent smell that I believe is coming from her bum area. It o ly comes and goes once in a while. I didnt think much of it at first because I thought maybe she licked something rusty outside but now I am more concerned.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 25th, 2018
I bet you are smelling anal sac/gland fluid. They are scent glands dogs have just inside there rectum. They are supposed to express a small amount every time they defecate, but sometimes they will leak if they get startled, or bark forcefully. If this is an occasional problem it is normal. If she is scooting or licking her rear end or otherwise acting uncomfortable then she should be evaluated by your veterinarian to make sure she doesn’t have an infection. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on July 30th, 2017
This problem may be definitively due to an anal gland inflammation/infection. Even though a picture would help me to give you more definitive answers, a check up is necessary to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. Anal glands must be expressed and antibiotics may be needed. 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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
I got a dog a few months ago a Shiba Inu. He is a year and 7 months old. Occasionally, his butt leaks a liquid. It smells almost like copper or metal. I am just wondering how to stop this or what it is as I do not want this smell all over my couch an
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.
I have a dog (Maggie), she has some kind of weird smell from her anus. Its like a yellow pale (smells something like puss). But, she is all fine with food, going for her toilets and does not seem to be in discomfort. I am abit worried as the smell wa
My puppy’s butthole is very smelly and I can smell it from a distance. It also seems to have a fluid coming out. Its clear, but also a mucus color like whiteish. Should I be concerned?
He has a metallic smell toward his rear end. I know that is a sign of anal glands, but I don't see any visible ones. Then I used my flashlight to take a closer look and one time I didn't see it and another time I saw a very little bit of light yellow
Why does my dog, Stella, keep expressing her own anal glands?
Ozzy's bum smells bad. My other male dog is continually licking Ozzy's bum. He is pooping fine and rating and drinking. I don't see any lumps or anything odd. What can this possibly be?
Hi, my dog has this smelly liquid that comes from her butt and it sometimes gets on to the floor and leaves a terrible smell. It usually happens before needing to poop.
My dog was sniffing his asswhole again and again I talk to my friend he told me his dogs was also doing the same year ago and told me it's something related to anal glands so may I know what is this disease of anal gland where dogs turn around and sn
I have a 9 year old Lab/Shepherd mix, Coco. She had been licking her bottom for almost a week now and notice a clear liquid leaking from anal now.
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
