Why does my dog's butt leak metallic-smelling liquid? How to stop?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Shiba Inu | Male | neutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 23 lbs
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 and floor. He licks his butt sometimes when it happens so his breathe can smell like it too. What is this? How do I prevent it?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 24th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding River. I suspect he is expressing or leaking fluid from his anal glands. These are two sacs that sit under the skin on either side of the anus. They express fluid each time the dog defecates to mark its scent. Occasionally the glands will become too full and leak or the animal will accidentally express them when startled. I would start by having them expressed at a veterinary hospital. Groomers do not tend to do a thorough job. They will let you know if the contents appears normal or not and make a recommendation on how frequently to have it done. Some dogs will need them expressed regularly. I hope this information helps!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on April 15th, 2018
This sounds like she is leaking anal sac fluid. The anal sacs are like scent glands in a skunk. They are on either side of the anal opening. The foul smelling fluid usually comes out when they defecate or sometimes when they are scared or hurt. If she’s just started doing this the sacs are probably over full. Please take her in to have them emptied and make sure they are not infected. Many small dogs need the anal sacs expressed every few months to prevent impact ion and infections. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Sugar.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on February 10th, 2018
It sounds like the liquid is coming from her anal sacs. These are two small sacs located on either side inside the anus that release this smelly liquid to help lubricate the feces as they pass. The anal sacs are a normal part of a dog's anatomy, and the smell is terrible! Sometimes these can get impacted, or dogs can have overactive anal sacs. I would have Mali checked out by a vet for this issue. They may be over-full and need to be expressed to stop the leakage. Good luck, I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
My black lab is leaking brown fluid from his anus . I am not sure if he is ok . Should I take him to the vet? He is licking in the area and around
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.
Both English Bulldogs continually secreting anal gland fluid it smells terrible and always on furniture or beds help what to do.
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 (beagle/coonhound) has some liquid discharge come out of his anus. This has not happened before. Total amount was about the size of a half dollar bill. Does this mean he needs anal glands popped?
This is Theo(golden doodle) and he is 2 years old and 54 pounds I noticed my dog has a fishy smell coming from his butt and yellow liquid draining from it. I also noticed a round bump on his anal area which is shown in the picture. He doesn’t scoot h
Hello! We adopted a new puppy (five months old, neutered male cattle dog mix). At his first vet visit two weeks ago, they said his anal glands were very full and expressed them. Today, he has been scooting and expressing them repeatedly (he made big
Why does my dog, Stella, keep expressing her own anal glands?
My dog pooped tiny bit while he was asleep, he woke up and he was surprised that he pooped in the bed. (it was not exactly poop but like poop water smelled like stinky shrimp) He had normal poop during the day. Is it possible that he might have farte
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.
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
