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My dog's anal glands are leaking and smell awful. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Female | spayed | 1 year and 2 months old | 66 lbs

Hi there, We’re finding that Pika is having random occasions of bad smell coming from her behind. We’re pretty certain it’s her anal glands that are “leaking”. (Metal smell) It’s happening quite regularly but it is at random times. She’s not being scared or excited and may just be sitting on the couch. We don’t know what to do! But it’s happening enough that we end up having to clean either blankets or couch covers every time. Any suggestions?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on October 17th, 2018

Have Pika examined by your veterinarian. Her anal glands may need to be expressed (emptied) on a regular basis. If there is infection or inflammation, your veterinarian can prescribe or dispense the appropriate medication. He or she can also show you how to express the glands yourself...if you're up to the task. Adding in some additional fiber to Pika's diet may aid in natural anal gland expression when she defecates. Plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) is commonly used for this. Mix in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin per 10lbs body weight once or twice daily.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on December 21st, 2016

    This can be a very annoying problem! Some dogs do seem to have "leaky" anal glands that always ooze a bit no matter what you do. It may help to have them expressed regularly (once a month or so) by your vet or groomer. If this doesn't improve the problem, you might want to consider having the anal glands surgically removed - this is a fairly simple surgery that is very effective in resolving this problem in most cases.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 14th, 2018

    A high fiber diet such as royal canin fibre response or supplements such as protexin profibre are very helpful in maintaining normal bowel and gland function and can reduce the build up and discomfort. Occasionally surgery may also be required but can have a frisk of infection and even incontinence

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