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My dog keeps licking her bottom and smells bad. Is it anal glands?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 3 years and 11 months old | 50 lbs

Roxie has been licking her bottom parts for a very long while now. She can be lying down and all of a sudden she’ll pop up and start licking. She’s been doing this for a few months now. At first I thought it was her anal glands because she would secrete an oily liquid and it would smell horrible, but It stopped. Then she started licking her lady part constantly. Just a few moments ago she started licking her anus and the horrible smell is back. She’s been on Glandex chews for about a month now.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 3rd, 2019

Hello. It certainly can be her anal glands again, but she may also have a secondary bacterial or yeast infection around her vulva. To some degree, this may be allergy related, so have your vet take a look, empty her glands ( or check to see if this is necessary ), & perhaps suggest either a medicated wipe for the vulvar area or even try her on an allergy medication. This should make her much more comfortable. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 4th, 2019

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Roxie. It is worth a trip to her veterinarian to determine if her anal glands are full and uncomfortable to her. If she is licking her vulva, the recommendation to check her for a urinary tract infection may be made. This is more likely if she is urinating frequently, straining to go or if you have seen blood in her urine. Some dogs will not show any signs aside from licking though. I hope this information helps!

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 18th, 2018

    If she is licking that excessive I would recommend having a urine sample performed. This will see if there is a urinary tract infection. I would also have your veterinarian check her anal glands to make sure they are not full. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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