What's that smell?

What's that smell?

Dogs have two small secretory structures near their anus, called anal sacs, which produce a strong-smelling secretion. If the secretion is not regularly expressed through defecation, it can build up and become impacted, causing discomfort and infection, often manifested as scooting on the floor. Small-breed dogs more commonly need assistance with emptying the anal sacs (often referred to as anal glands). It is not uncommon for dogs to express their anal sacs when excited. Manual expression of the anal sacs can be done by a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or trained pet groomer. Some dogs benefit from regular, monthly anal sac exression, while most do not require the procedure at all. 

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