Have you ever asked yourself, “Why does my dog suddenly smell like fish?” This perplexing odor is a frequent concern among pet owners, filling homes with a strong, lingering scent even right after a bath. If you’ve noticed your dog scooting, licking its rear, or encountered a persistent fishy smell, you’re not alone—the culprit is often your dog’s anal glands.
What Are Anal Glands and Why the Fishy Smell?
Dog anal glands, also known as anal sacs, are small pouches located on either side of the anus. These sacs contain specialized sweat glands that produce a pungent, oily secretion used by dogs as scent markers for communication and territory marking. Normally, when a dog defecates, the anal glands release a tiny amount of this fluid, letting other dogs know key information about them. To humans, this liquid tends to have a distinctly “fishy” smell, which becomes overpowering if the glands do not empty naturally or become blocked. For those searching how to get rid of dog gland smell, understanding dog safe wipes, pet safe wet wipes, and routine gland care is essential.
Anal gland issues are especially common in small or overweight dogs. Factors such as breed, diet, digestive health, and activity level all affect how frequently gland troubles occur. For some dogs, especially toy breeds like Chihuahuas, the small glands can be more prone to impaction, leading to lingering odors and discomfort. For more insights, see this veterinary reference: Anal Sac Disease in Dogs (VCA Animal Hospitals).
How Often Should Anal Glands Be Expressed—and What If You Don’t?
Most dogs naturally express their anal glands during bowel movements. However, if the glands are blocked, secretions can build up and cause discomfort, infection, or abscesses. Common warning signs include scooting, excessive licking under the tail, swelling, redness, or signs of pain. If anal gland problems persist, your veterinarian may recommend regular manual expression every few weeks, especially for small breeds or dogs prone to impaction. Yet, it’s important not to overdo it, as excessive manual expression can lead to inflammation or scarring.
Ignoring swollen or impacted anal glands can cause more serious health problems, including infections that require antibiotics or even surgical removal in severe cases. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consult your veterinarian for the best course of action.
How to Spot Anal Gland Problems
- Scooting or dragging the rear on the ground
- Constant licking, biting, or chewing the rear
- Difficulty defecating or visible discomfort near the anus
- Noticeably strong or fishy odor, which can transfer to bedding or fur
For dogs who excessively lick their rear, the fishy odor may even carry to their breath or spread through the house.
How to Get Rid of Dog Gland Smell—A Simple Solution
If anal gland fluid leaks, thorough cleaning is essential for your dog’s comfort and household freshness. Traditional methods like soap and water often struggle to remove the oily residue and strong odor, and harsh chemicals can irritate sensitive skin.
The safest, fastest way to clean up gland secretions is using pet safe wet wipes and pet safe wipes made especially for pets. For example, 4furbaby Plant-Based Pet Wipes utilize natural bamboo fiber, gentle plant-based enzymes, and a hypoallergenic, pH-balanced formula. These safe wipes are extra-thick to neutralize odors, quickly remove messes, and are safe for daily use on sensitive skin—just one wipe leaves the area clean and fresh, with no need for follow-up rinsing. Whether cleaning paws, body, butt, or even minor messes after playtime, these pet safe wipes are ideal for multi-pet households and environmentally friendly thanks to their compostable design.
Simply wipe the affected area thoroughly to eliminate both odor and residue. This method restores hygiene in seconds, prevents cross-contamination, and provides immediate comfort to your dog or cat.
Routine Hygiene for Healthy, Happy Pets
Good anal gland health stems from awareness and routine care. Fiber-rich diets, regular exercise, and keeping your pet’s rear clean all help minimize risk. For everyday freshness, quality pet wipes like 4furbaby provide gentle cleaning between baths or grooming, helping prevent skin irritation and lingering odors. Their versatile design suits both cats and dogs for quick, easy clean-ups of paws, bottoms, or even tear stains.
By choosing safe, eco-friendly cleaning solutions—like pet safe wet wipes and dog safe wipes—you’re protecting your pets, your home, and your environment. If you’re dealing with persistent gland smells or messes, try 4furbaby’s plant-based pet wipes for fast, thorough relief, and keep your furry friends feeling and smelling their best.
To learn more about dog care and behavior, check out our previous dog blog articles: Explore More Dog Knowledge
💬 Have questions about pet cleaning, anal gland care, or want to share your experience? The 4FurBaby team is here for you.
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