Dog Anal Area Odor Treatment

by Karen Booth
(Palm Bay Florida)

My yellow lab, going on three in April, very healthy and up to date on all his shots recently has had an unusual odor coming from his anal area. I noticed around his area it was dark not pink like it usually is. I washed his area and it seemed as though it was feces that dried around his anal outside area. Ok, then it looked normal again. Two days later I noticed the same thing. Again I washed his area. Now I'm concerned. Any idea what is wrong would be appreciated. I've had other labs, but never had this problem.

Editor Suggestion - Odor Around Dog Anus

Hi Karen,

It's possible that your dog may have an anal gland issue, which can sometimes cause a foul odor and darkening of the skin around the anal area. Anal glands are small sacs located on either side of a dog's anus that produce a scent used for marking territory and communicating with other dogs. Sometimes these glands can become impacted or infected, which can cause discomfort, itching, and an unpleasant odor. Other possible causes of skin discoloration and odor in the anal area include skin infections, allergies, or an underlying medical condition.

It would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian for a thorough examination and diagnosis. The veterinarian can check your dog's anal glands and rule out any other potential health problems. If your dog does have an anal gland issue, the veterinarian can express the glands to relieve any pressure and recommend treatment to prevent future issues. In the meantime, you can try keeping the area clean by gently washing it with warm water and a mild soap.

All the best,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Dog Health Guide