How To Get Rid Of Dog Gland Smell

How To Get Rid Of Dog Gland Smell: Complete, Evidence‑Based Guide

Anal sac (anal gland) odor is a very common complaint among dog owners. The smell is often described as fishy, metallic, or extremely foul and can cling to furniture, bedding, and even your clothes. This guide explains what causes it and how to get rid of dog gland smell safely and effectively, based only on veterinary‑backed information.

What Are Dog Anal Glands and Why Do They Smell?

Dogs have two small anal sacs on either side of the anus. They produce a strong‑smelling fluid used for scent marking and communication. Normally, small amounts are released when a dog defecates.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, impaction or infection of these glands is common; the sacs can become plugged, inflamed, or abscessed, causing pain and a very strong odor that may leak on surfaces or when the dog licks or scoots its rear [Merck Veterinary Manual – Anal Sac Disease in Dogs].

Signs the Glands Are Causing the Smell

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine notes that anal sac problems often show as:

Scooting (dragging the rear along the ground)
Licking or biting the anal area
A fishy or foul odor
Swelling or redness near the anus
Pain when sitting or defecating

[Cornell Vet – Anal sac disease]

If you notice these signs, the odor is likely coming from the anal glands rather than general body odor.

Step 1: Have a Veterinarian Check and Treat the Glands

The fastest and most reliable way to get rid of dog gland smell is to address the underlying anal sac issue.

Why a Vet Visit Matters

The American Kennel Club (AKC) and veterinary sources emphasize that anal gland problems can include:

Impaction – thickened fluid that can’t empty on its own
Infection – anal sacculitis, often painful and smelly
Abscess – pus‑filled, may rupture and bleed
Chronic disease – recurring impaction or scarring

[AKC – Anal Gland Problems in Dogs]

A vet can:

Manually express the glands internally
Flush them if needed
Prescribe antibiotics or anti‑inflammatory medication if infected
Treat abscesses surgically if required

Once the glands are emptied and treated, the primary source of the fishy smell often disappears quickly.

Step 2: Decide Whether to Express Glands at Home (With Caution)

Many owners want to know how to get rid of dog gland smell at home by expressing the glands themselves. However, veterinary organizations warn this should be done cautiously.

Professional vs. At‑Home Expression

The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that anal sacs can be emptied manually by a veterinarian or trained professional, either externally (for mild cases) or internally (a finger in the rectum to fully empty the sac) [Merck Veterinary Manual – Anal Sac Disease in Dogs].

Risks of DIY expression include:

Causing pain or injury
Incomplete emptying, leading to ongoing smell
Worsening an infection or abscess
Irritating normal glands and triggering chronic problems

Because of these risks, many vets and the AKC recommend that owners do not routinely express normal anal glands at home and instead let a vet or trained groomer handle it, especially if there is any sign of disease [AKC – Anal Gland Problems in Dogs].

If your vet decides home expression is appropriate, they can demonstrate a safe technique and tell you how often it should be done.

Step 3: Clean and Deodorize Your Dog Safely

Even after the glands are expressed, residue can stay on the fur and skin around the anus and tail, continuing the odor.

Bathing to Remove Residual Gland Smell

Standard veterinary advice for skin and coat hygiene includes:

Use a dog‑specific shampoo (never human shampoo, which can irritate a dog’s skin).
Carefully wash the fur around the anus, tail, and hindquarters.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue.
Dry completely, as moisture can promote skin irritation.

Medicated or antiseptic shampoos should only be used on your vet’s recommendation, especially if the skin is irritated or there is an infection.

Spot Cleaning Between Baths

If a small amount of anal gland fluid leaks onto the fur:

Wipe gently with a damp cloth or unscented baby wipe made for pets.
Avoid harsh chemicals or strong fragrances directly on your dog’s skin.

This won’t fix the underlying problem but can reduce immediate odor.

Step 4: Remove Anal Gland Smell from Your Home

Anal gland secretions can soak into fabric and be hard to remove.

Evidence‑based odor‑removal guidance from veterinary and animal care sources generally recommends:

Wash washable fabrics (bedding, blankets, removable covers) with a good detergent and, if safe for the fabric, hot water.
For carpets and upholstery, use an enzymatic cleaner formulated for pet odors, following label directions. Enzymatic products help break down organic material rather than just masking odor.
Clean hard surfaces (floors, crates) with a pet‑safe cleaner.

Avoid ammonia‑based cleaners, which can intensify odors and may encourage dogs to mark.

Step 5: Use Diet and Lifestyle to Help Prevent Recurring Gland Smell

Because repeated anal gland problems cause recurring odor, prevention is a key part of getting rid of dog gland smell long‑term.

Increase Stool Bulk (With Veterinary Guidance)

Veterinary sources, including the Merck Veterinary Manual, note that increasing the bulk and firmness of stools can help some dogs empty their glands naturally during defecation [Merck Veterinary Manual – Anal Sac Disease in Dogs].

Common vet‑recommended strategies (only under professional guidance) may include:

Adjusting to a balanced, higher‑fiber diet
Adding specific fiber supplements (for example, certain psyllium products) if your vet advises

Never change diet or add supplements without consulting a veterinarian, especially if your dog has allergies, pancreatitis, or other health conditions.

Maintain Healthy Weight and Activity

Excess weight and inactivity may contribute to a range of health problems, including constipation and poor muscle tone around the anus. Regular exercise and weight management, as recommended by your vet, support overall digestive health and may help the glands function more normally.

When the Smell Indicates a More Serious Problem

Sometimes, a persistent or unusually strong odor is a red flag that needs urgent veterinary care.

Seek veterinary help promptly if you notice:

Blood, pus, or a visible lump/abscess near the anus
Your dog crying out, resisting touch, or showing signs of serious pain
Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite along with anal odor
A wound or hole near the anus that is draining fluid

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine warns that untreated anal sac infections and abscesses can be very painful and may require drainage, antibiotics, and pain relief [Cornell Vet – Anal sac disease].

In rare, chronic, or severe cases, vets may recommend surgical removal of the anal sacs. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that this “anal sacculectomy” is reserved for dogs with recurrent, significant problems due to potential complications like fecal incontinence [Merck Veterinary Manual – Anal Sac Disease in Dogs].

Summary: How To Get Rid Of Dog Gland Smell Safely

To effectively and safely get rid of dog gland smell:

Have a veterinarian examine and treat the anal glands (expression, treatment of infection/abscess).
Avoid DIY expression unless a vet has specifically shown you how and approved it.
Bathe and spot‑clean your dog’s rear and hindquarters with dog‑safe products to remove residue.
Deep‑clean fabrics, carpets, and hard surfaces with detergents and enzymatic cleaners suitable for pet odors.
Work with your vet on diet, fiber, and weight management to help prevent recurrent anal gland problems.

Addressing the medical cause first, then cleaning your dog and environment, is the most reliable way to eliminate and prevent that persistent fishy anal gland smell.

How To Get Rid Of Dog Gland Smell