Anal glands and raw diet

[Weily4Life]

Fear is a factor with expressing the anal glands. Fozzy has gifted the vets office by expressing her anal glands there on occasion.

[CanineCoach]

Maybe it's not anal glands, but just gas. Mine are on a raw diet and a couple of times a week get some sardines added. Makes them very gassy -- I mean, they can clear a room with that smell! It is usually when they have been sleeping (though they nap all evening since they have such "hard" days!) but they will wake suddenly, look at their butt like they have no clue as to what just happened and then contentedly go back to sleep. But I've pretty much narrowed it down to the sardines...

[Nishasmom]

Yes, I did say dogs express their glands out of fear...but I doubt this is the case. I have never heard of a dog having that bad of a dream. I would see a vet; unless you are very used to the way anal glands feel, it would be very hard for you to be able to tell if they are 'normal'. There could be an infection or impaction of the glands.

[alessadry]

Originally Posted by CanineCoach

Maybe it's not anal glands, but just gas. Mine are on a raw diet and a couple of times a week get some sardines added. Makes them very gassy -- I mean, they can clear a room with that smell! It is usually when they have been sleeping (though they nap all evening since they have such "hard" days!) but they will wake suddenly, look at their butt like they have no clue as to what just happened and then contentedly go back to sleep. But I've pretty much narrowed it down to the sardines...

Hmm, you mention sardines, my dogs have recently went from Taste of the Wild fowl to Taste of the Wild Salmon...Now that I think of it this started since they switched flavor. I wonder if the salmon may contribute to that fishy smell? This may be odd though, as it should be well digested once coming out from the bum. Will have this checked out by the vet as she has an upcoming appointment soon for her shots.