Hi all,

We have two 22 week old soft coated wheaten terriers and the bitch, lottie, has started to smell funny around her back end. Its kind of a fishy smell and she doesnt have it all the time only every now and again and sometimes it only lasts for a couple of minutes. Does anyone know what i could be? Could it be her anal glands?

sarah xxxx

Very probably - you may also notice traces of greyish 'deposit' around.  Most dogs evacuate their anal glands when nervous, and she's just at the right sort of age to be slightly fearful.  If she starts to chew the base of her tail, or her feet, then she might have an infected or impacted gland/s and this will need vet treatment.

HTH

I'd agree-I'm well aquainted with that particular odour unfortunately-and it's far from being pleasant!  Has she suffered from any loose stools recently?  If so, there could be a chance that they are full and she's not been able to empty them herself.  Unless you know how to empty them yourself, pop her along to your vet who'll empty them for you-but make sure you have a strong stomach or have a good vet who will whisk the emptied contents away before you get a whiff of the smell as, take it from me, it is foul! :D  Another sign of them being full is them dragging their bottom along the floor, doing the bum scoot I refer to it as!  Hope that helps :)

Thank you, your replies were really helpful. Now you come to mention it she has been chewing her paws and tail recently, but there is no way i wouldnt call her a nervous puppy!!!:D I will pop her to the vets and i will remember to take a gas mask with me! Thanks again :)

sarah xxxxx