Anal glands

I just had a friend ask me why their dog was "scooting" across the floor.  They wanted to know if she had worms.  I am trying to send a picture of the bum of a dog to show you where the anal glands are located. If I have trouble then I am going  to explain just in case the picture doesn't make it.  Animals have scent glands located at about 4 and 6 o'clock around their anus. These glands are what marks the BM with their individual scent. That's why dogs always smell poop when they find it.  Its kinda like a who's been here kinda thing. When a dog has a bowel movement the pressure squeezes the substance out and the scent is deposited. Sometimes these glands get clogged. They will continue to fill up so they become very uncomfortable. They can get as big as a grape and can become painful for the dog or cat to have a BM. They will "scoot" on the floor to apply pressure to these glands to aid in the expression. Some dogs never have a problem with them and the owners never have to learn what they are, but others need to have them expressed anywhere from every 2 weeks to once a month.  It is a VERY strong odor when expressed.
 Sometimes if left untreated,or unexpressed, they can become so full that they actually rupture through the skin to the outside leaving a hole. It will be right over the gland so it will be right next to the anal opening at the appropriate place, 4 or 6 o'clock, and although it is bloody and oozing it will bring some relief to the dog to have the pressure gone. At that point you will need to see your vet to get some antibiotic ointment to place on and in the area. If you notice that spot to be really red and swollen and painful to the touch on your animal go to your vet and have them try to express it before they have to lance it for them to bring relief to the animal.

 If you have any questions just drop me a line and I will be happy to help answer them..

picture from Hills Atlas of Veterinary Clinical Anatomy