My puppy has brown smelly discharge from her butt. Is this normal?

The contents of the anal glands can be lots of different colors. Abnormal material is red (blood) or yellow/green (pus). If Luna isn't painful when defecating, licking her bottom a lot, or scooting her hind end on the ground, it sound like this is normal discharge. Anal glands are scent glands that normally empty with a bowel movement, so that's likely why you're seeing this tiny amount of discharge both shortly before and after she poops. The anal glands can become [infected or impacted](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs/), which can be quite painful. Keep an eye out for any changes in her behavior, appetite, energy level, and licking or scooting of the hind end, as these signs could indicate problems.

Poor Maggie. There is a good chance this is the discharge from her anal glands. Dogs has 2 glands, one on each side just inside of their anus, that usually naturally express when they have bowel movements. Unfortunately, some dogs do not always express these and they will get full. Then they will accidentally express them by scooting their booty, licking back there, when they get frightened, or just because they get too full. I would have your vet’s office try to express her anal glands and you may need to give her a bath to see if that gets rid of the smell. Some dogs need regular expressing every 4-8 weeks. Most vet clinic do this for a small charge or even for free. You can also have your vet show you how to do it at home but I must warn you, it is a nasty job. :) I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Oh good! I am glad there isn't purulent discharge from her vagina. Most dogs with an anal gland infection do feel fine. They just scoot and sometimes the discharge will leak out. I still recommend an appointment to have the anal glands expressed. I have seen infected and impacted anal glands rupture through the skin. It isn't an expensive visit and will hopefully make her feel better! I hope this helps!

It could be these "butt pimples" you've heard people refer to are the anal sacs. These are two, small sacs located just inside the anus that release a smelly fluid when feces pass to help lubricate it on the way out. They can become impacted and then infected, and given your description, it is possible that Boy's have become infected. I would have him seen today by a vet. If they become too infected, they can rupture. The vet can examine his anal sacs, flush them out if needed, and prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection.

I bet you are smelling anal sac/gland fluid. They are scent glands dogs have just inside there rectum. They are supposed to express a small amount every time they defecate, but sometimes they will leak if they get startled, or bark forcefully. If this is an occasional problem it is normal. If she is scooting or licking her rear end or otherwise acting uncomfortable then she should be evaluated by your veterinarian to make sure she doesn’t have an infection. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

What you are smelling may be anal gland secretions. If one or both of the anal glands are very full they will sometimes "overflow" and then you have them exit the anus. This is a very bad sort of fishy smell. Next time you visit your vet for his vaccinations, you should have the vet examine them and empty them if necessary. If you think he has problems pooping or if he cries when pooping or if he scoots his behind on the floor, then they may be infected or impacted and need to be checked by your veterinarian.

Poor guy. He either has really loose stool or an anal gland issues. The anal glands are located inside the rectum and can get infected or even rupture, causing leakage of fluid that is very strong and smelly. I would definitely recommend taking him to your vet on tomorrow if possible to get this looked at. Either condition is very treatable through your vet with medications (i.e. antibiotics). For now, it is best to just wipe the area gently with a wet cloth or paper towel. If the area appears to be irriated, you can also apply a cold compress on the area if he will allow it, for 2-5 mins to help soothe the area. Also an epsom salt water solution can help clean the area and provide additional relief. I hope that Frankie's rear end improves soon! Best wishes and take care. : )