CRAZY COMBO POSTING: Duncan passed his CGC test!! and Anal Gland question??

[Sally]

Well I am thrilled that my bratty teenage doodle passed his Canine Good Citizen test today. I was a bit worried as there was a training class commencing when we got there and Duncan was not thrilled about this big doberman that was there. I heard a small growl brewing but I managed to snap him out of it before anyone noticed. That would have been an automatic failure and he NEVER usually barks or growls.

But once we started the actual test he was fine. He was really impressive with walking through a crowd and heeling. I was so proud. We went right to PETCO and got a couple of new toys. (spoiled).

Now, I've had him for 7 months and every month or two he gets the fishy anal gland butt smell but usually after his morning poop it goes away. Today I noticed it did not. I'm wondering how long i should wait before I assume he might need some "intervention". Is it possible to take a few days to completely "express" himself?!
Up until this point he's slept in a crate so I wasn't so "aware" but now that he sleeps on my bed I'm kind of grossed out.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Congrats Duncan on your CGC test. As for his anal glands you could have a groomer, or your Vet check him. Honey was due for her haircut and she was doing the "TOBBBBYYYY" squat (Commerical for Stanley Steamer), across my floor so I had my groomer check her out, they said she was not bad at all. However, she still does this every now and then, and if I don't keep her hair cut short there, what a mess.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Congrats on the CGC!!!! Great news.

[PB]

Congrats on the test. Sydney had one day when she kept trying to poop and couldn't. We were at the vet for our other dog and I asked them about this. They checked and said Sydney's anal glands were full and they discharged them. I had never heard of that before with my other dogs. Since then, I sprinkle a tiny bit of flax seed on her dog food. I keep it in the freezer so that it lasts a long time. My vet said that it was good for both dogs. Sydney doesn't seem to have the anal gland problem since (I'm keeping my fingers crossed). She doesn't poop a lot, but she's a mini and eats high protein food which gets mostly digested. I also give her a teaspoon of sweet potato from time to time (baby food in a jar) which she likes and helps keep her regulated. Good luck.
Pauline

[Sally]

Well he's not scooting or chewing "back there" and he's pooping just fine. 3 or 4 times a day and they are firm. And after every poop the smell goes away for a bit. So my hunch is that he is slowly expressing on his own. He seems normal otherwise. I guess i'll give it a bit more time. I'm still learning his particulars.

thanks everyone for your input

[F, Calla & Luca]

Congratulations on the CGC test.Here is a page from the Mar vista site with a lot of information on Anal Sacs. Hope it helps.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Way to go Duncan. As far anal glands go....My dogs dont have them! Nobody has them! Anywhere! Ever! Cant think about it! Wont go there! Denial denial denial. I am an ostrich with my head stuck way way way down deep in the sand. LOL. I live in a world where there is no such thing as anal glands and therefore I have never heard of them. I have never had a dog with an anal gland problem and its a good thing too because it would totally be "her problem" LOL

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

HaHa. Luv, I thought you were a Poopologist?

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Anal glands are so much grosser than actual poop! LOL! Apaprently, (I am told - I wouldnt know because I wont go there). they excrete some nasty gross "poop oil". What can be worse than poop you ask? Poop OIL!!!! Thats what! LOL

Ewwwwwwwwwww

Just the thought of it makes me green.

[Sally]

well i am happy to report that after 3 poops today the lovely aroma is pretty much gone. I think he handled the situation himself. :)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Whew. Lucky You!

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

What a trooper! lol