19/10/2026
LET’S TALK ABOUT BUMS! The not-so-glamorous side of pet ownership!
Meet the sweetest Springer Spaniel Gizmo!
Poor Gizmo recently visited us at Cottage Vets with an infected a**l gland. Let’s just say his little backside wasn’t having the best day!
What on earth are a**l glands?
Dogs have two small scent glands located just inside their bottom. These produce a rather distinctive fishy-smelling fluid (and trust us, once you’ve smelt it, you’ll never forget it! 🤢).
Normally, these glands empty naturally when your dog does a poo. But sometimes they become blocked, swollen or infected, and can even develop a painful abscess.
Signs your dog’s bum might be calling for help:
🐾 Scooting across your favourite carpet (the dreaded bum shuffle!)
🐾 Excessive licking or biting around their bottom
🐾 A strong fishy smell that definitely wasn’t the dinner you cooked!
🐾 Swelling, redness or discomfort around the a**s
🐾 Difficulty or pain when pooing
🐾 Blood or discharge near their bottom
🩺 To squeeze or not to squeeze?
Not every dog needs their a**l glands expressed! In fact, most dogs empty them naturally.
If your dog is showing signs of discomfort, it’s best to have them checked by a vet. Sometimes the glands simply need emptying, but if they’re infected, treatment may include pain relief, flushing, antibiotics when appropriate, or drainage of an abscess.
Please don’t try squeezing painful or swollen glands yourself! You could make things worse.
Can you prevent a**l gland problems?
✅ Keep your dog at a healthy weight.
✅ Feed a balanced diet that supports firm, healthy poos.
✅ Ask your vet whether additional dietary fibre might help.
✅ Keep an eye out for scooting, licking or unusual smells.
✅ If your dog has recurring problems, chat with us about possible underlying causes, including allergies.
And what about Gizmo?
Gizmo came to see our team for some much-needed attention to his rather unhappy backside. He’ll be back to wagging his tail comfortably again soon!
🐕 Remember: a little bum shuffle might look hilarious, but it could be your dog’s way of telling you something isn’t right!
If your dog is showing signs of a**l gland trouble, give our friendly team at Cottage Vets a call. We’re always happy to help. Even with the stinkiest problems! 💚🐾
