All dogs have anal glands that secrete odorous fluids when they defecate, coating the feces and effectively personalizing it. The anal glands allow dogs to identify other dogs by smell. This is why dogs greet each other by sniffing their backsides -- the anal gland odor helps them identify one another. Defecation isn't the only time when the glands emit their pungent secretions, though.
Anal Gland Release
Generally, dogs can't choose when they empty their anal sacs; it simply happens naturally when they defecate. If your dog becomes unexpectedly excited or stressed, his anal sac may release spontaneously and uncontrollably, emitting a foul smell that is distinguishable from flatulence by its fishy overtone. If your dog seems to emit this smell on a daily basis, take him to your veterinarian -- this could indicate that his anal sac has become impacted and needs to be manually drained. It's common in smaller dogs; scooting on his rump is an indicator.
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Writer Bio
Tom Ryan is a freelance writer, editor and English tutor. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English writing, and has also worked as an arts and entertainment reporter with "The Pitt News" and a public relations and advertising copywriter with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.