Although it’s probably the very least pleasant aspect of dog ownership, it’s very important that you check your dog’s anal glands regularly. If you see your Basset scooting around on his rear end, it’s very likely that an anal gland irritation or impaction exists. If left untreated, these glands can become infected quickly, which is not only very painful for the dog, but requires treatment that you both will likely find quite unpleasant.

Your Basset has small glands at about the eight o’clock and four o’clock positions on each side of the anus. The fluid contained in these sacs is extremely foul smelling. Many dog behaviorists and researchers agree that this odor provides the means of identification between individual animals (which explains why dogs go around sniffing each other there). Normally, these sacs empty with every bowel movement, and sometimes a pet will express his glands when he’s scared, nervous, or upset. However, factors such as obesity, internal parasites, allergies, and low-fiber diets can lead to anal gland impaction.

Emptying the sacs is quite simple (although admittedly quite unpleasant for everyone involved). Simply place your thumb and index finger just below the anus, covering the anal opening with a tissue to catch the fluid. Squeeze gently, pressing inward and upward on the sacs simultaneously. This should cause the fluid within to be evacuated. Be prepared for a very oily, foul-smelling elimination that is not water-soluble and is therefore very hard to remove from clothes or skin. If you should have an accident, use isopropyl alcohol followed by soap and water to remove the odor. You can cover your dog’s hindquarters with an old towel until you become somewhat adept at the procedure.

If you need assistance in learning how to express the anal glands, ask your veterinarian to show you how it’s done. Be sure you know what you’re doing before you attempt it, because using too much pressure can bruise the area, causing your dog a great deal of pain. If you decide not to do this yourself, your vet or a local groomer will do it for you for a nominal fee.