Dog’s anal glands stinking up your furniture is a common subject of discussion among dog owners. So, how to get rid of dog gland smell on furniture? We discuss 10 ideas and also talk about common anal gland problems in dogs.
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Unfortunately, all dogs have anal glands on both sides of their anus. Each of these glands secretes a brown fluid with a bad odor.
You spend a lot of money on buying furniture. But if you have a dog at home and it casually spreads anal gland secretion on your expensive furniture, it can be very annoying. The fluid has a foul odor that can perhaps make you cough or gag.
So, how to get rid of dog gland smell on furniture? There are various ways through which you can get rid of the anal gland smell from furniture.
For instance, you can use hydrogen peroxide or biological bleaching powder on your sofa’s fabric to decrease the odor. Let us discuss 10 such ideas in this article.
Why Do Dogs’ Anal Glands Smell?
Anal glands are oval shape glands present on both sides of the anus of our furry friend. They secrete a fluid with a fish-like smell that is unpleasant to human beings.
The fluid is usually produced when your dog defecates. Some researchers believe that anal glands help lubricate hard stool and makes defaecation easier for dogs.
Another reason why dogs have anal glands is that they are useful for marking territory. When another dog smells the poop of your dog, then he can identify your dog and know about his health condition, sex, and age.
But sometimes, the anal glands become full and secrete fluid everywhere around your house. You will find a mark on your couches, bedsheets, carpet, furniture, etc. It stinks so bad, which you something does not want.
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How Can I Get Rid Of Anal Gland Smell On My Furniture?
Your dog may leak fluid from her anal glands during sleeping or when he gets too excited. You can get rid of the smell by following ways.
#1. Use Removable Slip And Cushion Covers
If your dog has anal sac problems, it’s better to use removable slip and cushion covers. Once you find the marks on the slip and sofa covers, you can remove them and wash them.
#2. Use Baking Soda
You can use baking soda to eliminate the anal gland smell on your furniture. You can sprinkle some baking soda on your furniture and allow it to sit overnight. Vacuum your furniture in the morning to get rid of the odor.
#3. Odor Eliminating Products
There are many pet odor eliminator products available online as well as offline. You can use them to spray on the furniture to lessen your dog’s stinky anal gland smell.
#4. Use Fabric Freshener
You can use a fabric freshener to reduce the anal gland smell of your furniture.
#5. Use Biological Washing Powder
Take some biological washing powder and sprinkle it on the affected spot. You should not rub too hard because it is pretty abrasive.
Then take a damp cloth, pour a few drops of biological washing liquid, and apply on the spot. After some time, you can gently wipe it off. The enzymes in the liquid will help in getting rid of the anal gland smell of your dog.
#6. Rent a Steam Cleaner
You can rent a steam cleaner to clean and get rid of the fishy smell of your dog.
#7. Empty The Anal Glands
Try to empty the anal glands manually as much as possible to avoid the stinky smell on your furniture.
#8. Use Pineapple Juice
You can use pineapple juice to lessen the fishy smell of your dog on the furniture. But it may leave a stain on your expensive furniture.
#9. Combine Laundry Detergent Powder And Apple Cider Vinegar
You can mix laundry detergent powder and one-fourth cup of apple cider vinegar and apply it to the affected spot of your furniture. It will help in neutralizing the odor.
#10. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Wipe the fabric of your furniture with hydrogen peroxide to reduce the anal gland smell.
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Symptoms of Anal Gland Problems In Dog
When your dog has anal sac problems, he cannot communicate with you or inform you through words. You need to understand his issues through various signs and symptoms.
I am describing below a few symptoms that will help you know that your furry friend has problems in the anal gland.
#1. Scooting
If your dog is dragging his rear end on the floor in a scooting manner, it is the first sign that your dog has anal sac problems.
#2. Excess Itching
If you find your dog itching excessively on the anal sac, it has problems in the anal gland.
#3. Swelling And Redness
If the anal glands are swelling or you find redness in the area, then there may be issues in the anal glands.
#4. Blood Or Pus
If you find blood or pus in the anal sac discharge, there is some problem with the anal glands. Try to take your dog to the veterinary doctor immediately.
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Anal Sac Disease In Dogs
Anal sac disease is primarily seen in puppies and small breed dogs.
#1. Anal Sac Infection
Your dog has anal glands which can get infected with time. If it is not treated, it can lead to abscesses and other health problems.
#2. Impaction
The anal glands of your furry friend release fluid at the time of passing stool. But sometimes, these anal glands do not get empty completely.
If the fluid is not removed manually, it will dry in the anal glands and cause impaction. Obese dogs usually cannot empty the anal sac during defecation and may require medical attention.
#3. Tumors
Tumors can also develop on the anal sacs of your dog. It will prevent the anal sac from draining the liquid.
If your dog has a tumor on the anal sacs, then the veterinary doctor may completely remove the anal sacs by a surgical procedure.
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A Few Final Words
You can introduce a lot of fiber into a dog’s diet to empty all the anal sacs fluid during defecation. If the fluid is removed, your dog has fewer chances to mess with furniture or other expensive items in your house.
Allow your dog to have plenty of exercises to keep his weight under control and avoid the fishy smell from the anal glands. We thank you for reading this article and hope we have answered all of your queries. You can reach out to us for any further doubts.