The dog’s past lifestyle of living in packs, being wild, fast, masculine, has influenced the dog’s character and so we still see this in their behavior. Owners often wonder why dogs sniff each other in very “delicate” places? What is it for and why? What is the nature of the occurrence of this phenomenon? This question interests absolutely everyone, because we observe this phenomenon every day in our yards.
In fact, biologists, scientists and veterinarians, the sphere of qualified specialists working with animals have been studying the occurrence of this phenomenon for a long time. In the mid 1970s, scientists discovered that dogs have paraanal glands on each side of the anus that secrete certain chemical compounds. It wasn’t until quite a few years ago that they confirmed definitively that the “odoriferous” secretions from the anal glands of dogs, serve as an information transmitter. When a dog is running and actively wagging its tail, a specific smell is heard from there, which is recognized and immediately heard by other dogs that are nearby. What is this odor and why is it so?
What does the odor from under the tail indicate?
If the dog is healthy, a distinctive odor can be heard from under his tail, such it is in all dogs without exception. On each side of the anus there are anal glands that secrete specific “odoriferous” compounds. The human sense of smell is unable to recognize this odor and humans are not even capable of hearing it. However, all of your dog’s friends will sniff out this odor, which will tell them everything about your doggie. Better yet, it gives the other dog information about the four-legged dog’s health and reproductive status. Females sniffing the back of another can immediately hear what her reproductive capacity is, whether she is healthy or not. The secretory fluid of sexually mature dogs has no particular odor, the smell remains as it was. This is to keep the animals inconspicuous and it greatly reduces competition and fighting between them. It is then difficult for the animals to recognize the age of the other dog. “Secret” of animals of small and large size is quite different, so by the smell of the dog recognizes a strong and strong dog, with which you can argue and smaller and correspondingly weak. Thus, the odor secretion helps the dog to find information about the physical ability and strength of the other. If the dog is sick, a special “stinky” odor will be heard from under the tail, sharp and specific and quite different from the odor of a healthy dog.
Hypotheses about “dog odors”
There is a lot of information that dogs are great at remembering odors they have heard before. Owners have often noticed by the smell from under their tail that dogs can recognize an old friend, someone they used to be friends with. There is no exact confirmation of this, but there were cases when two completely “alien” dogs met and smelled the “back” part of each other after a few minutes played. It is this habit in animals, has pushed people to some thoughts. Doctors and specialists in the field of oncology began to recommend that people pay attention to the special odor that is emitted from the rear orifice of a person. After all, timely prevention and examination at early suspicions of cancer, allows you to start treatment in time to avoid this disease. Already in 2004, on the pages of the British Medical Journal appeared the results of oncological research, which proved that the human body does in fact in cancer produces a specific “odorous” substance.
Odor
Now we know more why it is so important for dogs to sniff out another dog’s paraanal glands. She will learn about the other’s health, strength, power and will have all the information she needs. Owners are often worried because the dog often sniffs there and spends a lot of time under his tail. Should we worry about this and take the animal to the veterinarian right away? Veterinarians do not advise to worry about it, because in this way the dog spends his personal hygiene, it is a normal and natural phenomenon. In addition, the regular release of secretory fluid requires its constant licking and renewal, that is, for freshness of odor. It is difficult for a human being to understand all these natural phenomena that he observes in dogs, but this is the way it is laid down by God and this is the way it should be. A man on his part, being a good owner, should only support the doggie, take care of him and give him timely help if there is a suspicion of disease. One should not interfere and hinder the normal functioning of the animal, it is better to read and research more about its nature in order to provide timely help if needed.
First acquaintance and relationship between Tails
If we are attentive to the behavior of our Tails, we will notice when walking the dog that when they meet another Friend, first of all they sniff each other’s noses. Immediately there may be joy and courtesy, the dogs will start playing or on the contrary there will be frenzied aggression. Then they move on to the tail and sniff each other’s glands. This natural rule is followed by dogs of all breeds, of all sizes and ages. Aggression and fighting occurs often when competition is involved and when a “bitch” has appeared nearby. If the male is not experiencing competition when he meets her, there is no change in plans for the encounter, but if competition does occur, aggression and fights cannot be avoided. If you notice such a situation while walking, it is better to keep your pet away from such a fight. It is especially necessary to lead your Friend away if he is different in size and dimension. Do not allow your Pet to get in the way of older dogs. During introductions, dogs should be kept at a distance. If a fight has started, it is better to move the dog away from the place of the fight, not to hurt or scold him, to let him calm down.
The need for regular cleaning of the paraanal glands
Regular cleaning of the dog’s paraanal glands is an important part of care that is often underestimated by owners. Under normal circumstances these glands clean themselves during defecation, but sometimes due to sedentary behavior, poor diet or breed characteristics they can become blocked. If this happens, the secretion accumulates, causing discomfort, itching, and eventually inflammation or abscesses. The animal begins to “ride” backwards on the ground or constantly lick the back of the body – this is a signal to the owner to pay attention to the problem. To avoid these troubles, veterinarians advise to regularly check and, if necessary, clean the dog’s anal glands, seeking professional help. This is a simple but important procedure that ensures your pet’s comfort, health and a full life.
In the network of salons V.O.G DOG SALON in Kiev, professional groomers regularly perform the procedure of cleaning the paraanal glands in Kiev. Masters quickly, painlessly and qualitatively free your dog from discomfort, preventing inflammation and other troubles. Entrust the delicate care to professionals who guarantee the health and excellent mood of your pet!
