I have an 8-year-old female Jack Russell and for the past few weeks I've been dealing with a recurring problem...
Every time I pick my dog up and hold her against me, I end up having to soak my clothes, as she constantly empties her anal glands whenever she settles down on me.
I can't understand why she only does it to me — after a while it really starts to get on my nerves.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Translated from French
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That vile smell is usually the anal glands. They aren't actually that hard to empty—ask your vet to show you how to do it, then you can check they’re clear when she hops onto your lap.
It is a bit weird that it’s happening while she’s falling asleep, though. Usually, they empty them by scooting their bum along the floor or when they're doing their business. Either way, it’s worth getting a professional opinion from your vet, just in case there’s a bit of an issue down there.
My dog sometimes needs his anal glands expressed too. I can always tell when they need doing because he starts scooting his bum along the grass. I just take him to the vet, though, as I wouldn’t have a clue how to do it myself!
Get her booked in with the vet. If it only happens when she's on you, it might be because that's the only time she truly relaxes (?). Mind you, it sounds more like an incontinence issue to me; if it really is her anal glands leaking like that while she’s asleep, that’s very strange.
In the meantime, try putting a bath towel or a puppy pad on your lap when you're holding her. ;) It'll mean a bit more washing, but it’s less of a faff than having to change your clothes every time. We do that for our dachshund as he has the odd leak now and then.
