Every dog has a pair of scent glands on either side of his anus (at about the four o'clock and eight o'clock positions). Normally, these glands empty when firm stool presses against them during defecation. (And sometimes they empty when your dog is really frightened.) In some dogs, however, the anal glands don't empty and get clogged. The clogging can even cause infection. This is more of a problem in Toys, but it can happen in Minis and Standards as well. A dog whose anal glands are clogged up might try scooting on the floor to empty them. Or she might lick at her anus.

The anal glands can be emptied manually. Some groomers empty anal glands as part of their regular grooming procedure, and veterinarians usually empty the anal glands as part of a wellness exam. (If you don't want this done, be sure to mention it.)

When it comes to anal glands, if your dog isn't experiencing a problem, leave well enough alone. But if you find that she's uncomfortable in the anal area or scooting a lot, consult with your veterinarian about whether you should empty them for her. Perhaps an adjustment in diet will take care of the problem — sometimes adding fiber to the food will increase the bulk of the stool so the glands empty themselves.