Anal Sacs or glands are the two pockets on either sides directly below the anus.
These are not only found in dogs, but cats and other animals as well.
What is contained in these sacs is actually pretty gross to us humans and contains a very foul smell.
The liquid is usually a fatty substance with a very foul odor.
These glands can be closely related to skunks.
Skunks can use these glands in a different method of squirting though.
A very common unknown fact is that when a dog gets very nervous to an extreme level, these anal sacs are what release.
This can cause a very unwanted mess to clean up, followed by a very pungent odor that anyone will not forget.
When these become a problem for the dog, it is because the sacs become impacted with their own secretion.
This causes a pain for the dog.
The dog will start to pay a lot of attention to its rear end, and most commonly gnawing away at the tail area.
The most common time for the glands to bother a dog is right after a finished grooming.
It has to do with the small hairs blocking certain ducts for the dog.
The last stage for knowing the dog has anal sac problems is by rubbing its anus on the ground.
This is commonly said to of been worms for the dog, but more common it is just anal sac problems.
Releasing of the anal sac is pretty simple, but you want to make sure it is needed or else damage can be done to the canine.
Anal glands are released by veterinarians, and should be left that way.
This is not a do it yourself type method.
Seek professional veterinarian help on this one.