licking

Question
I have a 1 year on mini weiner dog.  Today she is extremely aggitated and
licking her bum exsesively. And  she smells really bad. (its seems to be
coming from her bum) but she will not sit still and is constantly going in
and out and running around. She pooped on the girl that walks her as well.
Please Help

Answer
Hi Danielle! No need to panic. Her anal glands need to be emptied, is all. A not so pleasant situation, but not dangerous if taken care of.
Anal glands:
Every dog has two anal glands or sacs (1 gland on each side of the anus). These glands are occasionally refereed to as "scent glands", because they enable the dog to mark its territory and to identify each other. We have all seen how dogs greet each other by sniffing at the other's rear.
The anal sacs are normally expressed (emptied) by rectal pressure during defecation. The secretion from the anal glands is a brownish liquid, although is can become thick, yellowish or creamy looking. The anal sacs can also be emptied by contraction of the anal sphincter. This involuntary contraction can be due to the dog being upset, frightened or under pressure, or the contractions can be triggered by the dog to leave its mark upon territory. Constricting the anal sphincter not only marks the territory, it permeates the dog with that characteristic "doggy" odor.
Impaction of the Anal Glands:
When the anal glands fail to empty normally, the result can be impaction. Impaction is most common in small dog breeds, but can occur in any dog. Among the causes of anal gland impaction are : soft stools, small anal gland openings and overactive anal glands. The anal gland secretions become thick and pasty. Anal gland impaction is treated by manual emptying of the glands.
If you have a strong stomach, you can easily empty the anal glands yourself. If not, your veterinarian will do it for you! I will explain how to empty them if you are willing to do it.
Emptying the Anal Glands:
Prepare a warm moist wash cloth or towel. Raise the dog's tail and locate the anal glands. The glands should be at approximately 5 o'clock and seven o'clock positions in relation to the anal circumference, under the skin. You may feel the glands as small firm nodules in the perianal area. Place the cloth over the area. Position your thumb on one gland and index finger on the opposite gland.
By pressing in and squeezing your fingers toward each other the glands should empty. Wipe the area clean with the cloth. Repeat if necessary.
If the discharge is bloody or purulent in appearance there is probably an anal gland infection and treatment by your veterinarian will be needed.
I hope this information has been helpful! Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have!
Give that little girl TONS of kisses for me and please let me know how that cutie pie is doing!
Hilary