foul scent

Question
My 3 year old jack russell has been itching his rectum for about a year. I take him often to get his anal glands squeezed. the vet is aware that his glands swell periodically, however lately he has been going off by himself randomly and there is also this foul odor coming from his rear end, (and it is not the anal gland scent.) we  haven't changed his food lately and he is not on any medications. Any insight would really help. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Meredith,

I think it IS an anal gland scent, just not the one you are used to -
I bet the glands are expressing on their own, but it's happening at a point before they get impacted - which is a good thing because you won't have to take him to the vet as often to get them expressed.   I know the smell you are talking about, sort of metallic, strong and unfortunately disgusting. Some dogs just have more problems with anal glands than others. Maybe a different food could eliminate it all together, but as with anything, it's trial and error.
I wouldn't worry about it at all, and you might even notice that you are taking less trips to the vet for anal gland expression because of it.
Good luck, take care
Carol