smells

Question
I have a 2 1/2 year old  Chocolate Lab who for the last 3 days will not leave my 4 month old Yellow Lab alone.  Both are males and have been great friends, still are only the relationship has gone a little weird.  The puppy released an odor about 3 days ago while riding in the car, a real strong fishy smell and my older lab acts like he is in love, or lust all of a sudden and will not stop mounting the puppy.  I am at wits end at what to do and how to stop it. Any idea what the scent is and if it is a normal thing and what we can do if anything to give the puppy a rest.  We have bathed him and sprayed him with groomers cologne but it don't seem to matter.
Please, any info would be greatly appreciated!

Answer
From what you describe, it sounds like your pup had an anal gland emission. Normal, from time to time, and very stinky. The glands around the anus have an oil that helps lubricate the stool so it can come out easier, but occasionally the oil backs up or a really hard stool forces it out, and then it just STINKS! Yes, some dogs react to ANY smell with interest, and somehow your older dog has gotten it into his head that the pup is in season. I think there may also be a dominance issue going on here as the puppy gets older. If there is no violence, I wouldn't worry too much, as it will pass. If it's too much to bear, try rubbing a little Vick's Vaporub just under the puppy's anal area. Just a bit, though, as it is rather strong, and you don't want anyone getting sick from licking it. My hunch is that your older dog will be surprised and turned off. Once his rhythm is broken, it will stop. At least I hope it will. Best of luck and let me know what happens.