What are they?

In dogs, these glands are occasionally referred to as "scent glands", because they enable them to mark their territory and to identify each other. This is the reason dogs sniff at the rear of other dogs. Dogs sometimes 'scoot'; they rub their anus on carpet because their anal glands are bothering them. The secretion from the anal glands is a brownish liquid, although it can become thick, yellowish or creamy looking.

What can "go wrong"?

The anal sacs are normally emptied during defecation. However, your jack can also "secrete" from these glands through involuntary contractions of the anal sphincter caused by their posture, being upset, frightened, under pressure. My dogs have both "suffered" from having over active anal glands; when Roxie sits on my lap, she sometimes curls up a bit too much and stimulates these glands. If you've never encountered the smell before let me assure you that it stinks!

What can you do about it?

These glands can easily be emptied by your vet or pet groomer, who can show you how to do this yourself for future occasions.