Why Your Dog Smells Like Iron

If you notice a strange, metallic-like odor coming from your dog, it could be cause for concern.

But why does your dog smell like iron? How can you solve the problem? And what can you do to prevent the problem happening again in the future?

Keep reading this article to find out!

Metallic smelling breath

There are several reasons your dog’s breath might smell like iron.

Dental problems

“Dog breath” is usually caused by canine periodontal disease or gingivitis.

Usually, bad breath in dogs is a fishy smell rather than metallic. However, in severe cases where the gums are bleeding, your dog’s breath may have a coppery, metallic odor.

In any case, you must seek veterinary advice right away, as your dog could be in pain. If your dog is diagnosed with either canine periodontal disease or gingivitis, dental work is necessary to prevent serious health complications.

Read more: 5 Reasons Your Dog Has Bad Breath

Kidney disease

A metallic or ammonia odor on a dog’s breath is a common symptom for kidney failure. The iron smell is caused by a build-up of waste products and toxins generally filtered by the kidneys.

If you think your dog has a metallic or ammonia-like odor on his or her breath, please call your veterinarian right away, as kidney failure is fatal if not treated urgently.

Internal bleeding

Blood can smell very metallic, especially if it’s fresh.

If your dog has a condition causing bleeding in the stomach or respiratory tract, you might detect an iron-like smell on his or her breath. Generally, your dog will display other symptoms, such as lethargy and depression.

Internal bleeding is a severe condition, requiring emergency veterinarian care.

Anal glands

Impacted anal glands are, by far, the most common condition causing your dog to smell like iron.

What are anal glands?

Anal glands are small, kidney-shaped sacs located on either side of your dog’s anus between the smooth rectal muscle and external anal sphincter.

The anal sacs are lined with cells containing sebaceous (oil) and sweat glands; these cells produce a stinky liquid that smells like a mixture of iron and rotten fish.

What is the purpose of anal glands?

The purpose of anal glands is to allow dogs to scent mark their territory by leaving their own unique odor in their urine or stool.

The anal glands also are a form of communication between dogs. The anal glands generate a personal smell, like a canine fingerprint. When dogs sniff each other’s backside, they can tell whether the stranger is a known associate, a friend, an enemy, and even if they will get along with each other.

Impacted anal glands

Under normal conditions, the anal glands are emptied when your dog has a bowel movement. However, if the anal sacs don’t empty or become impacted, your dog will emit an iron-like smell.

Over time, the secretions inside the anal glands begin to thicken. This causes the smell as well as pain for your dog. The longer the impaction is not treated, the more painful the condition becomes. Left untreated, your dog’s anal glands can rupture, causing your dog a world of pain.

Possible causes of impacted anal glands

Several risk factors can cause a dog to suffer from impacted anal glands.

• Obesity
• Diarrhea
• Food allergies
• Skin conditions involving yeast or bacteria
• Physical abnormalities
• Obstruction of the anal gland duct caused by muscle inflammation or tumor
• Infestation of Demodex, Sarcoptes, or other species of skin mites
• Senior dogs with limited mobility compromised by arthritis or joint inflammation

How to prevent anal gland impaction

Unless your dog has a physical abnormality that prevents the anal sacs from fully emptying, there are two main ways to prevent the problem from occurring.

Help your dog lose weight

If your dog is overweight, you need to help your dog lose weight. The best way to do this is to meet with your veterinarian to develop a suitable exercise and feeding program.

Obesity may present many risks, including impacted anal glands.

Feed your dog a balanced diet

Certain breeds, including Goldendoodles, can be prone to food allergies. Dogs who suffer from chronic upset stomachs and loose stools are prone to developing impacted anal sacs. So make sure you feed your dog a properly balanced diet your dog can tolerate.

It’s a good idea to ask your veterinarian to recommend a food specially formulated for dogs with food sensitivities to prevent conditions associated with food allergies.

Breeds prone to impacted anal glands

Certain breeds are prone to anal gland impaction. Small breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Poodles tend to have this issue more than larger dogs.

Signs of anal gland impaction

If you notice your dog is smelling like iron, it’s quite likely the problem is his or her anal glands.

Other telltale indicators include:

• Scooting along the ground
• Excessive licking of the rear end
• Reluctance to sit down
• Chewing on the base of the tail
• Blood in the stool
• Swelling under the skin around the dog’s rectum
• Bloodstains on the dog’s bedding or ground where the dog has been laying

If you think your dog has impacted anal glands, take them to see your veterinarian right away.

What is the treatment for impacted anal glands?

The treatment for impacted anal glands is to gently squeeze each impacted gland to remove the slimy, foul-smelling obstruction inside. When the anal glands are expressed, it will immediately relieve your dog’s discomfort, get rid of the odor and other symptoms will disappear almost immediately. If the glands are infected, your veterinarian may prescribe a course of antibiotics for your dog.

This simple procedure only takes a few minutes and is something veterinarian and some professional groomers routinely treat.

Final Thoughts

Next time you smell metallic or iron odors on your dog, do a quick check over their body and mouth for signs of a possible cause. The conditions listed in this article are serious or can become serious if left untreated, so the best course of action is to contact your veterinarian.