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why does our miniature schnauzer always smell at

Sent to Pet Experts January 3 2006 at 1:39 PM
   

Why does our Miniature Schnauzer always smell at himself
as if something is being released? He can't even lay down
at night, 9 hours of sitting because he turns and sniffs and
sits over and over. What could this be??

Optional Information:
Age: 5; Male; Breed: miniature schnauzer

Already Tried:
many vet checks, glands expressed several times, diet changed.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Info Request
January 3 2006 at 2:14 PM (35 minutes and 33 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
Is this something new? Or has he always done this? Does he have bad gas?
Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
January 3 2006 at 4:55 PM (2 hours and 41 minutes and 4 seconds later)
         
He's been doing this daily for about 4 months now, some days seem worse than others. He sits
as if he's trying to keep whatever it is inside.
Then he'll turn quickly and sniff and look at himself. I'm at my witts end over it all. He doesn't sleep well and some nights sits up the
entire night because of whatever he thinks is
happening. Have you any ideas? Thank you
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
January 3 2006 at 4:58 PM (2 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
He doesn't have bad gas.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
January 3 2006 at 5:00 PM (2 minutes and 39 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: No bad gas, he has been doing this on and off for about 4 months. Some days are worse than others. Lately again he doesn't sleep all night, sits there for 9 hours until his legs actually begin to give out below him. He will suddenly turn and look and sniff at himself, quite upset by whatever it is and sits quickly down again.
Do you have any ideas? Thank you.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 4 2006 at 1:35 AM (8 hours and 35 minutes and 8 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

There could be a few things going on. It sounds like he might be experiencing some anxiety. You state that he has had anal gland issues in the past so he might associate the smell of a leaky anal gland with pain. It's kind of like people who have gall bladder disease (or another condition). They can feel the triggers (heartburn, etc) and this causes them to sweat and get a little frantic because they know that pain is coming.

I would suggest that you use a homeopathic anxiety medication that we have used with a lot of success. It's called homeopet (www.homeopet.com) and you can get it at most petsmarts.

And be sure to keep an eye on his anal gland health. He sounds like one who will need to have them expressed more than the average dog.

Let me know if you still have questions.

Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
January 4 2006 at 11:34 AM (9 hours and 59 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: Actually he has been on anti-anxiety meds and they didn't curb the problem. At times when
his condition is really bad he has a bowl movement quickly in the house almost like it
just comes out and he's not even aware of it.
We wonder if he thinks that it's coming out all
the time and is nervous about it. Maybe some type
of pressure that makes him think he's having a bowl movement even when he isn't. Does this sound familiar?? Maybe some type of incontinence
problems starting?? After he went to the bathroom
he seems to relax somewhat, but never completely.
Thanks so much for any help you can give us.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
January 4 2006 at 11:37 AM (2 minutes and 18 seconds later)
         
About his glands, when they were expressed more often he was worse. I think it just caused him more discomfort and caused him to be more upset
because of the scent that it releases. I just don't know the answer and we feel there has to be something we can do for the little guy. Thanks
again, looking forward to any help you can offer.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 4 2006 at 11:40 AM (3 minutes and 18 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

If he has a constant odor and anal gland problem, you might want to talk with your vet about an anal saculectomy. It can help a great deal with pain and discomfort and will get rid of this smell that is bothering him.

Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
January 4 2006 at 11:45 AM (4 minutes and 55 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: I can't personally smell any odour from him, but he smells something as he is always sniffing at himself and sitting down quickly.
No scooting on the carpet or anything but just
sitting there. I brought this suggestion up with
the vet and they didn't seem to think that was the problem but I just don't know what else it could be.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 4 2006 at 11:48 AM (3 minutes and 11 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
They can smell things that we can't! I would let the vet know how discomforted he is by it and see if he can offer suggestions.
Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
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