One of the little joys of living with dogs is waste management.

When a dog has a bowel movement, some fluid is excreted from its anal sacs, which are on each side of the rectal opening. This gives a smell unique to the dog, and this is one reason why when two dogs meet they want to sniff each other’s butt.

The bad news is the sacs can become clogged, which happens more to older females.

One night Jake was licking Hope. We noticed a terrible smell. Somehow Jake managed to expel some that fluid.

The room was filled with the nastiest order you could imagine. We removed the bedspread and put it immediately in the wash, the dogs were ordered to the backyard to get some air to them and the house, and air freshener was deployed.

I blame myself because the day before I saw Hope scoot once on her butt while we were on a walk. Now I will be on the alert.

If your dog scoots, you can get your vet to expel the sacs. Some groomers and experienced owners know how to do it. Just don’t stand behind your dog while it is being done.