Every now and again my girl licks around her back end and this is often followed by a very unpleasant metallicy type smell. I'm guessing by doing this she is emptying her anal glands am I right? Also a couple of times when I've been brushing around her back end some liquid (with the same smell) has squirted out. Does this mean she needs to have her anal glands emptied?
She does however have the same diet as our other dog who never does this and after reading other threads on here about anal glands I know this is relevant - they both have very good poos!

Anal gland fluid smells really fishy -  its rancid! wouldn't put it down as a metallic smell but then I suppose every dog is different. The fluid is of an oily consistency but if there is quite a build up it becomes more of a toothpaste consistency.

Its definately not a fishy smell but is definately rancid! Must say its a thin oily consistancy but when shes been licking it makes her breath really stink as well! Arnt dogs pleasant?! Bet there's no other forums where people have conversations like this!