Abstract
The volatile organic compounds from the anal sac secretions of male and female dogs and coyotes were examined using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Short chain (C2–C6) acids and trimethylamine were major constituents. Changes in the type and abundance of the volatiles were examined across state of estrus, species, and gender. No consistent difference in the pattern of volatiles was detected that was indicative of estrus state or gender. Dogs displayed larger amounts of all constituents. The anal sac secretions of a third carnivore, the cat, were examined to see if they contained trimethylamine: none was found.
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Preti, G., Muetterties, E.L., Furman, J.M. et al. Volatile constituents of dog (Canis familiaris) and coyote (Canis latrans) anal sacs. J Chem Ecol 2, 177–186 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987740
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987740