When you become a dog owner for the first time, you quickly discover that caring for a dog involves more than just cuddles, walks, and tasty treats. One of the less glamorous—but equally important—aspects of dog care is understanding anal glands. Most pet parents aren't even aware of anal glands until they become a problem.
What Are Anal Glands?
Anal glands, also known as anal sacs, are two small, pea-sized glands located on either side of your dog’s anus located rouchly at 4-5 and 7-8 o'clock. They produce a smelly, oily secretion that is released when your dog poops. This unique scent acts as a way for dogs to mark their territory and communicate with other dogs.
Why Do Anal Glands Become a Problem?
In a healthy dog, the anal glands empty naturally when they pass stool. However, some dogs can experience impaction, infection, or abscesses. This is more common in smaller breeds but can happen to any dog.
Some reasons anal glands may become problematic include:
Soft stools or diarrhea that don’t apply enough pressure to empty the glands.
Obesity can interfere with natural gland expression.
Genetic predisposition, especially in small or toy breeds.
Food allergies can increase the risk of anal gland problems due to inflammation in the body.
Signs Your Dog Might Have Anal Gland Issues
It’s important to know the signs of anal gland problems so you can address them before they cause pain or infection. Here are some common indicators:
Scooting or dragging their rear on the floor
Licking or chewing around their anus
A strong, fishy odor coming from the rear
Swelling or redness near the anus
Difficulty sitting comfortably
What To Do If There’s a Problem
If you notice any of the signs above, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. They may manually express the glands, prescribe antibiotics for an infection, or recommend a high-fiber diet to help firm up stools. In severe cases, surgical removal may be considered.
Please do not try to express them yourself for a few different reasons, one being that it is a smelly mess but it can also cause irritation and damage to the anal glands exasterbating the problem.
Can You Prevent Anal Gland Issues?
While some dogs are more prone to problems, there are a few preventative measures that can help:
High-fiber diet: Helps produce firmer stools that naturally express the glands. When you notice softening stool add a probiotic to their diet as a first defense.
Regular grooming: Keeping the area clean reduces the chance of infection.
Healthy weight management: Reduces pressure on the glands. Maintain thier ideal with a high fibre lower calorie food.
Reduce inflammation: Switching to a hypo allergenic food and allergy medication can help greatly reduce the presence of inflammation.
To Squeeze or Not to Squeeze?
While some pet owners learn to express anal glands at home, it’s best left to professionals unless your vet specifically recommends it. Improper technique can injure your dog or cause infections.
Anal glands are a quirky but important part of dog care that can surprise new owners. Being aware of the signs of trouble and knowing when to seek veterinary help can make all the difference in your dog’s comfort and health. Don’t be embarrassed to ask your vet for guidance—every dog owner goes through it at some point!
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