Dog Anal Glands: The Dog Parent's Guide to Understanding Dog Anal Glands
If you’ve ever wondered why dogs are so interested in sniffing the behinds of their friends, it all comes down to the anal glands.
Getting a dog is one of the best things you can do, for both you and your pup! But, if you’re a new or prospective dog parent, we’re here to warn you about some less glamourous parts of pup parenthood that no one ever talks about.
Like it or not, your dog is a predator. And as such, they have two anal sacs, also called anal glands, located on either side of a dog's anus. Every time they defecate, the pressure of the stool and contracting muscles emits a small amount of the foul-smelling anal gland fluid inside the glands.
While the scent is repulsive to us humans, it’s what identifies your pup to other dogs and communicates facts like their sex, health and approximate age — a unique calling card, if you will.
Dogs may also express their anal glands when they are afraid, as a way to distract the enemy. If your pup was scared or startled you may have noticed a rank smell afterward, courtesy of their anal glands.
WHAT DOGS NEED THIS SERVICE?
Certain breeds (usually on the small side) are more likely to need monthly, manual expression of their glands: Chihuahuas, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Basset Hounds, and Beagles top the list. However, an anal gland problem can affect dogs of all sizes. Dogs anal sac disease includes conditions such as anal gland impaction, infection or abscess, ruptured anal gland abscess, and anal gland cancer, which can cause significant pain and potential risks, including cancerous tumors.
Some common causes and contributing factors include:
Diarrhea (soft stools don’t properly express the anal glands)
Constipation (no stool, no gland expression)
Obesity
Chronic skin infections (bacterial or yeast)
Allergies (environmental and food-related)
Mites
Hypothyroidism
Less commonly, anal gland impaction can be caused by a tumor or a congenital defect that prevents normal drainage.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG NEEDS HIS ANAL GLANDS EXPRESSED?
The signature sign of anal gland problems is scooting. Your dog will drag his butt across the floor, trying to relieve the pressure and discomfort. But not all dogs with anal gland issues will scoot; other signs of impacted or infected anal glands in the anal area, including anal gland infection, include:
Persistent licking and biting
Redness and/or swelling
Straining to defecate
Blood or pus
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I EXPRESS MY DOG’S ANAL GLANDS?
Manual anal gland expression should only be done on an as-needed basis. Most dogs go through life without ever needing a manual expression (or only on rare occasions).
If there's no reason to express them, then don't! Expressing anal glands frequently can cause irritation and damage, potentially causing scar tissue to form and block the drainage duct.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY AREN’T EXPRESSED REGULARLY?
If the anal glands do not empty properly, they may swell up and become incredibly uncomfortable.
Glands can also swell if the exit duct becomes blocked, called an impaction. And since anal glands are warm and moist, an impacted gland is the perfect spot for bacteria to settle and cause an infection.
Anal gland impactions and infections are extremely painful for your dog. Infected glands tend to form abscesses, filling the already overstuffed gland with pus. This condition, known as an anal gland abscess, can lead to the gland eventually rupturing, usually through the body wall on your dog’s backside, as that is the path of least resistance. As you can imagine, that is a messy and unpleasant situation.
In addition to abscesses, dogs can also suffer from anal gland cancer, specifically anal sac adenocarcinoma. This type of cancer can spread to other parts of the body and may require surgical removal of the anal glands, along with other treatments.
HOW DO I TREAT ANAL GLAND ISSUES?
Most anal gland problems are not an emergency and can be resolved by manual expression, but persistent issues may indicate anal sac disease.
If your dog has chronic issues with their anal glands, they should be examined by your veterinarian to determine the cause. Your vet will treat any underlying conditions that may be contributing to his troubles.
Weight loss and increased fiber intake are common components of a treatment plan to manage anal gland secretions. Two safe sources of fiber for dogs are canned pumpkin (not canned pie filling — the only ingredient should be pumpkin) and psyllium. Your vet may also recommend an Omega 3 supplement to help with inflammation and skin health.
Severe or chronic anal gland problems may require anal gland removal. This surgery is complex and risky and should be reserved as a last resort.
Preventative care for your dog includes practicing good hygiene and grooming, awareness of these glands, and knowing the signs of inflammation. Maintaining healthy anal glands through a balanced diet and proper weight management is crucial for your dog's overall well-being.
Add Gland Expression or the Grand Combo (glands + nail grind) to your monthly E-scent-ials and Scenthound will express your dog’s anal glands as part of their monthly routine care.• • •
Dr. Jim MacLean
Chief Veterinarian, Scenthound
Dr. MacLean’s first job was working as a grooming assistant when he was 15 years old. Since then, he has worked in every aspect of small animal veterinary hospitals, has practiced in small animal medicine and surgery for 26 years, and has owned and started multi-doctor veterinary hospitals.
With a mind for both medicine and business, Jim received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from VMRCVM at Virginia Tech in 1994 and his MBA from Georgetown University in 2011.
Coming full circle, he joined the Scenthound pack to bring his expertise and experience to the grooming world. As chief veterinarian, Dr. MacLean guides Scenthound from a health and medicine perspective and helps achieve our mission to improve overall pet health on a broader scale.