Have you seen your pup dragging their bum along the ground? That may be a sign of an issue with their anal glands!

The health of your dog's anal glands is an often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of canine well-being. These small glands, located on either side of a dog’s rectum, play a vital role in their health. Unfortunately, many dog parents are unaware of the significance of these glands until their pet experiences discomfort or infection. Let's dive into the importance of anal gland health, how to recognize the signs that indicate a problem, and get some tips on how to help your dog's comfort and gland health.

The Importance of Anal Gland Expression

A common pet parent question we often hear is: What are anal glands and why are they important to my dog's health?

Anal glands, or anal sacs, are small glands located on either side of your dog’s rectum. These glands produce a unique scent that is part of your dog’s natural communication system. In the wild, these scents are used for marking territory and identifying each other. However, in our domesticated pets, these glands can sometimes become problematic.

According to a study published by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), about 12% of dogs will experience anal gland issues at some point in their lives. This statistic highlights the commonality of the problem, making it essential for dog parents to be informed.

When functioning correctly, these glands are naturally expressed during defecation. The pressure of the stool passing through the rectum usually releases the gland's contents. However, if the stool is too soft or if the glands are not positioned properly, they may not empty on their own, leading to a buildup.

Signs Your Dog Might Need Anal Gland Expression

So, how can you tell if your dog needs their anal glands expressed? Common signs include scooting, excessive licking of the anal area, and a noticeable fishy odor. In severe cases, you might even see swelling or abscesses. Regularly monitoring these signs can help prevent discomfort and more serious health issues.

Scooting

Scooting is one of the most noticeable signs that your dog might need their anal glands expressed. This behavior involves the dog dragging its bottom across the ground, which can indicate irritation or discomfort. While scooting can be caused by other issues like worms or skin problems, anal gland issues are a common culprit.

Excessive Licking

Another sign of a potential issue with your dog's anal glands is excessive licking of the anal area. Dogs may lick or bite at the area to try to relieve the discomfort. If you notice your dog paying extra attention to their rear end, it's worth investigating further.

Fishy Odor

A noticeable, fishy odor emanating from your dog is another strong indicator of potential issues with anal glands. The scent is produced by the secretion of the anal glands and can become more prominent when there's a problem.

Swelling or Abscesses

In severe cases, you might notice swelling around your dog's rectum or even abscesses. These signs indicate that your pup may be facing impacted or infected glands that require immediate veterinary attention.

How Anal Gland Expression is Performed

Expressing Glands at Home

Expressing a dog’s anal glands can be done at home or by a professional, such as a veterinarian or a provider of dog routine hygiene care. While some dog parents prefer to learn how to do it themselves, it’s crucial to have a professional demonstrate the proper technique to avoid infection or injury. Contact your vet for specific instructions on how to safely express anal glands at home.

Professional Expression

For those who prefer professional help, routine visits to the vet or your provider of routine hygiene care (like Scenthound!) can provide this service if needed, ensuring your dog's anal glands are healthy and taken care of.

A great way to make sure you are staying on top of your dog's anal gland health is by keeping up with their overall hygiene care! At Scenthound, our staff is on the lookout for potential issues during your dog's visit including issues with their glands. If we spot any signs of infected or impacted anal glands we will give you a call so you are informed and have the knowledge you need to tackle the issue.

Preventing Anal Gland Issues From Occurring

Preventive care is one of the best ways to avoid issues with your dog's anal glands like anal gland infections or impacted glands. Things like regular exercise, a high-fiber diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of anal gland problems.

High-Fiber Diet

High-fiber diets help produce firmer stools, which naturally aid in expressing the anal glands during defecation. Research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shows that a high-fiber diet is recommended for prevention of anal sac disease.  Adding fiber to your dog's diet can be as simple as incorporating vegetables, fruits, or high-fiber commercial dog food.

Some excellent sources of dietary fiber for dogs include:

• Pumpkin: Rich in fiber and can be added to your dog’s regular meals.

• Sweet Potatoes: Another fiber-rich vegetable that can be included in your dog’s diet.

• Bran: Adding a small amount of bran to your dog’s food can help improve stool consistency.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and promotes overall digestive health. Obesity is a risk factor for anal gland problems, so keeping your dog active can help prevent these issues. Daily walks, playtime, and activities that keep your dog moving are essential for their health.

Exercise also stimulates bowel movements, which can naturally help express the anal glands. Engaging in activities such as fetch, swimming, or agility training can keep your dog fit and healthy.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a good weight is crucial for supporting healthy anal glands. Overweight dogs are more prone to these issues, so ensure your dog is at an appropriate weight through proper diet and exercise.

Consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal weight for your dog and develop a balanced diet plan. Avoid feeding your dog high-calorie treats and table scraps, and focus on providing nutritionally balanced meals.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

While some anal gland issues can be managed at home, there are times when professional help is necessary. If you notice persistent problems, such as continuous scooting, licking, or any signs of pain or infection, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian. Veterinary intervention may include expressing anal glands, treating infections, or in severe cases, surgically removing the glands.

Signs of Infection

Signs that your dog’s anal glands may be infected include:

• Persistent Scooting and Licking: Even after expression, if your dog continues to show signs of discomfort, it may indicate an infection.

• Swelling and Redness: Visible swelling, redness, or abscesses around the anal area are signs of infection and require immediate attention.

• Fever and Lethargy: If your dog is running a fever, appears lethargic, or shows signs of pain, these can be indicators of a more severe infection.
  

Treatment Options

Veterinary treatment for anal gland issues can vary depending on the severity of the problem. Common treatments include:

• Manual Expression: Performed by a veterinarian or dog hygiene provider, having your dog's anal glands expressed is often the first step in addressing issues.

• Antibiotics: If an infection is present, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to treat it.

• Surgery: In severe or recurrent cases, surgical removal of the anal glands (anal sacculectomy) may be necessary. This procedure can provide a permanent solution to chronic issues but comes with its own risks and recovery process. If anal gland issues occur often with your pup you will want to discuss this with your vet.
  

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable and Healthy

Anal gland expression might not be the most glamorous aspect of dog care, but it's undeniably important for your pet's comfort and health. By staying informed and proactive, you can prevent discomfort and ensure your furry friend enjoys a happy, healthy life. Regular checks, hygiene care, a proper diet, and exercise can go a long way in maintaining anal gland health.

Understanding the importance of keeping your dog's anal glands healthy and being vigilant about the signs of potential issues can help you address problems early and prevent them from escalating. Whether you choose to manage your dog’s anal glands at home or prefer professional assistance, the key is to be attentive to your dog’s needs and provide timely care.

As you continue your journey as a devoted dog parent, what steps will you take to ensure your dog’s anal glands remain healthy and trouble-free? Will you incorporate more fiber into their diet, increase their exercise, or schedule regular check-ups and routine hygiene care? Your proactive efforts can make a significant difference in your dog’s overall health and happiness!

Ready to get your pup on the path to wellness? Find a Scenter near you! From bathing to nail trimming and everything in between we are your trusted source of routine hygiene care.