You’re not alone if you wrinkle your nose at the idea of “dog anal glands.” After all, “anal glands” are not approved dinner conversation in most circles, and they’re probably something you’d rather not think about.
However, some dogs have problems with theirs and if you’re reading this, your dog may be one of them. You may also know that if left ignored, dog anal gland problems can develop into a painful medical condition.
Before we discuss potential complications with your pup’s hindquarters and how to prevent them, let’s discuss what they do.
What’s the Purpose of My Dog’s Anal Glands?
According to PetMD, the anal sacs are small paired pouches sitting either side of the anus, roughly at the four and eight o’clock positions, which empty through narrow ducts just inside the anus. They’re lined with oil and sweat glands, and the fluid they produce is oily, brownish, and strongly scented.
It turns out there are a couple of purposes for these glands. One is to help your pup leave his signature scent behind, thereby marking territory — kind of the equivalent of lifting a leg on a favorite bush or fire hydrant. This is why dogs are so interested in sniffing one another’s hindquarters.
These glands also help ease the transition of your dog’s stool out of his body and onto the ground. The problem occurs when the glands become impacted, or there are other complications.
Complications with Anal Glands
Sometimes your dog’s anal glands get full and your pup is unable to release the liquid inside. If you find your dog scooting across the floor or seeming far too interested in his back end region, it could be due to impacted anal glands.
Normally the fluid is expelled when a dog defecates. PetMD explains that when this doesn’t happen regularly, the material thickens and becomes harder to pass — and if that persists, the gland can become impacted, inflamed, infected, and may even abscess and rupture through the skin.
You can imagine this is uncomfortable at best and extremely painful at worst. The Kennel Club notes that soft stools are the most common cause, since they don’t exert enough pressure to empty the glands. Impaction leaves the gland swollen but often not painful; prolonged impaction gives bacteria time to build up, which can lead to pain, more swelling, and sometimes abscesses and fever.
Other complications include tumors or even oddly positioned anal sacs. Your veterinarian can help determine the source of the problem.
Treating Anal Gland Problems
VCA Hospitals notes that anal sac problems are common in dogs of every size and breed, and advises calling your veterinarian promptly if you suspect one. Treatment usually starts with expressing the sacs. Severe impaction or infection may require flushing out the solidified material, and because the condition is painful, many pets need sedation or anesthesia for the procedure. Antibiotics are often prescribed, sometimes instilled directly into the sacs over several days, and advanced cases can require surgery. Pain relief is typically needed for several days until the swelling and inflammation settle.
Your veterinarian will assess your dog and help you make an informed treatment plan.
Preventing Dog Anal Gland Problems
Your veterinarian may recommend a diet change. For some dogs, an increase in fiber can help firm up stools. You might also try a protein-based food that your dog isn’t used to eating. Novel proteins like bison can help.
Eating only one or two protein sources over a long period can, in some dogs, contribute to an allergic inflammatory response, and unaddressed food allergies are a recognized cause of chronic anal sac trouble. Introducing new proteins may help, but always consult your veterinarian about allergy testing first, and make any diet change gradually — again, your vet can guide you here.
Another way to prevent impacted anal glands is to walk your dog frequently and keep him at a healthy weight. Dogs that are overweight and/or don’t get enough exercise are at greater risk.
If your dog is prone to bouts of diarrhea, please make an appointment with your veterinarian to determine the reason why, as it can be a symptom of many health issues, including anal gland problems.