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Dog Anal Glands

Problems with dog anal glands, such as anal gland abscess and impacted anal glands are common in all dogs, but especially among small breeds.

Dog anal glands ... not a savory topic, but anal gland problems are rather common and, as dog owners, we should know how to deal with them.

What are Dog Anal Glands?

Anal glands, or anal sacs, are a pair of small scent glands located on each side of the anus, slightly below the anal opening, at about the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. They open to the outside by tiny ducts. The sacs contain a powerful, foul-smelling substance that, in dogs, is used primarily to mark territory, as a form of communication, or to express extreme fear.

Ordinarily, the anal glands are emptied out ("expressed") during defecation, when the pressure of the stool presses on the glands so that some of the secretion is deposited on the stool.

Common Problems with Dog Anal Glands

Two common problems with dog anal glands are:

  • Impacted Anal Glands
  • Anal Gland Abscess

    • Impacted Anal Glands

    When the anal glands become inactive, the anal gland ducts may become clogged, the glands will then be overfilled with secretion, and a condition called "anal gland impaction" results.

    Some common reasons causing impacted anal glands include:

    • Constipation or infrequent bowel movement
    • Stool too soft
    • Inadequate exercise
    • Frustration in the dog from, for example, having to share small space with other dogs and therefore not having enough space to exercise

    Signs of Impacted Anal Glands:

    • Dog constantly "scooting" along the floor in an attempt to empty the sacs, sometimes leaving behind unsightly brownish "skid marks"
    • Dog constantly licking the anal area
    • Strong, foul-smell from the gland area

    Treatment:

    Impacted anal glands can be emptied out manually by a veterinarian or a groomer. You can also try to do it yourself if you don't mind the smell!

    Expressing your dog's anal glands is relatively easy (though not pleasant!). Here's how:

    Expressing anal glands

    • Hold up the dog’s tail and pull it gently upward.
    • Hold a tissue with your free hand (preferably gloved), place your thumb over one anal gland and your fingers over the other (the glands are located on each side of the anus, slightly below the anal opening, at about the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions).
    • Press in - use gentle pressure - and squeeze like you are milking a cow.

    To help increase blood flow and soften the tissues around the glands and thereby promoting expression of the sacs, try using a warm herbal compress before manually expressing them.

    If you have herbal tinctures of calendula or red clover, add about one teaspoon of either of these tinctures to a quart of warm water. Soak a small towel in the herbal solution and hold it to your dog's rear end for 5 minutes or so. After compression, express the glands manually as described above.

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    Anal Gland Abscess

    Anal glands may sometimes become infected and abscesses are formed within the glands themselves. The infection is caused by bacteria that have made their way into the glands, probably through the ducts. When the abscessed material overflows the sacs, the skin over the sacs breaks open and the pus drains onto the skin. As you can imagine, this is a very painful condition for dogs.

    Signs of Anal Gland Abscess:

    • Swelling on either side of the anus
    • Anal area becomes red (purple at a later stage)
    • Pain, sometimes severe, near the tail or anus
    • Dog constantly licking the anal area
    • Dog may whimper with pain and discomfort
    • Dog may develop constipation as the pain in his rear end deters him from relieving himself

    Treatment:

    Conventional treatment of anal gland abscess is to surgically lance, debride, drain and flush the sacs with an antiseptic solution, and administer antibiotics.

    If you prefer to use a more gentle homeopathic treatment, discuss the problem with a holistic vet.

    The common homeopathic remedies used to treat anal gland abscess include Belladonna and Silicea. Belladonna can reduce the intense pain whereas Silicea helps the discharge of pus and promotes healing.

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    Preventing Dog Anal Gland Problems

    Healthy Foods

    Good healthy food with sufficient fiber is important. Increased fiber will increase stool volume and hardness, thereby putting pressure on the anal glands, helping them to "express" naturally. Oat bran is a good source of fiber, and flax oil is effective in promoting muscular contraction of the bowels.

    Adequate Exercise

    Regular exercise will also help the anal glands to empty naturally. If possible, take your dog out to exercise at least 15-20 minutes twice a day. Taking your dog out regularly also allows him to have frequent bowel movements.

    Allergies and Dog Anal Glands

    Some veterinarians suggest that anal sac problems in dogs may be related to allergies. If your dog has problems with his anal glands and he is constantly licking and scratching himself, it may be that the two problems are related - be sure to consult with your veterinarian.

    In the meantime, give your dog some Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil, to alleviate his itch and skin irritations.



    References

    Pitcairn & Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
    PetEducation.com


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