Getting a dog can be fun and exciting, but there are some parts of owning a dog which can be unpleasant. This includes unblocking their anal glands if the need arises.
But, what are anal glands and why do dogs have them? We look closer at them and why problems in dogs may arise…
What are anal glands?
The anal glands are a pair of small sacs that sit just inside a dog’s bottom. They contain a strong-smelling liquid which is used for marking territory. Dogs usually use their anal glands to identify each other and mark their territory by making a distinctive thick, foul smelling, oily liquid. This is the reason dogs smell other dog’s bottoms when they meet. Healthy anal glands empty naturally when a dog poos, but sometimes this does not happen, and they can over fill and block. Blocked anal glands are a relatively common problem but can be irritating and painful for your dog. It is often simple to treat, but if they are left untreated it could lead to more serious problems.
It’s important that you always seek advice from your vet if your pet develops problems with their anal glands. It is never advised to try and treat the anal gland problem yourself, as this could lead to serious damage and pain for your pet.
Symptoms of blocked anal glands include:
• Scooting – rubbing their bottom on the ground
• Foul fishy smell
• Nibbling and licking their behind
• Pain when pooing
• Suddenly sitting down in
discomfort
• Looking around at their back end
What causes blocked glands?
Any dog can develop blocked anal glands, but it is more common in overweight dogs due to weak muscles around the bottom, dogs born with narrow anal gland openings and dogs that have ongoing diarrhoea/ soft stools. Problems with anal glands are most common in small dog breeds but can also affect larger breeds. Toy and Miniature Poodles, Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos, Cocker Spaniels, Bassett Hounds and Beagles are commonly affected by anal gland problems.
Other factors that might increase the chances of anal gland issues include:
• Chronic skin conditions, such as itchy skin
– Obestity
• Inadequate dietary fibre
• Change in stool consistency – soft stool, diarrhoea, or constipation
• Parasites
• Food/environmental allergies
• Genetics (common breeds).
Types of anal gland problems
Anal gland impaction
Impacted anal glands can cause moderate pain. When the anal gland fluid thickens, this pasty brown material clogs the glands and creates hard masses. In average cases of impaction, the anal glands can be expressed with significant pressure.
Anal gland infection or abscess
A dog suffering from an anal gland infection or abscess will be in moderate to severe pain. If the gland is infected, the bacteria from the infection causes pus to build up inside the gland. An infection can lead to an abscess, when the pus-filled sac and swollen tissue caused the gland to be obstructed.
Prevention
There are a few positive things you can do to manage your dog’s anal glands and help to reduce the chances of any blockages or problems, which include:
Weight Management
Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Overweight dogs have weaker muscles which makes it more difficult to empty their glands. Feeding your dog a good quality diet and keeping up with their exercise routine will help to keep them at a healthy weight.
Regular checks
If your dog frequently suffers with blocked anal glands, they may require regular vet visits to have them checked. If this happens on a regular basis, you should quickly become an expert in spotting the signs of an anal gland problem developing.
Fibre
Adding extra fibre to your dog’s diet can help firm up and bulk out their poo. As a result, when your dog goes to the toilet, their stool will press on the anal glands and help them to empty. A fibre-based supplement, such as Nutrafibre from Nutravet could help aid normal anal gland function.
How to empty your dog’s anal glands
Basic anal gland expression is something you can do at home if you feel confident. However always seek advice from your vet beforehand and do not attempt it if your pet is not used to being held or handled at home in that position.
If you want to attempt to empty the glands yourself here are some tips:
• Wear gloves and either apply lubricant or wet your finger slightly with water.
• The anal glands are located around 4’o clock on your dog’s bottom.
• Use cotton wool or tissue to catch any discharge.
• With your thumb and index finger apply some pressure and push upwards towards the bottom and you should start to see some discharge.
If your dog has healthy anal glands, there is no reason why they would need to be emptied regularly. They would only need examined or emptying if they are causing discomfort. If you spot any signs of blocked anal glands you should speak to your vet.
