Anal Glands Dog

"Anal glands dog need to be periodically checked to make sure that the glands are draining naturally. If they fill up with fluid that cannot escape through the gland ducts infection and discomfort will set in. Treatment involves either expressing the glands with your fingers or visiting a dog health professional for help."

Anal glands dog need to be continually check to see if fluid is properly draining. The glands can be located on either side of the anus, the place where feces exits the body, at the 5 o'clock and 8 o'clock position.

The glands are pea sized and contain about a teaspoon of fluid. It is thought that the glands were originally used to help a dog mark territory. When the anal gland dog is working properly, pressure from passing a firm stool cause the glands to drain at the same time. Liquid can also move from the anal sacs when your dog is frightened.

Symptoms of Dog Anal Gland Problems

The anal glands dog can cause discomfort for your dog. A well known symptom among owners is when your dog scoots across the floor in its anus in an attempt to get some relief.

Other symptoms which indicate that infection may have set in include a foul smell, and any liquid that does come out has a blackish or yellow color. You can feel the glands from outside the body and determine is they are swollen. You may also be able to see that the skin has an unusual color.

Treatment of Canine Anal Glands

The first treatment step is to help your dog empty the glands by following these steps. If you are uncomfortable, ask your veterinarian for instructions and then you can do it yourself the next time. We suggest performing the procedure in the bathtub and then giving your dog a bath.

1. Life your dog's tail with one hand.
2. Using the other hand, take your thumb and forefinger and apply light pressure the the inside of the gland, pushing out. You might want to hold a tissue or towel at the same time to catch the liquid.
3. Liquid should come out of the gland. If it doesn't wait a few minutes and try again. If it doesn't come out, see your veterinarian. When the liquid doesn't train it could thicken. For infection, your veterinarian will apply an antibiotic ointment.

For tougher cases, your veterinarian may need to use a lance to create an opening.

Prevention of Problems with Anal Glands Dog

An easy step to take is to improve the firmness of your dog's stools. Start with not giving your dog table scraps. These types of foods can cause the stool to be too soft. Also consider adding fiber to your dog's diet either through the commercial dog food you purchase or by adding a supplement to your dog's diet such as PetAlive Natural Moves which contains the fiber Psyllium nigrum.

You can also try adding a herbal supplement to your dog's diet which contain ingredients such as:

• Urtica urens for natural cleansing, (Obertreis, B., Giller, K., Teucher, T., Behnke, B., and Schmitz, H. “Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioica folia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid”. Arzneimittelforschung. 1996;46(1):52-56.)
• Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) herbal cleanser found all over the world. This herb will also act as an excellent skin cleanser and detoxifier and is perfect for use on the anal glands.
• Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) widely used as a gentle cleansing and soothing herb. (Maiche, A. G., Grohn, P., and Maki-Hokkonen, H. “Effect of chamomile cream and almond ointment on acute radiation skin reaction.” Acta Oncol 1991;30(3):395-396.)( Glowania, H. J., Raulin, C., and Swoboda, M. “Effect of chamomile on wound healing--a clinical double-blind study.” Z.Hautkr. 9-1-1987;62(17):1262, 1267-1271.)
• Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) will help to support the health of the skin around the anal glands.
• Silica (6C) Silica is a natural remedy excellent for supporting natural emptying of the anal sacs. Silica will also help to keep the anal ducts open.

One product which is made specifically for this purpose and is a good source for additional research is AnalGlandz. Of course consult your veterinarian to see if this approach would be of benefit to your dog.