Dog Anal Glands

" Dog anal glands can become swollen and infected if they do not drain properly. Problems are usually the result of a diet that is not high enough in protein. To help your dog consider learning how to empty the glands yourself, and if the problem is frequent, consider trying a homeopathic remedy. "

Dogs have anal sacs located on each side of the anus. Anal sac disease refers to a condition where the sacs become infected. The condition is usually seen in smaller dogs/breeds.

There are three conditions that can cause anal sac disease:

• Impacted (when fluid can't pass out of the sacs)
• Abscess - a pocked holding liquid
• Cancerous
  

When the canine anal sacs are working normally, a small amount of liquid is excreted every time your dog has a bowel movement. As the feces presses against the glands, it stimulates the release the fluid. It has a strong smell as the fluid is a way your dog marks territory.

When the canine anal glands produce too much liquid, if liquid gets clogged in the gland, or if the stool isn't hard enough to stimulate emptying, then problems sets in such as bacterial infection and inflammation.

Picture Dog Anal Gland Anatomy
Source: The pictures in this section are reprinted with permission by the copyright owner,  Hill's Pet Nutrition, from the Atlas of Veterinary Clinical Anatomy. These illustrations should not be downloaded, printed or copied except for personal, non-commercial use.

Symptoms of Dog Anal Glands

As the glands swell, they cause your dog to become uncomfortable. To find relief, your dog may scoot with the rectum pressed into the floor. Your dog might also try to reach the area with the mouth to lick the region. If infection sets into the fluid that can't be released, then pain gets more severe. You may also notice that the area where the glands are located changed in color. The glands can even cause a break in the skin.

Diagnosis of Dog Anal Glands

Your veterinarian can tell if the glands are swollen by inspecting the area where the glands are located (5 and 8 positions around the anus). If infected, your vet will do some tests to make sure that it hasn't spread.

Treatment of Dog Anal Glands

To treat canine anal glands your veterinarian will try and express or empty the glands with his fingers. This is something you can learn do to yourself, ask your vet for directions. If you do it yourself, be sure to do it in a bathtub to avoid making a mess. A quick bath afterward might be called for. Also be sure to wear latex gloves to protect the hands from the foul smelling liquid.

If the liquid has hardened, your vet will use use a medication that can soften the liquid. Antibiotics will effectively fight infection.

Prevention of Dog Anal Gland Problems

Adding fiber to your dog's diet can help firm up the stool, which will increase the pressure against the glands and help to naturally empty them. The sacs can be removed with surgery if the problem keeps recurring. Before you take a drastic step such as surgery, you might want to try adding a homeopathic remedy to your dog's diet that contains ingredients designed to help dog's with this problem.

These products include Urtica urens (natural cleansing), Dandelion (cleanser and detoxifier), Chamomile and Yarrow (supports skin around the gland). One product to research that contains all of these is AnalGlandz which is made specifically to treat infected anal glands in dogs naturally. Consult with your veterinarian so that he or she can track the progress of this type of approach.

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