How To Care For Dogs Anal Glands

By bestboom | July 8, 2009

Checking your dogs anal glands while grooming and regular dog baths is
imperative to make sure the glands are in optimal health. It is in all probability one of the least pleasant chores for canine owners, although for years a lot of people that had pets did not know that dog anal sacs existed.

How a Dogs Anal Gland is Cleared

Canines will drain these sacs while eliminating. As the stool moves out of the anus, the pressure will usually clear the anal glands; however, because of the domestication of dogs, some of our canine friends have a problem emptying their glands. Impacted anal glands are most common in small dogs and are indicated by your dog scooting on the ground or licking and biting at his rear and you will most likely notice a dog odor.

Why Expressing Dogs Anal Glands is Essential

When emptying of the glands does not happen, they can become impacted and it is very uncomfortable and painful for your dog. They must be expressed or infection and abscess can follow if the impact isn’t alleviated. The
normal size of the glands is that of a kidney bean but when they are full the sacs will enlarge and feel hard. Usually, the clogged glands will be very sensitive and your pet may react as if in pain when you touch near that area.

Where to Find a Dogs Anal Glands

Anal sacs are located on either side of the lower half and just within your pet’s anus. They are lined with cells that regularly exude a very strong smelling discharge. If you look closely, you will probably see the tiny ducts through which a unpleasant smelling fluid seeps. In the wild the secretions are used to mark territory, but in the domestic dog they have little use apart from the interest they get from other dogs, who (for reasons humans find impossible to understand) find it appealing. There is no obvious smell to humans when your furry friend is bathed regularly and your dogs anal glands are in good shape. Other dogs on the other hand have no trouble the scent.

Expelling the Sacs

To avoid the expense of having the sacs expelled, you can do this yourself; however, some dog owners feel it is well worth having a veterinarian carry out this service, at least on the first occasion. To express the glands, wear a disposable latex glove. Holding a tissue, place your thumb and forefinger on both sides of the anus and press gently. Anal sack fluid should exude from the ducts without much pressure and you will likely feel the glands decrease in size as you gently squeeze. If you are hesitant about doing this or observe anything curious, consult your veterinarian. It is best to have someone hold your dog still, while you do this.

A Change of Diet

Your veterinarian may suggest a diet high in fiber if you find your pet
is having consistent problems with clogged anal glands. The additional fiber will help to express the anal glands when your buddy eliminates.

If Infection Happens

If anal sacs become infected they will become larger and may rupture through the skin by the anus. This will produce a painful draining abscess and will require proper veterinarian treatment and probably manual expressing of the glands until the abscess has gone.

Re-occurring Impacted Glands

If the impacted anal sacs become a recurring issue for your dog, they can be surgically removed. This can often result in a more enjoyable relationship for you and your dog.

This is considered routine surgery but there are potential problems because of the numerous nerves in that area and fecal incontinence may develop if too much damage occurs. Additionally, if your dogs anal glands tissue was not completely removed, they have the possibility to keep on secreting fluid. When this accumulates, the result could be an abscess and perhaps a continual draining tract from the sac to the skin. If this occurs the veterinarian must go back and remove the sac tissue to have a desired result.

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