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Dogs Anal Glands – How To Keep Them Healthy

Dog anal glands health

Examining your dogs anal glands while grooming and regular is imperative to make sure the glands are in ideal health. It is possibly one of the least pleasant undertakings for dog owners, although for years many people that had dogs did not know that canine anal glands existed.

How a Dogs Anal Gland is Emptied

Canines will empty these glands while eliminating. As the stool passes out of the anus, the pressure will usually clear the anal sacs; however, because of the domestication of dogs, some of our canine friends have a problem clearing their sacs. Impacted anal glands are most common in small dogs and are indicated by your pet 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 Important

When emptying of the sacs does not occur, they can become impacted and it is very distressing and painful for your dog. They must be expressed or infection and abscess can follow if the impact isnt alleviated. The usual size of the sacs is that of a kidney bean but when they are impacted the glands will become larger and feel hard. Generally, the clogged glands will be extremely 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 can be found on either side of the lower half and just within your pets anus. They are lined with cells that regularly exude a very pungent discharge. If you look closely, you will probably see the teeny ducts through which a foul smelling fluid seeps. In the wild the secretions are used to mark territory, but in the domestic canine they have little use apart from the attention they receive from other canines, who (for reasons humans find difficult to comprehend) find it appealing. There is no obvious scent to humans when your pet is bathed routinely and your dogs anal glands are in good shape. Other dogs on the other hand have no problem the odor.

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 the first time . To express the glands, wear a throw away latex glove. Holding a tissue, place your thumb and forefinger on both sides of the anus and squeeze 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 notice anything curious, consult your veterinarian. It is best to have someone hold your pet 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 difficulty with blocked anal sacs. The added fiber will help to express the anal glands when your buddy defecates.

If Infection Occurs

If anal glands become infected they will enlarge and may erupt through the skin by the anus. This will produce a painful draining abscess and will need appropriate veterinarian care and in all probability manual expressing of the glands until the abscess has gone.

Re-occurring Impacted Glands

If the impacted anal glands become a persistent issue for your buddy, they can be surgically removed. This can often result in a more pleasurable 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 happens. Additionally, if your dogs anal glands tissue was not completely removed, they have the possibility to continue secreting fluid. When this builds up, the result could be an abscess and perhaps a continual draining tract from the sac to the skin. If this occurs the veterinarian will have to go back and remove the sac tissue to have a successful result.