Let's Talk Dog Anal Glands.
I am bringing this ugly truth to attention because I am constantly asked about them by my clients with the same questions.
“So...WHAT THEY HECK ARE ANAL GLANDS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?”
Here's a simple and quick overview of your dog’s booty and anal sacs. Anatomically, envision the point right beneath the tail where your pup poops (aka anus). The anal glands lie beneath the muscle layers of the rectum. The only real function these anal glands have is in doggy communication. They are what dogs sniff when they say “hello” to each other. They also excrete a scent whenever your dog defecates. This is another way that a dog can mark their territory and leave a “smell signal” for any other dogs that may pass their piled, fragrant “gift” left on the ground.
Now.. take deep cleansing breaths and PUT DOWN YOUR LUNCH, while I tell you the story of the anal glands.
Once upon a time...thousands of years ago; these biological little features existed in wild animals. The liquid secreted out of them is, to put it bluntly; DISGUSTING— thick, oily, kinda fishy-smelling. But useful to wild animals like skunks, who can empty (and in this case spray) these glands at will as a defense mechanism in threatening situations.
Our domesticated doggos have largely lost this ability as they no longer need to use them in that way— and yet the sacs still hang around. Usually, “everyday poopies” and routine grooming by professional Groomers who express the glands during your pet’s bathing process, help empty a dog’s anal glands; however, sometimes — as I’ve discovered with several of my client's dogs, and one of my own as well— that’s not always the case. When the glands remain full for too long, they can become infected, impacted, extremely uncomfortable, and even painful. If the situation continues to worsen, an abscess may form and then rupture, requiring emergency surgery and the dreaded Cone-of-shame.
"Booty Scooting” or dragging their butt along the ground is only one of the many possible signs indicating a potential anal gland problem. Others may be:
~A pungent, “fishy” odor coming from their rectum
~Excessive licking of their rectum
~Straining, crying (vocalizing), or otherwise having difficulty or pain when defecating
~A swelling or a hard “bump” under the skin next to their rectum
~Blood and/or pus in or around their stools, on the carpet (floor), their bed, or on your clothes after they’ve been laying on your lap
If you find that your dog is experiencing derriere distress and doing the “Boot-Scoot- Boogie”, WITH FREQUENCY and the glands need to be emptied every few weeks or sooner, you may consider trying these holistic home remedies first to ease your dog’s anal sac distress before considering permanent removal of the anal sacs. This is a surgical procedure — and because it can disrupt delicate nerve pathways, it can on occasion lead to infections, incontinence, and other chronic complications. Always discuss any concerns with your veterinarian to figure out and manage the underlying root cause of the frequent anal gland problems before jumping to invasive and irreversible procedures.
TRY THESE SUGGESTIONS
1. Increase Fido’s H2O: One simple solution is to boost the hydration. You will probably need to do this by adding more liquid to their food as most FURkids are not instinctively in love with their water bowls. Try adding a water play element such as a fountain or ice chips to entice them to drink more water. Doggos find moving water more palatable and exciting than the plain motionless puddle in their bowl.
2. Supplements: Supplements, digestive enzymes, and probiotics can also be helpful for reducing anal gland issues. Most holistic veterinarians recommend using digestive enzymes whenever feeding processed (dry kibble or canned) or cooked food. Re-fortifying with canine-formulated probiotics can also help encourage your dog’s anal glands to empty on their own. Of course, Every dog responds differently. That’s why it’s important to start increasing or addicting supplements in small increments and increase very gradually. Begin with just a half-teaspoon daily, and work up until you notice slight stool softening.
3. Weight Control: Some Veterinarians believe that a dog’s anal sac issues are often a symptom of a root cause or systemic issue. Perhaps this is one reason why pudgy pups are more likely to struggle; if your pooch is packing a few extra pounds, switching foods or going on a diet with lower carbs might help alleviate pressure so the sacs can empty more easily.
4. Read labels carefully, and choose options with real meat as the top ingredient. NO animal byproducts, fillers, or additives.
5. Epsom Salt Soak: A warm compress with a washcloth against the under-tail region or a sitz bath can sometimes encourage the natural drainage of the anal glands. Try soaking a washcloth in warm water infused with 1-2 teaspoons of Epsom salt. Hold this in place for 10-15 minutes, twice per day, every day.
6. Regular exercise encourages consistent defecation and thus encourages healthy anal sac emptying.
A Healthy Booty Is A Happy Booty.
PAWmaste!
