Dogs' anal glands (also known as anal sacs) are two small glands just inside your dog's anus, just below and to either side of the anal opening. These scent glands produce a foul smelling substance which is used to mark a dog's territory, and for communication. You will often see dogs sniffing each other's anuses and feaces in order to glean information. As each dog's scent is unique, your dog will be able to tell which other dogs have been in the area just by sniffing.
What Can Go Wrong With A Dog's Anal glands?
Each time your dog passes a normal healthy stool, pressure is placed on the anal glands and a small secretion of this foul smelling substance is expelled onto the dog's feaces. This action is usually enough to empty the dog's anal glands unaided.
However, if your dog's feaces is soft, or your dog has diahorrea, he will be unable to empty his anal sacs on his own. If this happens, a build-up occurs and, if not expressed, the build-up will thicken and block the anal duct, causing impacted anal glands. This in turn, could lead to infection and extremely painful abscesses.
How Will I Know If My Dog's Anal Glands Are Impacted?
If you see your dog dragging his bottom across the floor, or licking his anal area (more than usual!), this may be a sign of impacted anal glands.
In addition, a very foul and distinctive smell usually accompanies impacted anal glands.
f you see the above signs, or your dog is giving off a foul smell, it would be wise to check your dog immediately for any signs of impaction.
If the area around the gland is slightly swollen and pink it may be an early sign of impaction. The gland will be hard and pealike to the touch.
If dog anal glands become impacted, they must be cleaned immediately, and you will need to express them to empty the glands. You can do this yourself, or your groomer or vet can do it for you.
Although impacted anal glands don't affect the overall health of your dog, as long as they don't become infected, your dog could easily injure his anal area when dragging his anus over the ground.
How To Clear Dog Anal Glands
Expressing your dog's anal glands is a fairly straightforward procedure which you could do yourself, although you may want to ask your vet or groomer to show you how it's done for the first time.
- Have someone hold your dog's head, while you get behind him.
- Hold his tail, and move the hair or fur out of the way to expose the anus.
- Warm the area by using a cloth soaked in warm water.
- Using your index finger and thumb, gently push and squeeze the lower outside and bottom edges of your dog's anus.
- You should feel the anal glands, pealike, under the skin's surface, near the anal opening.
- This action should release a thick, unpleasant smelling substance - if it doesn't, repeat the warm water and cloth process, and try again.
- If this doesn't work, you should take your dog to see the vet, as impacted anal glands can be painful for your dog and will need quick treatment to prevent infection.
At the first sign of infection, don't hesitate, take your dog straight to the vet.
