Let's talk about anal gland health. A dog's anal glands aren't actually glands. They are sacs, positioned on each side of the anus, that contain oil & sweat glands. There is also small receptacles that produce a fluid with a strong odor that is unique to each dog and helps dogs identify each other and mark their territory. Normally, most dogs involuntarily express their glands when they poop or are highly stressed, but there is a population of dogs that need their glands manually expressed by a groomer or a veterinarian. For these dogs, the liquid is not the right consistency and creates a blockage that can become infected.
Symptoms that your dog may need manual expression:
- Dragging their butt on the ground
- Licking or biting their butt
- Sitting uncomfortably
- Having a different standing or sitting position
- Tail chasing
Underlying Causes That May Cause Blockage:
- Chronic skin dermatitis
- Obesity
- Insufficient dietary fiber
- Chronic soft stool
- Food and/ or environmental allergies
- Genetics
A dog's diet can play a big role in healthy anal glands. A dog's food should contain the right amount of fiber to promote a good push on the anus. This helps express the glands. A lot of commercial dog diets do not have enough fiber, but at the same time, sometimes raw food diets are too soft. It is important to work with your veterinarian to assess your dog's dietary needs. If your dog has chronic anal gland issues, your veterinarian may prescribe supplements for gland health or recommend anal gland removal.
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