Care and Treatment of an Anal Gland Dog Problem

Overview of Canine Anal Gland Problems

Where Are Anal Glands in Dogs?

Dog anal gland sacs are two small sacs situated just below and to either side of the anal opening. The anal glands are located at 9PM and 3PM around the anus if you picture the face of a clock. 

What Are Dog Anal Glands and What Do They Do?

Dog anal glands manufacture and secrete a strong smelling fluid that is used to mark territory. When the anal glands are healthy and your dog is bathed regularly, the anal glands do not have much of a smell to humans, although other dogs can smell them well. That’s why dogs like to sniff each other’s behinds – that’s part of how they recognize each other, from the scent of the fluid produced by the anal glands, which is unique to each dog. Anal glands are supposed to empty naturally when a dog has a bowel movement.

Symptoms of Anal Gland Dog Problems

Symptoms of anal gland problems usually include a bad smell. The glands can become impacted or infected, causing them to produce a thicker than normal fluid that has a bad odor. Dogs may attempt to lick or bite at the area if they are experiencing discomfort. Your dog may also “scoot” across the floor on his bottom with his tail up (called scooting). If your pet cries when going to the bathroom or shows signs of pain, then the anal glands may have become infected.

Small breeds are more susceptible to anal gland problems than large breeds.

Diagnosis of Anal Gland Dog Problems

Impacted and infected dog anal sacs are common anal gland dog problems. Your vet will be able to diagnose them just by examining your dog. No special tests will be needed.

Rarely, cancer can develop in the anal sacs. This is more common in females than in males. Cancer of the anal sacs is diagnosed with a biopsy (skin sample). A needle is used to extract some cells from the tumor, and those cells are then examined under a microscope.

There are three anal gland disease stages:

1. Stage 1: Anal sac impaction: when the anal sac liquid becomes thick, causing the sacs to become distended and it makes emptying difficult
2. Stage 2: Anal sacculitis: In this stage the anal sacs become infected with a bacterial infection. You may notice liquid which has a bit of blood or is yellow in color. 
3. Stage 3: Anal sac abscess: An abscess can cause pain and a red hole that breaks through the skin area next to the anus. The glands will begin to change color, start with red and then purple. As the gland becomes infected and swells it can rupture through the skin. The sac can't be emptied with the fingers, with your veterinarian possibly lancing the sacs in order to help them drain.

Other glands in the area such as fistulas (puncture holes around the anus) and rectal polyps (stick out from the anus) may also appear as a canine anal sac problem. Fistulas are seen in breeds such as German Shepherds, Setters and Retrievers. Another problem, Perianal gland tumors (at the base of the tail) , is another problem near the anus that is seen in male dogs over age 7 that have not been neutered.

Treatment of Canine Anal Gland Problems

Treatment of anal gland problems is usually pretty straight forward. If the glands are impacted (backed up), they can be manually expressed (emptied). Your vet can do this, and he or she can show you how to do it so that you can do it yourself in the future if needed. Your vet will show you how to use your fingers or a thumb and forefinger to gently apply pressure on either side of the anal opening - on the outside of the glands. Press inwards and upwards and you should see the fluid being expressed.

If the glands are infected, antibiotics will be prescribed for your dog. Infected glands will probably need to be expressed manually until the infection has cleared up.

Natural Dog Anal Gland Treatment

We have several natural approaches that are worth a try for problems with anal glands in dogs:

1.  Pet Alive AnalGlandz is formulated to treat infected anal glands in dogs naturally. It is a 100% natural, safe effective herbal remedy for preventing unpleasant odors and promoting anal gland health.
2. Epsom Salts: Purchase Epsom salts from Amazon or a local pharmacy and prepare according to the box. Prepare in hot water, soak cotton balls or a wash cloth in the Epson sales. Hold the wash clothe on the anal area so that it soaks and surrounds the anal glands. It pulls the toxins out of the anal glands and heals surrounding tissues (similar to a human Zitz bath).  Hold the wash clothe for 10 minutes on the anus 2 to 3 times per day for a week.
3. Silica 6x: Silica is a homeopathic remedy that helps push things out of the body. Give it to your dog 3x a day for 1 week and then 2x a day for the following week. Silica is available at any health food store.
4. Myristica (myristica sebifera): According to Dr. Deva Khalsa, try the remedy Myristica 30c  instead of Silica. When giving Myristica for dogs, give three times a day, Get the anal glands fully expressed then start the Epson Salts right after that.   

Dietary Change and Prevention

If your dog frequently has problems with his anal glands becoming clogged, your vet may recommend changes to his diet. A high fiber diet may be recommended in order to make his stool more bulky. This will cause his stool to help express the anal glands when he defecates. 

Cancer

Cancer usually occurs in only one of the anal sacs. If your dog has cancer of an anal sac, he will need to have the tumor surgically removed. The surgery has a high rate of success at curing the cancer.

Emptying Dog Anal Sacs (Expressing the Sacs)

You can use your fingers to help your dog empty the sacs or if the foul odor of the liquid means that you need to have them emptied. We suggest wearing latex gloves and possibly doing this procedure in a tub. Afterward a bath is called for.

The easiest way is to lift your dog's tail with your hand. Using the other hand gently squeeze the skin on each side of the gland. You should be able to see and feel a pea sized gland if they are full.

You can also put the tip of your forefinger in the anus and use the thumb to apply pressure to one of the glands.

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References

Treatment of Perianal and Anal Sac Tumors Kirpensteijn, J.

Anal Sac Disease - Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine