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What the Heck are Anal Glands?
The anal glands or sacs, and sometimes referred to as “scent glands”, are two small sacs located on either side of a dog’s anus, one per side, sitting at approximately 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock. Anal glands are present in all carnivores (except bears and sea otters), including dogs and cats.
What are Anal Glands For?
It is thought that these smelly/slimy secretions are a sort of “alarm system” used by dogs signalling other dogs to stay away – a way of marking their territory, and identifying other members of their species.
Anal glands in dogs secrete a malodorous liquid, normally yellow or tan in colour and of a watery consistency which is squirted over the feces when a dog poops.
Potential Symptoms of Full Anal Glands
- Scooting (when a dog drags it’s butt across the carpet or grass)
- Eating Grass Biting or licking the anal area or back of legs
- Disinterest in food
- Slimy poop or diarrhea
Too Full
Full anal glands can be a cause of irritation for a dog, and can be quite painful. A worst case scenario is impacted anal glands in which an abscess forms and can rupture. Obviously VERY painful for the dog and veterinarian care should be sought immediately in such cases.
Normal Emptying of Anal Glands
Anal glands are normally expressed (emptied) after a nice firm bowel movement. Unfortunately with some domestic pets eating largely indigestible commercial junk dog foods, they produce voluminous, loose stools. These stools lack sufficient firmness to naturally express the dog’s anal glands and therefore the pleasant job of emptying them falls to you, a dog groomer or a veterinarian.
A Word About Constipation
Moderate straining while a dog is having a bowel movement helps to create muscle tone thereby helping to evacuate the its glands. Severe straining could be an indication of constipation caused by too much bone in your dog’s diet, or a more serious, potential blockage caused by an infinite number of things including a piece of bone. Ensuring that you give your dog size appropriate bones that he has to work at minimizes the chances of a blockage stemming from a piece of bone. If you suspect a blockage of any kind consult your veterinarian immediately!
If your dog needs his or her anal glands expressed and you really, really, really wanna do it yourself, what this video to see how to express them.
Please be advised:
The information provided is not intended to take the place of professional veterinary treatment.
If you feel that your pet may be ill or experiencing a veterinary emergency,
please consult a licensed veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.
The information provided is not intended to take the place of professional veterinary treatment.
If you feel that your pet may be ill or experiencing a veterinary emergency,
please consult a licensed veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.