Anal Glands- Real Pain in the Butt!
Have you seen your dog “scooting” across the room on his bottom? It could be a sign of anal gland disease.
Dogs have two small pouches on either side of their anus. They make a smelly, oily, brown fluid that dogs use to identify each other and mark their territory. It's why they often sniff each other's behinds.
Anal sac disease begins as an uncomfortable impaction and can progress to an infection, abscess or lumps.
Symptoms
- Scooting
- Licking or biting his rear end
- A bad smell
- Constipation or pain when pooping/sitting
Normally, when a dog poops, the fluid in his anal sacs is squeezed out, too. It’s when they aren’t completely emptied that problems develop. The fluid inside can become so dry and thick that it plugs up the openings. This is called impaction.
Thankfully, impacted sacs are easy to treat. The glands can be gently emptied, or expressed, with your fingers. You may have to do this regularly. I often visually compare the tissue of the anal gland with the balloon, once overstretched it is still “limp” when you let the air out. It sometimes can be annoying and may need a few frequent visits to reach its original tight and small size.
To save a trip, our staff at Pet & Vet are happy to show you how do this!
Have you seen your dog “scooting” across the room on his bottom? It could be a sign of anal gland disease.
Dogs have two small pouches on either side of their anus. They make a smelly, oily, brown fluid that dogs use to identify each other and mark their territory. It's why they often sniff each other's behinds.
Anal sac disease begins as an uncomfortable impaction and can progress to an infection, abscess or lumps.
Symptoms
- Scooting
- Licking or biting his rear end
- A bad smell
- Constipation or pain when pooping/sitting
Normally, when a dog poops, the fluid in his anal sacs is squeezed out, too. It’s when they aren’t completely emptied that problems develop. The fluid inside can become so dry and thick that it plugs up the openings. This is called impaction.
Thankfully, impacted sacs are easy to treat. The glands can be gently emptied, or expressed, with your fingers. You may have to do this regularly. I often visually compare the tissue of the anal gland with the balloon, once overstretched it is still “limp” when you let the air out. It sometimes can be annoying and may need a few frequent visits to reach its original tight and small size.
To save a trip, our staff at Pet & Vet are happy to show you how do this!