Anal Glands

All dogs have anal glands, but where are they? What are they for? 

Looking at the dogs anal area, the anal glands are located just under the skin on both sides of the anus, at the 4 and 8:00 positions of the anus.

The anal glands secrete a thick, brownish substance, that has a very distinctive smell. This odor serves as a marker for your dog. It is his own smell. The scent is easily detected and identifiable by other dogs. The scent is a territory marker. The scent is the primary reason that dogs sniff each other in the butt. Additionally, the secretion is a lubricant the better enables the dog to defecate.

The anal glands can frequently become full, impacted, and/or infected, particularly in overweight dogs. Owners can learn how to express the anal glands themselves, or go to a groomer or to the vet to have them expressed. If they are impacted or infected a visit to the vet is necessary.

Dogs who have full anal glands will typically scoot or drag their butt on the floor or will chew or lick themselves around the anus frequently. If infected the area around the anus may become red, swollen, inflamed`, and painful. The vet can infuse the anal glands with antibiotics to help clear up the infection. Sometimes the anal glands are so problematic that they will be surgically removed.

How to express the anal glands at home:

• While wearing rubber gloves, place a towel around the anus of the dog.

• Place fingers on the 4 and 8:00 position about a 1/2" from the anus.

• Gently squeeze or pinch this area. You do not want to pinch so hard that you rupture the sac.

• If symptoms do not improve a visit to the vet may be necessary so that the vet can empty the sacs rectally.

Tips to ease anal sac problems

• Feed a higher quality diet

• Increase fiber in diet. Softer stools will increase fluid in anal sacs.

• Exercise dog more. Regular exercise will help strengthen the rectal and abdominsl muscles.

• Do not allow your dog to become overweight

• Soaking the anus with epsom salts may help to liquefy the fluids so that it flows more easily

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