Dogs have anal glands, small sacs located on either side of their anus that produce a pungent, oily fluid. This fluid helps them mark their territory and lubricate bowel movements. But how often do dogs need their anal glands expressed? It varies from dog to dog.
Some dogs never need help expressing their glands, while others require regular assistance. Knowing the signs of impacted anal glands and consulting with your vet is crucial for your dog’s health and comfort.
Understanding anal gland function and problems
What are anal glands?
Dogs have two small sacs, called anal glands, on either side of their anus. These glands produce a fluid that smells pretty awful to most people.
Ideally, a dog’s anal glands will empty naturally when they poop. Firm stools are important for this process to happen smoothly.
Why problems occur
Anal glands can sometimes get blocked, which is uncomfortable and can lead to infection.
What causes these blockages? Loose stools are a big factor, as are obesity and allergies. Smaller breeds of dogs tend to be more prone to anal gland issues than larger breeds. When a dog’s anal glands are impacted, you may notice them scooting their bottoms along the ground, licking their rear ends a lot, and emitting a foul odor.
Signs Your Dog Needs Their Anal Glands Expressed
How do you know when your dog’s anal glands need attention? Watch out for these signs:
- Scooting: Dragging their butt across the floor is a classic sign. It means they’re itchy and uncomfortable.
- Excessive Licking: If your dog is constantly licking or biting around their rear end, something’s not right.
- Foul Odor: A strong, fishy smell coming from their back end is a telltale sign. You shouldn’t smell that normally.
- Straining During Defecation: If they’re having trouble pooping or seem uncomfortable, it could be related to their glands.
- Visible Signs: Check for redness, swelling, or discharge around the anus.
- Changes in Behavior: Restlessness or irritability can sometimes indicate discomfort related to their anal glands.
- Blood in stool
How often should you express your dog’s anal glands?
There’s no easy answer. Anal gland expression isn’t a routine thing you need to do for every dog. Some dogs never need it, while others need it regularly.
The frequency depends on many things, like your dog’s diet, weight, breed, and individual anatomy.
The best rule of thumb is to express the glands only if you see signs that they are blocked or causing discomfort. If you find yourself expressing your dog’s glands more than twice a year, you should talk to your veterinarian. They may be able to help you find the cause of the problem.
When to seek professional help
Before you try expressing your dog’s anal glands, talk to your veterinarian first. If you notice any blood, pus, or discolored fluid, that’s a sign of infection, and you should seek immediate veterinary care.
If you find that your dog needs to have its glands expressed very often, you should also talk to your vet to rule out any underlying problems, such as allergies or structural abnormalities.
Finally, if you aren’t comfortable expressing the glands yourself, a veterinarian or groomer can help.
Wrapping Up
To keep your dog’s anal glands functioning normally, consider these tips:
- Feed your dog a high-quality food that will give them firm stools.
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight to avoid putting extra pressure on the anal glands.
- Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise to promote healthy bowel movements.
- Minimize your dog’s exposure to allergens.
- Talk to your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s anal glands.