One of my less than stellar skills..I was an 'expert' anal gland expresser :-(
Meaning when you are a new veterinary graduate, working in a busy practice, they let you express of the smelly anal glands...
I am going to show you what to do at home to prevent this, treat and, and a DIY 'fishy' dog smell deodorizer.
One supplement that I saw to help some dogs in practice were probiotics, along with enzyme supplements.
If you have a dog with a recurring Anal gland problem, or any ongoing digestive disorder, you should consider trying them.
They are here:
Dr Jones' COMPLETE Digestive Care Soft Chews
If you have yet to sign up for our NEW Webinar, there is still time :-)
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| What are ANAL GLANDS in dogs?
The anal sacs are two small pouches located internally at approximately the four o’clock and eight o’clock positions around the dog’s anus. Each sac wall is lined with large amounts of sebaceous glands (i.e. the anal glands).
They secrets a foul smelling liquid that has a 'fishy' smell. This is also known as the 'scent gland'. Each time your dog defecates, he expresses some of his anal gland contents, for a 'unique scent'. Dogs can use their anal gland scent to mark their territories and identify each other - it's all about the smell.
Why do dogs’ anal glands fill up and need to be expressed?
The duct that goes from the anal gland to the anus can become obstructed with inflammation. At times the anal gland liquid can become 'thicker', making it more difficult to be naturally expressed.
When dogs can’t properly empty their anal glands, they may experience a variety of anal sac diseases. Some common dog anal gland issues include:
•Anal gland impaction—When the anal gland fluid is abnormal and/or can’t exit the anal glands, it builds up and causes pressure and inflammation.
•Anal gland infections—Left untreated, an anal gland impaction can turn into an infection. Alternatively, bacteria from the anal area can travel down the canal of the anal sac and cause an infection.
•Anal gland rupture—If an anal gland infection becomes bad enough, it can rupture through the surface of the skin around the anus, creating an open wound that may leak anal gland secretions, blood, or pus.
•Anal gland tumors—Occasionally, dogs can develop anal gland cancer, which may spread to other areas of the body.
Impacted or infected anal glands are the most common anal gland problem in dogs.
Some of the symptoms of anal gland problems include:
•Scooting: your dog drags his bum on the carpet- the most common sign!
•Dog smells like fish (or a fishy odor in places where or or she frequently lies or sits)
•A bump or bulge near the anus, or generalized swelling in the region
•Red and irritated skin around the anus
•Brown or red discharge leaking from the anal gland openings
•Dog licking the base of the tail
•Straining to defecate
•Crying out or whimpering during a bowel movement, or other signs your dog is in pain
•Repeatedly or quickly sitting down
What can you do at home to PREVENT and TREAT this.
So long as your dog is able to defecate normally, that there is no visible redness, swelling, infection, discharge adjacent to the anus overtop of the gland, then expression is appropriate. If unsure, please see your veterinarian.
EXPRESS GLANDS YOURSELF. It may not be the most enjoyable job, but it is the best way to relieve the problem.
1. First take your pet to the bathtub and apply lukewarm water to clean his or her bottom. 2. Don some latex exam gloves and lift your pet’s tail.
3. Get some paper towel, holding that behind the anus.
4. Squeeze your thumb and forefinger together on the right side of the anus (four o’clock) and the left side (eight o’clock). Apply moderate pressure.
5. If nothing comes out, adjust your angle and repeat. A brownish, foul-smelling fluid should come out.
6. An alternative option is to squeeze over top of the anal glands
SOME HEAT. Soak a washcloth in Epsom salts and warm water, and hold it to your pet’s bottom for five minutes twice daily. If your pet will allow it, you can also put some pressure on the glands while compressing—this may help them drain.
BULK UP. Additional fiber will increase stool volume, naturally putting pressure on the anal glands and helping them empty. Good sources of fiber include ground flax—one teaspoon per cup of food daily; Metamucil—one teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight daily; oat bran—one teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight daily; carrots—one-eighth cup per ten pounds of body weight daily; or pumpkin—great for cats, one tablespoon daily.
MOVE IT. Regular exercise helps in the expression of the glands. Your pet should get at least fifteen minutes of exercise twice daily.
PROBIOTICS. Restore the natural bacteria in the intestine and help the intestinal immune system. A good quality probiotic supplement such as Probiotics in Dr Jones' supplements :-)
ALLERGIES: These can lead to secondary inflammation, blocking the duct and leading to anal gland obstruction. Some dogs respond to enzyme supplements for this.
CALL THE VET. If the glands remain obstructed after using the above remedies, call your vet. If the glands appear abscessed, your pet may need antibiotics and possibly surgery.
FISHY SMELL HELP. If your dog gets that 'fishy' smell, then a deodorizer is a good idea. Here is an all natural
DIY Doggy Deodorizer.
WATER: ½ cup
ACV: 2 tablespoons
Castile Soap: 1 teaspoon
Lavender Oil: 10 drops
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| Heal Your Pet At Home!
Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew
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P.S. This is actually one of the easier veterinary procedures to learn to do at home. Your dog will appreciate not having to go to the vet :-)
Digestive Enzymes have helped many a dog with this problem, so worth trying.
Our super yummy digestive enzyme supplement is here:
P.P.S. About our new Webinar on Natural Pain Relief for Pets: As a BONUS for signing up you'll get a copy of the webinar, along with ALL the slides - this is ONLY available for those who sign up.
I am also going to be answering your most pressing dog health and nutrition questions, but you NEED to be on the webinar to ask them.
The sign up is here:
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| | | DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. Dr Andrew Jones resigned from the College of Veterinarians of B.C. effective December 1 2010, meaning he cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make specific medical recommendations for your pet.
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