Anal Gland Expressions: the importance of this procedure

Many dog parents understand the importance of grooming and dental care for optimal dog health. When it comes to anal gland expression… well, that can sometimes come as a surprise for many dog owners. Impacted anal glands can be very painful if experienced by your dog. Pet parents must recognize the signs and symptoms and know what to do should this problem occur.

The anal glands are a pair of small sacs located at the four and eight o’clock position inside a dog's anus. They produce a strong-smelling liquid used to mark territory. Anal glands tend to empty naturally when a dog poos. But if for some reason this doesn’t happen, they can become full and blocked.

Anal gland blockages are usually a one-off problem but can be ongoing in dogs with narrow gland openings, chronic diarrhea, allergic skin disease, and also in dogs that are overweight.

Main symptoms of blocked anal glands

• Scooting also known as dragging the bottom along the ground

• Nibbling and licking the anus and/or lower back

• Pain when pooing or when their back end is touched

• Straining to poo

• Sitting down or looking around at their back end very suddenly (this is due to discomfort)

Healthy anal glands are a way of communicating between dogs. Expressing their anal glands allows a dog to leave their scent behind to claim their territory near their home or in their yard during a normal bowel movement.

When dogs meet, they sniff each other’s hind ends and anal glands to gather information about the other dog’s hormonal status. Most dogs involuntarily express their anal glands. If a dog’s nutritional needs are being met with high-quality food, and they maintain a healthy weight and get plenty of exercise, they should not need to have their anal glands expressed. 

If your dog is not having an issue, there is nothing you need to do!

Pay attention to its behavior

In this article, we point out the main symptoms to look out a and make sure they are healthy and free of pain. At Kira's Pet Grooming, we offer a full service of expressing anal glands to avoid this type of uncomfortable situation.

If you see blood or pus around your dog’s anus, or if your dog seems uncomfortable, don’t attempt to express their anal glands at home. Instead, make an appointment with our mobile grooming salon immediately.

Eating a diet with adequate fiber can help keep your dog’s anal glands healthy. Fiber promotes healthy digestion and proper stool formation. The force of the firm, bulky stool against the colon wall near the anus can help express the anal glands during bowel movements. 

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can also contribute to healthy anal glands.

Stay tuned to our blog to learn more about it!