How do you know if your dog has a problem with their anal glands?

Anal glands are also known as anal sacs. They’re scent glands that can be found on either side of your dog’s rectum. When your dog needs to take a poop, these normally express themselves – i.e. they empty. And when they do this, your dog’s scent is left behind in their stools. 
 

However, sometimes dogs don't release this scent when they poop and this is when they can start to have problems with their anal glands.
 

So then what happens is this material builds up in their anal sacs, causing issues for them – often itchy, uncomfortable ones! It’s this increased pressure that builds up makes daily life very uncomfortable, hence the itching, licking, scooting, and biting.

Look out for these common signs:

1. Your dog is continually scooting (their bottom) across the carpet
2. Your dog’s licking their bottom…a lot
3. Full anal sacs can “leak” a very stinky and pungent smell
4. You may spot a brownish material around the places your dog’s been sitting – like on your carpets, furniture (or on your lap)
5. You may notice lumps either side of their bottom due to the glands being swollen

At some point, these anal glands will rupture, which isn’t pleasant for anyone and can even lead to bleeding and further complications, including an expensive trip to the vets

Here are a few reasons why your dog’s anal glands aren’t expressing themselves naturally:

• The glands aren’t located where they’re meant to be (discuss with your vet)
• Your dog’s stools aren’t firm enough. So, this becomes a digestive issue, whereby they’re experiencing diarrhoea or if they’re not getting adequate dietary fibre
• Lastly, if your dog is overweight, this can impact the way their anal glands function

For some dogs, this can be a one-time thing, for others – perhaps yours, it can be regular to the point of it becoming a health issue.

It’s not a rule, but generally smaller breeds tend to experience anal gland issues more than others. Also, if your dog has inflammation, or food allergies, they might experience anal gland problems that can lead to scooting. 

If your dog has anal gland issues they will need to be expressed to help prevent a blockage and infection.

Whilst you can do this at home, if you've been taught how by a professional, if you're not confident or don't want to deal with a potentially smelly and messy job then it’s best to get an appointment with your vet, or some groomers can do this too. However, your vet will ensure that their anal glands aren’t infected. Of course, if they are infected or have ruptured, your vet will need to give them medical attention.

It’s key to monitor your dog’s behaviour closely and help see to them if they’re showing the typical signs of scooting or other itching/biting. 

• Make sure your dog is a healthy, normal weight for their breed
• Ensure their diet is healthy and contains adequate amounts of fibre, too – healthy digestion ensures firm, passable stools which naturally empty the anal sacs
• Make sure your dog has the right amount of exercise. Not only can this help with maintaining a healthy weight but exercise helps aid healthy bowel movements