Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
Anal gland problems in dogs - Natural treatment and prevention

Anal gland problems in dogs - Natural treatment and prevention

Health and Longevity Course for Dogs             Chapter 16 

Anal Gland Problems in Dogs: How to Keep Your Dog’s Anal Glands Healthy 

If you have noticed that your dog’s anal glands smell, the anus is swollen and your dog is incessantly licking it's anal area, this may be related to anal gland disease.

Watch the full course video below:

What are the four most common anal gland problems in dogs?

  1. Anal gland inflammation or infection (anal sacculitis)
  2. Anal gland dysfunction / paralysis – not emptying on their own
  3. Anal gland abscess / rupture of the anal gland due to an obstruction of the anal gland duct (the opening)
  4. Anal gland tumors

 

The main causes of anal gland issues in dogs

Diet – especially dry or canned processed food, poor quality species-inappropriate ingredients, preservatives and other chemical agents.

• Toxin build-up in the body.

Obesity due to a carb-based diet, overfeeding or lack of exercise.

Liver disease or imbalance, which is frequently related to general toxicity.

Lumbosacral spine and muscle injury that leads to decreased energy flow to the anal glands and lack of tone.

 

Should anal glands be expressed manually?

There is a general misunderstanding that a dog's anal glands should be manually emptied on a regular basis. In fact, expressing your dog's glands too often may lead to decreased tone, delayed emptying and anal gland disease. It almost seems that canine anal glands get 'lazy' by having them squeezed and expressed too often.

The best approach is to let your dog’s anal glands empty naturally and intervene only if your dog has swelling in this area, is scooting (dragging his rear) or appears to be licking more than normal.

Ideally, you should have your dog’s anal glands examined once every six months or when there are signs of problems such as dragging their bum on the ground, licking under the tail or swelling around the anus.

 

An eye-opening (or maybe NOSE-OPENING) discovery!

Most vets learn about anal glands in vet school, but I had the pleasure of learning about that particular part of canine anatomy much earlier in life from our family dog - a dachshund named Gerda. Dachshunds are obsessed with being in the forest and Gerda was no exception.

The first time we took her to our cottage up in the mountains near the German border, my two sisters, brother and I all wanted to have her on our lap. To make things fair, we drew matches and I was the lucky winner!

As we were driving up to the mountains, on a bumpy and winding road, a deer suddenly crossed the road right in front of the car and Gerda lost it! The whole car filled with the smell of rotten fish, eggs and anchovies.

Gerda had emptied her anal glands with explosive force right on my lap. That is how I discovered that dogs have anal glands. I will never forget the smell! Even winning can sometimes turn into losing!

Dog anal gland anatomy and function 

Your dog's anal glands are little sacs located on either side of the anus. Their openings are at eight and four o’clock. They have two functions:

To produce a very strong and pungent scent for marking territory or finding a way back home when hunting.

• To help the body eliminate toxins and substances. Anal glands can be seen as large sweat glands; a waste and toxin elimination system that empties automatically as needed.

  

How to differentiate between healthy and diseased anal glands

People are often concerned about the fishy smell of anal gland discharge when their dog expresses his anal glands.

If your dog is happy, not licking and has no swelling or redness in the area, occasional anal gland emptying is normal.

In other words, there is no need to rush to the vet or a groomer to have the anal glands expressed unless there are obvious signs of anal gland problems.

 

Unhealthy anal glands signal system problems

Similar to eye disease and ear problemswhich usually signify there are more serious underlying issues elsewhere in the body, anal gland problems are also a red flag of deeper underlying concerns.

Most common conventional treatment focuses on local anal gland treatment by expressing the glands, possibly a flush, antibiotics or surgery. However, this approach doesn’t address most of the causes mentioned above and the problem usually reoccurs. 

 

Toxins from kibble, treats and cheap supplements

If your dog suffers from anal gland problems,  processed pet food should be avoided. Such food taxes the liver and increases toxin levels. To learn more about how to formulate natural cooked or raw diet for your dog, click here.

Your dog's anal glands play an important role in the detox process of the body and when the toxic burden is high, they often become inflamed. If you have a dog with chronic anal gland problems, I suggest running a HairQ test to check your dog's levels of arsenic, lead and mercury. You will also get an indication of your dog's endocrine balance and any mineral deficiencies or excesses. Click here for more info.

Soft 'kibble stool' may also be the culprit!

Are you wondering how you can help express your dog's anal glands? In nature, dogs eat bones, which make the stool harder and the anal glands get naturally massaged and emptied. 

I've seen some people concerned about stool that is too hard, but this is quite normal for dogs especially when they’re fed raw bones. For more information about raw bone feeding, click here.  

IMPORTANT: NEVER feed your dog cooked bones as they are NOT digestible. Large beef bones (raw or cooked) can also cause dental fractures.

 

The role of obesity in anal gland problems

Obesity related to processed food makes anal glands ‘sink’ in the fat tissue, which makes the natural anal gland evacuation incomplete. This leads to toxin build up, anal gland congestion, inflammation and sometimes very painful infections.


The link between injuries to lumbar spine and anal gland issues in dogs

It may surprise you, but many high-performance dogs and dogs with lumbar-sacral injuries suffer from anal gland problems. The lumbar-sacral area supplies the nerve and energy flow to the anus and anal glands.

When the muscles become tight, the nerve flow decreases and the anal gland tone is diminished. That's why some seemingly healthy and very active dogs on a raw diet continue having anal gland issues.

Reducing sprinting, Frisbee and ball retrieving and engaging in more varied exercise often do the trick. I also recommend routine physio or chiro visits to address potential injuries before they become chronic. For more info on safe exercise for your dog, click here.

 

Is surgery to remove anal glands a reasonable option? 

Unless there's a growth in the anal gland, inflammation and a tendency for chronic inflammation ARE NOT an indication for drastic and traumatic measures such as surgery.

Anal gland removal is a very painful and difficult surgery which can in some cases lead to fecal incontinence. The procedure also severely disturbs the body’s detox processes and negatively affects the whole body.

Please do not let anyone convince you that your dog's health problems will get better by removing anal glands because they will likely get worse. Removing your dog's anal glands is like removing all the trash bins from your home. It would not be long before you generate an irreparable mess and damage!

 

What about an anal gland abscess?

Swelling, redness, frequent licking or lethargy may be signs of an anal gland abscess. In such cases, you should seek the help of a veterinarian.

If your dog's anal gland is already ruptured, use of a local anaesthetic and flushing with undiluted herbal Skin Spray may be all you need to do. I've seen some dog guardians putting their dogs through unnecessary surgeries because ‘the vet said so.’

If the abscess has not ruptured, a flush with a catheter inserted in the anal gland duct may be sufficient. Your veterinarian may need to repeat this a few times.

Surgery and a drain placement may be needed only in a small number of cases.

Antibiotics are not always required, but sometimes may be a necessary "crutch" to prevent prolonged discomfort and swelling. Often a doggie diaper or pants padded with a compress soaked in herbal Skin Spray is all you need. Change the compress several times a day and leave on for two to five days as needed.

Use a buster collar or pants to prevent your dog from licking. Some soft cloth collars will do the job and are more comfortable than the firm plastic ones. More trouble, pain and expense will follow if he or she continues to lick!

A suggestion: Read this article CAREFULLY at least TWICE before you start the process!

If you don't take all the steps described in this article, your dog’s healing may be slower and sometimes complicated. Make sure your veterinarian examines your dog's anal area properly to rule out the slight possibility of tumors. 

Beware of a common diagnostic error!

If a tumor is found, ensure that a proper histology examination is done. I've seen perianal gland tumors (a tumour that is UNRELATED to the anal glands themselves) mistaken for anal gland tumors. Perianal glands are very small and surround the anus at the boundary between the skin and the anus lining. They  are not anatomically related to the actual anal glands.

IMPORTANT! Even if your dog has a tumor, never agree to surgery without a proper diagnosis that has been determined by taking a sample with a needle or doing a biopsy.

Here is a visual chart summary of this article:

Click to view image in larger size 

 

Supplements for dogs with anal gland problems

Most dogs do very well and their problems resolve with the use of the following plan:

PHASE 1 – Specific for the treatment of anal glands:

LiverTune - to purify the liver 

GutSense - to provide dog-specific microflora. This is important whether or not antibiotics have been used. 

PHASE 2 – Essential supplements of minerals, vitamins, omega oils and other nutrients.

SoulFood - certified organic multi-vitamin

GreenMin - minerals, greens, amino acids, gentle detox

• FeelGood Omega - omega-3 oil supplement

You can start these supplements gradually over a period of one to two weeks. If your dog is fussy, mix these products in plain yogurt or something that he or she likes. For more information and reviews, click on the links above.

I wish you and your dog many pain-free years ahead!

Are you interested in the above treatment plan? Click here to add Phase 1 and Phase 2 product in your cart or you can click here to learn more about these products. 

© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

  

Health & Longevity Course Chapters

To read the entire Holistic Health and Longevity Course for Dogs click the links below:

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Flying with dogs
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • dog and pony
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating fruit
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • The secret ingredient for a perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man being pointed at
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with vitamins and minerals
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias with Pax
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Why 1 in 4 Americans suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Dobias and Pax
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man raising fist on a mountain
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier eating raw food
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

By clicking "Continue" or continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. You can find out more about the cookies we use and learn how to manage them here. Feel free to check out our policies anytime for more information.

Continue

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close