This pet health content that discusses anal sac glands in dogs was written by a veterinarian.
Understanding Anal Sac Glands in Dogs
For you, your dog, and sometimes your kitty, anal glands can be, well, a big pain in the butt.
What Are Anal Sac Glands?
- Dogs don’t need anal glands, much like we don’t need our appendix—but these unnecessary structures can still get diseased and cause havoc.
- Anal glands are scent glands located just inside your dog’s anus. If you think of your dog’s anus as an alarm clock, anal gland alarms go off at 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock.
The Purpose of Anal Glands
- Imagine tiny balloons filled with dead fish perfume emptying into your dog’s butt just as he’s pooping, ready to squirt liquid onto already smelly poop. This liquid is supposed to top off a healthy poop.
- The odor from the anal glands is your dog’s unique calling card, used to mark territory and communicate with other animals.
Why Do Anal Glands Exist in Dogs?
- Marking Territory
- Feral animals use anal gland secretions to mark their territory, letting other creatures know they’re in the neighborhood. For these animals, marking territory is crucial for hunting, mating, and survival.
- The Science Behind Scent Marking
- Research from Kenya has shown that hyenas use their “hyena butter” (anal gland excretions) to smear over grass stalks. By sniffing this “butter,” hyenas can differentiate clan-mates from strangers, identify males from females, and even detect pregnant or lactating females. So, when Bob the Basset Hound is sniffing your neighbor’s grass, he might be gathering more information than you’d expect!
- A Dog’s Sense of Smell
- Think of a dog’s incredible sense of smell as his version of the internet. When Bob is sniffing during a walk, it’s like he’s checking his latest Facebook posts.
For more detailed information on anal gland secretions, you can check out this resource: Anal Gland Secretions.
When Anal Glands in Dogs Go Wild
Impacted Anal Glands in Dogs
When the secretions inside the gland become too thick, the small anal duct opening can get blocked, leading to impaction. This condition can cause discomfort and often results in your dog engaging in the embarrassing “Butt-Rub Shuffle.”
- Signs of Impacted Glands:
- Scooting across the floor
- Excessive licking of the rear end
- Discomfort or irritation in the area
If your dog rubs his butt on the carpet occasionally, it may not be a cause for immediate concern. However, if scooting or licking becomes continuous or your dog seems uncomfortable, it’s important to visit the vet to rule out any serious issues. For more information, read about anal gland impaction.
Infections and Abscesses in Anal Glands
Sometimes, anal glands can become infected, leading to conditions like sacculitis or even an abscess. The exact cause might not always be clear, but chronic diarrhea, constipation, or bacterial overgrowth can contribute to an infection.
- Symptoms of Infected Glands:
- Bloody or abnormal discharge from the gland
- Swelling or redness around the anus
- Pain or discomfort when sitting or defecating
In some cases, your dog might not show symptoms until the gland has already abscessed, leading to a painful and bloody mess. Treatment usually involves a visit to the vet, where they may need to irrigate the gland, prescribe warm compresses, antibiotics, and pain medication. Learn more about anal gland abscesses.
Carcinoma or Cancer in Anal Glands
In more serious cases, anal glands can develop tumors. If caught early, the prognosis is fair, but these cases usually require surgery to remove the tumor.
- Signs of Possible Tumors:
- Swelling or lumps near the anus
- Difficulty defecating
- Unexplained weight loss or lethargy
While it’s a concerning possibility, being aware of the signs can help you catch it early and give your dog the best chance for recovery. More details on anal gland tumors can be found here.
Anal Sac Removal in Dogs
In cases of chronic infections or tumors, anal glands may need to be removed surgically. This procedure requires special expertise and is not performed routinely due to the potential complications involved.
- Why Surgery is Not Routine:
- Complete removal of the entire gland is necessary to prevent complications.
- Incomplete excision can result in draining tracts or fistulas.
- The gland is closely associated with the anal sphincter, making the surgery delicate. Improper removal can lead to fecal incontinence.
Because of these risks, anal sac removal is not recommended at the first sign of a mild anal gland problem. Instead, it’s reserved for more severe cases where the benefits outweigh the potential complications.
The Importance of Rectal Exams for Dogs
Veterinarians perform rectal exams to ensure that everything is healthy, not just to express anal glands for the fun of it. In fact, expressing the glands too often can cause inflammation.
- Why Rectal Exams Matter:
- During a routine rectal exam, vets check for pain, growths, prostate issues in males, good sphincter tone, and normal anal glands.
- If your dog is constantly nosediving into his butt, a rectal exam and possibly expressing the glands may be necessary.
Anal gland expression isn’t enjoyable for either the vet or the dog. Many vets have experienced the unpleasant surprise of an unexpected squirt of anal gland secretion. This is why I’m in the “leave normal anals alone” camp—unless there’s a clear need, I don’t express the glands during routine exams.
Shouldn’t My Groomer Do This?
You might wonder if your groomer should handle anal gland expression. The answer is generally no. Expressing anal glands requires skill and can be unpleasant for the dog. Including this with a routine grooming session is like your hairdresser asking if you’d like a rectal exam with your highlights!
- Why Groomers Shouldn’t Express Anal Glands:
- Anal glands are constantly secreting and shouldn’t be emptied continually by someone other than a vet. Read more.
- Mismanaging this procedure can cause more harm than good.
Can I Try Expressing Anal Glands at Home?
Some dog owners ask to be taught how to empty their dog’s anal glands at home, especially if their pet has recurrent issues. However, this isn’t as simple as it sounds.
- Considerations for Home Expression:
- Successfully expressing anal glands at home requires skill, judgment, and understanding of what is normal versus abnormal.
- If your dog needs this procedure frequently, there’s likely a deeper issue that your vet should monitor.
Myth-Busting Anal Gland Facts
There are many myths surrounding anal glands, so let’s clear some of them up:
- Myth: Only small dogs have anal glands.
- Busted: All dogs and cats have them, regardless of size.
- Myth: Only small breed dogs have anal gland problems.
- Busted: While small dogs do tend to have more issues, any dog can develop anal gland problems.
- Myth: Anal glands must be routinely emptied by a vet or groomer.
- Busted: Most dogs naturally express their anal glands during normal defecation.
- Myth: Anal glands only empty while a dog is pooping.
- Busted: Misfires can happen at any time, leading to unexpected squirts on furniture, bedding, or even the dog itself! If this happens frequently, consult your vet.
