Let’s talk about anal glands. It’s not a nice topic, but anal gland disease is a very common problem in dogs. But what are anal glands, why do dogs have them and what can dog owners do to prevent issues with their dogs anal glands? This article will answer all those questions and more! 

Anal Glands - What Are They?

Anal glands, located at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock on either side of your dogs rectum, are a pair of small sacs that are filled with fluid from sebaceous (sweat) glands. They are typically the size of a small grape, and when they are working properly, the sac expresses a small amount of fluid each time your dog defecates (goes number two). This fluid can have a really foul, fishy odour and is kind of like your dog’s “scent signature” and is the reason dogs like to smell each others behinds. Problems with anal glands arise when the fluid doesn’t drain properly which can lead to impaction, infection or even the formation of an abscess.

The anal sacs of a dog

Why Do Anal Glands Get Impacted or Infected?

When your dog defecates (goes number two), a properly formed stool (poo) will push on the sac releasing a small amount of fluid. However, if your dog’s stools are too small, too soft or loose (they have diarrhoea), the stool won’t push on the sac and the fluid will start to build up. The fluid in the sac begins to thicken and it becomes even harder to expel.

There are several other factors as well as poor stool quality that can cause the fluid to build up. Some dogs are just unlucky and are born with a hereditary malformation of their sac and glands meaning they aren’t in the right place to allow for a passing stool to express the fluid correctly.

Skin and food allergies can cause redness and inflammation in the perianal region (around your dogs bottom) which can restrict the release of fluid. Overweight or obese dogs are also more prone to developing anal gland issues.

The unnecessary expression of anal glands or emptying them when not required can create a build up of scar tissue which prevents the gland from emptying naturally.

Other conditions such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), yeast or mite infections, skin dermatitis, or very rarely, tumours can also cause a dogs anal glands to become impacted.

What Are The Symptoms of an Anal Gland Problem?

There are several symptoms that may or may not affect your dog if they are having anal gland issues. Some of the more common symptoms are:

• Dragging their bottom along the ground (sometimes called scooting)
• Excessive licking, chewing or itching around their bottom
• Straining, crying out or having difficulty pooping
• Swelling, redness or a bump under the skin next to their rectum
• Blood or pus on their stools (poo)
• Blood or pus on carpet, their bed or your lap after they have been sitting there
• Discomfort while walking or sitting
• Noticing a foul or fishy odour coming from their rear
• Growling or snapping at you if you touch their tail or near their bottom

"Scooting" GIF from GIPHY

Treating and Preventing Anal Gland Issues

The emptying of full anal glands is the most common treatment which we recommend is performed by your dogs vet. Adding fibre to your dog’s diet can help to ensure their stools are well formed enough to press on the sacs as the stool passes, releasing the fluid. Plain, mashed pumpkin or psyllium husk are the most common sources of fibre that are safe to give to your dog. Glandex are a tasty chew that can be given to your dog once a day to increase their fibre intake.

Fish oil is another great supplement to add to your dog's diet which has a multitude of health benefits including anti-inflammatory effects and can help to improve their skin and overall health. We stock brands such as Natural Animal Solutions, Value Plus and Vet's All Natural.

If it is allergies that is causing problems for your dogs anal glands, identifying the source of the allergy is the first step. Food allergies may require your dog to switch to a hypoallergenic diet such as Royal Canin Veterinary Hypoallergenic. Skin allergies often require switching your dog's shampoo and conditioner to an oatmeal based product such as Aloveen or Epi-Soothe.

Overweight or obese dogs need to have their food intake and exercise monitored to make sure they are not being over fed and under exercised.

You should also not over express your dog's anal glands. Some groomers will express your dog’s anal glands so if you use a groomer, it may be worth checking if they are expressing them unnecessarily.

If an infection has developed, your vet will most likely prescribe antibiotics and pain relief for your dog. If the infection has developed an abscess, this will need to be drained and cleaned, most likely under anaesthetic or some kind of sedation.

Any sign of anal gland disease should always be thoroughly investigated by your vet first to rule out any underlying causes and to ensure the treatment you have selected is appropriate.

The mere suggestion of attempting to clean your cat’s teeth may conjure up images of bone-deep scratches and a visit to the emergency room, but it doesn’t have to end that way! Follow our top ten tips for cleaning your cat’s teeth to avoid a bloodbath and ensure you and your cat remain on good terms.

Did you know eight in ten cats over the age of three suffer from teeth and gum problems? Left untreated, plaque and tartar build up in your cat’s mouth which can lead to more severe dental disease and often results in the extraction of teeth. 

Dental disease in cats usually presents with some of the following symptoms:

• Bad breath (cats naturally have a bit of a fishy breath, but a strong, foul odour is a sign of dental disease)
• Drooling
• Bleeding gums or bleeding from the mouth when eating dry food
• Difficulty eating or eating only on one side of their mouth
• Mild swelling of the face
• Red or angry looking gums
• Lack of appetite
• Failing to groom or looking unkempt
• Loose or missing teeth

Ideally, you should start brushing your cats teeth when they are still a kitten, but it is better late than never! So without further ado, our top ten tips on how to clean your cat’s teeth!

1. Check in with your vet

This is especially important if your cat is already a few years old. A trip to the vet to have your cat’s teeth examined and to check if they require a deep clean under anaesthetic to clean away any plaque or tartar that has accumulated on your cat’s teeth. Your vet can also provide advice on products and the best way to brush your cat’s teeth.

2. Be prepared

Products you will need to keep those pearly whites sparkling include:

• A toothbrush just for cats (you can’t use a human toothbrush, they are too big and the bristles are too hard for your cat’s teeth)
• If you don’t want to use a toothbrush, you can buy special wipes that you wrap around your finger or sterile gauze will also do the job
• Toothpaste just for cats which often comes in tempting flavours like beef or chicken. Again, human toothpaste is not suitable and can make your cat very sick.

3. Get Comfy

Don’t try to brush your cat’s teeth when they are agitated or hungry. Pick a time of day when they are relaxed. Establishing a routine by brushing at the same time each day can also be comforting to your cat. Let your cat sniff, chew or taste the brush, wipes and toothpaste. Practice touching around your cat’s mouth, their lips, gums and teeth.

4. Purrito Time!

Some cats may be more comfortable wrapped snugly in a towel or blanket. It can also be safer for you to have those claws tucked away! Some cats might not be a fan of the purrito and may prefer to be in your lap or on a table. 

5. Assume the Position

Gently hold your cat’s head with your non-dominant hand and use your fingers to pull back their lips, exposing their teeth.

6. One at a Time

Give one or two teeth a wipe over with your finger or a toothbrush in a circular motion on the surface of the tooth that faces the inside of your cat’s cheek. Clean right up to the gum line, and give the gum a bit of a massage as well.

7. Bribes are OK

If your cat seems uncomfortable with you being in their mouth, try dipping your finger or the toothbrush in tuna juice or their favourite creamy treat to entice them into opening wide.

8. Take it Slow

If your cat is extremely resistant to your attempts to brush their teeth, don’t force things or you may find them even more hard to handle next time you try.

9. Reward, Reward, Reward

Shower your cat in praise after each attempt at brushing - successful or not! Show them that tolerating brushing equals play time with their favourite toy or that they will be rewarded with their favourite treat.

10. Keep up the Good Work!

Keep practicing brushing regularly and once your cat accepts the brushing without much of a fight, you should try to clean their teeth once daily or at least every second day to keep those whites looking pearly and their breath fresh!

If your attempts to brush your cats teeth only ends in you not talking for days or weeks on end, there are other ways you can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.

You can feed your cat specialty dental or oral care food from brands such as Advance or Hill’s or your vet can recommend either the Hill’s Prescription Diet or Royal Canin Veterinary Diet dental food.

Dental sprays are a liquid solution that is sprayed onto your cat’s teeth that can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar in your cat’s mouth. Water additives are also useful at helping to prevent that buildup and are added daily to fresh water and we stock quality brands such as Aquadent and Prozym.

Dental treats like Greenies have a unique teeth-cleaning shape and help to freshen your cat’s breath.

View all dental products for cats here