LoveToKnow Dogs:Custom Anal Gland Questions

From LoveToKnow Dogs

Past Questions

Question: I am involved in several rescue groups, including private rescue. Up until now, I've only cared for dogs over 100 pounds, and have never run into anal gland build-up. I recently rescued a five pound Pomeranian mix; he's a doll, and I will rehome him after rehabilitation. Despite regular bathing (itchy skin and initial fleas), he emits a musky odor that I've acknowledged as anal gland discharge. I've read extensively on this subject, and took him to a drop-in vet for a lesson in expressing. He's so tiny I'm afraid of doing any damage. The vet inserted her finger, located pea-sized gland and expressed it. Next, I did same on the other side, and although I could not feel the pea, I was able to express some discharge. Due to the Pom's tiny size, the vet recommended inserting just the tip of a Q-tip into his anus while applying pressure externally. Since the odor was returning, I expressed him again this morning (he does not mind in the slightest, and seems to appreciate the help). I'm so afraid of hurting him. There has been no scooting or licking, just the odor. Also having read that high fiber diets help, I have switched to tiny bite adult Nutro. Both the Pom and my 98 pound Lab mix get tons of exercise, but spend a lot of play time in an empty (unsprayed) lot grazing on fairly coarse grass, which I can't help think improves the fiber diet. Their stools are normal, but not firm enough to help express these glands. I'd like to have your thoughts about what else can be done. Sandie PS: What an excellent site! I've earmarked you with my Oregon Humane Society Foster page, and my MARS (Mini Aussie Rescue and Support) daily searches. Thanks for this great service! - Posted by: sandie@sandierusso.com

Answer: Hello Sandie,

I'm glad you're finding the site so helpful, and thank you for bookmarking us. As for my thoughts about the current anal gland problems, I'd like to recommend that you try adding plain canned pumpkin to the Pom's daily diet. Pumpkin is rich in insoluable fiber, and feeding it is a natural and healthy way to firm stools. Begin by adding two tablespoons to his daily dinner and see if this does the job. You can increase or decrease the pumpkin slightly as needed until the stools reach the ideal consistency to provide a little more expression as they pass by the glands. Hopefully you'll notice an improvement in a very short time.

Thanks for your question, and keep up the good work with the rescue. :) - posted by:Kelly

Question: We have a three-year-old Spoodle. Over the last few months, we have noticed three times a wet, discoloured, hobbible smelling stain where she had been sleeping. We have been trying to monitor what it is, whether it's vomit/urine/diarrhea etc. Today I noticed it again, and when I checked her I found that her anal area was wet. I now think it may be a discharge from her rectum or anal glands. Can you advise if this is likely to be the case and how it can be treated?? - Posted by: Kathryn-Simon@wesstnet.com.au

Answer: Hello Kathryn,

I agree with you, this is most likely discharge from your dog's anal glands. This can happen when the glands haven't been expressing properly when your dog defecates. There can also be excessive fluid build up when a gland is infected, so this is another possibility.

My best advice is to ask your vet to examine the glands to determine their health. The vet may choose to express the glands at that visit to drain them of excess fluid. Based on the condition of that fluid, your vet may prescribe an antibiotic if he/she believes there's an infection.

At home, you can follow up by adding more fiber to your dog's diet to firm the stools so they can help the glands evacuate properly on a regular basis. The easiest way to do this is by adding two tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin to your dog's daily dinner. Pumpkin is very high in insoluable fiber, and most dogs love the taste.

Thanks for your question, and I hope these suggestions help you remedy your current situation. - posted by:Kelly

Question: My 3 year old Westie occasionally has a problem with leakage from his butt. He is usually relaxing on the couch or floor and will sudddenly get up and move away from the area leaving a small stain of brown or clear liquid that has a strong odor of gas or feces. This happens 1-3 times per week. What could this be? He does no licking or scooting, and has regular bowel movements daily. He seems like he is embarassed, so I try not to make a big deal of it. What are your suggestions? Thank you Kerry - Posted by: kamerrill1@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Kerry

This definitely sounds like anal gland fluid, and your dog is likely not expressing properly during bowel movements which leads to overly full glands.

I suggest you ask your vet to express the glands this time so he/she can make sure there is no infection present. After this, you can easily express them yourself as needed by following the instructions in our article on Dog Anal Glands.

Your dog may benefit from more fiber in his diet. I would suggest adding a tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin to his dinner each night. Dogs love the flavor, and it's a great source of insoluble fiber.

Thanks for your question! - posted by:Kelly

Question: my dog has a swollen red "ball" about the size of a small cherry tomato protruding from his anus; he continues to lick the area and is trying to push the object out; I'm guessing its a swollen anal gland due in part to the area and the foul smell from his passing gas; I have attempted to massage the area at 4 & 8 O'clock and gently squeezed the object but did not notice anything coming out nor any noxious smell...please advise. Dave - Posted by: paraguy68@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Dave,

I'm not a vet, but this sounds like something you should ask your vet to look at. Without seeing it, I'm only guessing, but your dog could have anything from an abscess to a hemorrhoid to a prolapsed rectum. Whatever it may be, your vet will be able to take care of it for you, and I'm sure your dog will be relieved.

Thanks for your question. - posted by:Kelly

Question: Thanks, Kelly, for the answer to how often you should express a dog's anal glands. The articles were helpful. Happy New Year! - Posted by: jayjayz2@sbcglobal.net

Answer: Glad we could help Jay. Happy New Year to you too! - posted by:Kelly

Question: How often should dog's anal glands be expressed? - Posted by: jayjayz2@sbcglobal.net

Answer: Hi Jay,

I'm a firm believer in leaving the glands alone unless there appears to be a problem. I think you'll find the information in the following articles very useful.

Thanks for your question, and don't hesitate to come back if you have more. - posted by:Kelly