[Maybe NSFW] Help with my dog's overactive "backside" glands?
(Not sure if anal glands are a “SFW” topic!)
My dog’s got what I guess are overactive anal glands, although they may just not be expressing properly when he takes a squat? I’m not really sure.
Had them expressed by the vet just a little over two weeks ago, and within the two weeks he was leaking again. It’s been worse the past few days. He’ll just be sitting next to me, and then I’ll smell it and he’ll start worrying over it—licking the spot it left on whatever he was sitting on (thankfully it’s usually a blanket I can throw in the wash), and also licking his backside.
The vet said that anal glands can bother a dog when they’re impacted, and that often it’s a result of an allergic reaction to food—they also said that the anal gland fluid will usually be thicker or gritty… But when they expressed my dog two weeks ago, they said everything back there seemed healthy. (And only one sac was full, but he had leaked the night before the checkup.) So I was left with the impression that it’s not an allergy issue.
He also only seems to fuss with his butt after he’s leaked. It’s more like he’s trying to clean back there than itch anything, and things I’ve read online seem to indicate that when there are issues with the anal glands, there is also usually itching back there? So that confuses me, too.
If you’ve gotten this far, thank you! I know it’s not the most appealing of subjects. I’m just wondering if you might have any ideas that I haven’t thought of—on what might be causing it, or how to help it?
The vet also mentioned that raising the fiber in his diet might help. They suggested adding some pumpkin puree to his food. I haven’t done that, but I was wondering about finding a dog food with a higher fiber content. What should I look for in the ingredients? And/or what should I avoid? Or is adding that puree my best bet?
I have been feeding him grain-free food most of the time. Would that have an effect? I thought it was healthier, but I don’t really know, and I’ve gotten a lot of mixed information about what’s the best diet for dogs.
Thank you!
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The glands should indeed express naturally during bowel movements. They can also be expressed to mark territory, or if really scared. Any new pets, or changes in environment could also cause issues. When highly stressed, they can/will express their glands. Maybe you could think of something that recently changed…
You could find a food with higher fiber content, but it will likely be more expensive. The canned pumpkin can be highly effective, and is cheap and plentiful. Especially in the fall, in the USA..
I had the vet express my dog’s gl ands, and a day later they were as full as before. I’ve tried the pumpkin/higher fiber in the diet. Nothing has worked so far. She’s a lovely dog, smart, and so well trained, so surgery (having them removed) is an option. I’ll look more into a possible allergy.
I do know you don’t want to express them too often, or they’ll just produce even more to compensate. At this point, I’m thinking of having them removed.
Thanks everyone who’s answered so far!
@MrGrimm888 thanks for the other info. I didn’t know those other causes for the glands to express themselves. I don’t think they fit with my dog, but I’ll watch for those potential reasons anyway, now that I know they’re possibilities. This isn’t a new issue, it was just happening more than usual the past couple of days and I’m not sure why that is…
@snowberry Interesting that you’ve had the same problem! I’m sorry to hear the fiber didn’t help. I think I’m still going to try it for my dog and see if it helps him… Can’t hurt, right?
Most dogs empty their anal glands when they poop – the bulk of the stool squeezes the material out during the process of defecation; it’s a form of scent marking. Some dogs, for whatever reason (usually small breed dogs), don’t empty as they should. Often, bulking their diet with fiber can help. We recommend canned pumpkin (just pumpkin, not pie filling – that has spices in it). The dose depends on the dog’s size, but you can look it up online.
You can also learn to express your dog’s anal glands at home. Some folks are too squeamish for that, but if you’re interested, ask you vet to teach you.
Besides the ick factor, the risk is that the anal gland can become impacted and rupture out through the skin, causing a serious wound and risk of infection. This is not something that you have to be anal about (pun intended) -it’s pretty unusual that it gets that far; just pay attention to if the dog becomes obsessively interested in licking the rear end, scooting, or if you see swelling in the area of the anus.
For severe cases, surgery is an option, but beware – use a board certified surgeon, not a general practitioner. There are some very important nerves in that area, and you run the risk of lifelong fecal incontinence.
Thanks, @syz. He is indeed a small breed dog!
I’ve got some canned pumpkin in the back of the cupboard (happily I add my own spices when I bake with it, so it’s plain). So I’ll see how that goes!
Thanks everyone! :)
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