Anal gland infections are a common issue in dogs. Our iHugDogs veterinarian, Monica, explains everything you need to know about anal glands and anal sac infections in this article.
Why Is My Dog Scooting His Butt on the Ground?
The so-called “scooting” might be a sign of anal gland or sac inflammation, a common problem in our four-legged friends. According to studies, up to 12% of dogs are affected. Learn everything you need to know about anal gland inflammation and how to best support your furry friend’s health in this article.
What Are Anal Glands?
Our dogs (and cats) have two very special glands – the anal glands. These produce a highly odorous, brownish secretion collected in the anal sacs. The anal sacs are located just behind the anus, between the inner and outer sphincters. If you imagine your pet’s anus as a clock, the anal sacs are approximately at 5 and 7 o’clock.
With each bowel movement, the pressure exerted by the stool on the rectum walls causes a small amount of this secretion to be released. This serves as a special scent for marking territory by our furry friends. In cases of inflammation, the term “anal gland inflammation” is often incorrectly used when, in fact, it is the anal sacs that are inflamed, making it an anal sac infection. They are often visible as round swellings on the left and right sides of the anus.
How Do I Recognize an Anal Sac Infection?
A common sign is the so-called scooting: Your furry friend sits down and drags its rear end along the ground. But why does it do that? The answer is itching. Overfilled and inflamed anal sacs cause itching in our furry friends. Through scooting, they try to alleviate this irritation.
Excessive licking of the anal region, reddened skin around the anus, or signs of pain such as increased straining during bowel movements are also symptoms. Constant “tail chasing” is also an indicator.
In general, there is a distinction between anal sac impaction, anal sac infection, and anal sac abscess. In severe cases of inflammation or abscesses, pets may appear more lethargic or show signs of fever. An anal sac abscess can also rupture, causing the secretion to drip out or become visible on carpets or other textiles during scooting.
Why Do Dogs’ Anal Glands Get Infected?
As you’ve learned, a small amount of anal gland secretion is released with each bowel movement. However, if the stool is softer than usual, as in the case of diarrhea, there is not enough pressure on the anal sacs, causing the secretion to remain. However, the anal glands continue to produce secretion diligently. Over time, the anal sacs can become too full, leading to blockage and subsequent inflammation.
In addition to diarrhea, there are other causes: Narrow anal sac openings, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, or stool that is too soft can contribute to anal gland infections. Small dogs are much more commonly affected than large ones. Some breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Poodles, according to studies, suffer more often from anal gland issues than others.
What Can Be Done About It?
Not every instance of scooting means an anal sac infection. However, if you notice one or more symptoms in your pet, you should seek veterinary advice promptly.
Other causes, such as a flea allergy and/or parasites, inflammation of the vagina, or allergies in general, can lead to similar symptoms.
Depending on whether the anal sacs are “only” impacted or if there is also an infection, the treatment differs. Impacted anal sacs are gently emptied by the veterinarian with their fingers. This provides relief to your furry friend. The procedure is understandably unpleasant for the pets, so some particularly sensitive ones may need a bit of sedation. However, in most cases, it can be done without sedation.
If your veterinarian finds a significant infection, such as with purulent or bloody secretions, treatment with antibiotics may be advisable. Ointments for the anal region can also be helpful at times.
In the case of an anal sac abscess, your veterinarian will likely recommend flushing it. The anal sacs are flushed with a disinfecting solution, sometimes containing antibiotics.
Can an Anal Sac Infection Recur?
Having once experienced problems with anal glands does not necessarily mean it will happen again. For example, if an inflammation was preceded by a bout of diarrhea, it might have been a one-time occurrence. Especially in small dogs, anal sacs often need to be emptied by a veterinarian at regular intervals.
If your beloved pet consistently struggles with anal sac infections, there is also the option of surgically removing the anal sacs. However, the surgery has some risks and is therefore recommended only in certain situations.
Can I Express the Anal Glands Myself?
If your pet’s anal glands need to be emptied by a veterinarian several times a year, the question quickly arises whether you can do it yourself. In principle, if you feel confident, you can attempt it. However, there is a lot that can go wrong, so you should definitely get thorough veterinary training.
Especially with sensitive dogs that quickly lose patience even with your veterinarian, it is advisable to have the anal sacs always emptied by experienced veterinary hands.
Is There Anything I Can Do?
As you’ve already learned, the anal sacs are typically emptied in portions with normal bowel movements. Therefore, a normal stool consistency contributes to anal sac emptying. A well digestible diet that your furry friend tolerates well and provides an ideal stool consistency is essential. Fiber and prebiotics can contribute to a healthy digestion and are therefore also recommended.
