{"id":10672,"date":"2023-06-01T16:58:16","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T23:58:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=10672"},"modified":"2026-08-08T11:37:02","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T18:37:02","slug":"dogs-anal-glands-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/dogs-anal-glands-101","title":{"rendered":"Veterinarian Answers Questions About Dog Anal Glands"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dog anal glands probably aren\u2019t anyone\u2019s favorite topic of conversation. But that doesn\u2019t mean they aren\u2019t worthy of discussion and attention. When problems arise, these small but important areas of the rectum can literally be a pain in the butt for both your dog and your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While smaller breeds and obese dogs are more prone to developing anal sac issues, problems can strike any dog, regardless of breed or size. Thankfully, with the right diet, veterinary support, and care, you can get your dog\u2019s tail end back on track and wagging in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Granted, this can be a tough and confusing topic for any dog owner to tackle on their own. So we\u2019ve enlisted the help of Dr. Jessica Wilson, DVM, to answer all your questions about anal glands, how they work, and what to do when problems arise. You\u2019ll also learn about the important role nutrition plays in promoting healthy anal glands, and how changing your dog\u2019s diet can help prevent and resolve anal gland woes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding Anal Glands in Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Anal glands, the two grape-sized sacs on either side of the dog\u2019s anus, are scent glands used by dogs to communicate with other canines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe sacs have tiny ducts that have openings on either side of the anus and the material [within] is normally secreted when dogs have a bowel movement,\u201d explains Wilson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These glands produce a stinky secretion with a fishy smell that can function as a \u201ccalling card\u201d for other dogs. Much like skunks<\/a>, canines once released this strong odor voluntarily as a defensive mechanism to mark their territory and repel enemies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While anal glands are \u201clikely a remnant from prior to [dogs\u2019] domestication,\u201d according to Wilson, they still seem to hold information important to our pets\u2026as evidenced by the butt-sniffing greeting ritual of dogs everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve had a dog for some time, you\u2019ve probably heard the term \u201cexpressing anal glands\u201d before. Anal gland expression refers to the release of secretion from the anal sacs. This happens naturally when a dog poops. But when that natural expression is interrupted, the sacs can become problematic, causing things like dog scooting<\/a> or infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Anal Gland Issues Develop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common issues dogs face when it comes to their anal glands is when the sacs become inflamed or impacted due to a blocked duct. When that happens you might see a dog start to \u201cscoot,\u201d or drag their bottom across a surface to relieve the discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If impacted anal glands are left untreated, that discomfort can quickly \u201clead to dog anal gland infection and even abscess formation,\u201d according to Wilson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDue to the location of the ducts\u2026if the perfect storm occurs where the ducts become inflamed, feces loaded with bacteria can become trapped within the ducts, and ultimately an abscess can form,\u201d warns Wilson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She adds, \u201cIf the impaction of either or both anal sacs occurs, the sac may rupture externally as the body will have no other choice but to relieve the pressure from the swelling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Causes of Anal Gland Problems in Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Some common causes of anal sac inflammation and impaction include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n