PET42 guide
Anal gland problems in dogs: causes and feeding tips
Full or inflamed anal glands can be painful. Stool consistency, digestion and feeding matter, while repeated expression does not address every cause.
What to do if your dog’s anal glands are full or inflamed – and is expression really the solution?
Problems with the anal glands are one of the more common but often misunderstood problems in dogs. Many owners ask themselves whether regular expression is necessary or whether the cause lies somewhere else entirely.
What are the anal glands and what are they for?
The anal glands - more precisely the anal sacs - are located to the right and left of the anus, embedded in the sphincter muscles. They produce a strong-smelling secretion that is normally emptied automatically when defecation occurs.
This secretion is used for communication between dogs and contains individual scents. As long as the stool consistency, intestinal function and muscles work together, the anal glands function unobtrusively.
Problems arise when this natural emptying is disturbed.
Why anal glands become filled or inflamed
Anal gland problems rarely have just one cause. Several factors often come together:
- Permanently soft or mushy faeces
- inappropriate amount of food or poor tolerance
- a sensitive intestine
- Stress or recurring stress
- anatomical peculiarities of individual dogs
If the faeces are too soft, they will not put enough pressure on the anal sacs when passing. The secretion remains behind, becomes more viscous and can block the ducts. In this environment, bacteria multiply more easily and inflammation can occur.
Typical symptoms of anal gland problems
Dogs with filled or inflamed anal glands often exhibit:
- increased licking or biting at the anus
- Restlessness when sitting or standing up
- unpleasant fishy smell
- Pain when defecating
- visible redness or swelling
- in severe cases, purulent or bloody secretion
The well-known “scooting” is often automatically attributed to the anal glands, but it does not always have anything to do with it. Often there is also irritation of the skin or mucous membranes.
Is expression the solution?
Manually expressing the anal glands may be necessary in certain situations - for example in the case of heavily filled anal sacs or acute symptoms. However, it should not be a permanent solution.
- The glands are stimulated to produce more secretions
- Natural emptying is disrupted
- The risk of chronic problems increases
If expression is necessary, it should only be done by vets or trained specialists - especially if there is pain, inflammation or noticeable secretion.
The role of feeding is often underestimated
In many cases the key is not in expression, but in the bowl. Feeding that is not optimally coordinated can permanently irritate the intestines and have a negative impact on the consistency of the stool.
Typical triggers are:
- inappropriate amount of food
- ingredients that are difficult to digest
- frequent, uncoordinated food changes
- individual intolerances
Stable, well-formed stool is one of the most important prerequisites for the dog's anal glands to be able to empty naturally.
Think holistically instead of fighting symptoms
Acute inflammation needs to be clarified and treated by a vet. In the long term, however, an approach that takes several levels into account makes sense:
- appropriate amount of food
- well tolerated composition
- stable digestion
- targeted care instead of repeated expression
- Observation of stress factors
Anal gland problems are rarely an isolated occurrence, but rather an expression of an imbalance.
Conclusion
Full or inflamed anal glands are very uncomfortable for dogs, but can often be prevented if the cause is identified. Expressing regularly is not a sustainable solution. What is crucial is stable digestion, appropriately shaped stool and feeding that really suits the dog.
Frequently asked questions
Answered briefly and understandably
Why do dogs have anal gland problems?
This is often due to the stool being too soft or a lack of pressure when defecating. Feeding and fibre play a role.
Does more fibre help?
A moderate fibre adjustment can firm the stool and support emptying. However, too much is counterproductive.
Advice tailored to your dog
Find the right food and portion size for your dog
Many anal gland problems do not arise suddenly, but rather develop as a result of feeding that is not optimally coordinated.
PET42 creates an individual food recommendation, independent of manufacturers, based on your dog’s details. This includes the appropriate food quantity in grams, tailored to activity, goals and tolerance.
Questionnaire, checkout and feeding advice are provided in German.
