Dog Anal Glands: Swollen, Impacted & Infected Glands!

Anal glands are a topic that can cause discomfort for many dog owners.

The majority of the time, there is no need for concern, however these small glands can cause significant discomfort and odorous smells if they become inflamed or agitated.

In the following paragraphs, we will provide essential information regarding the anal glands of dogs, elaborating on the reasons for their infection, the signs that indicate infected anal glands in your dog, and the various treatment options available for resolving anal gland issues in your furry friend.

Key Takeaways: Dog Anal Gland Infections & Impactions

Canine anal gland impactions differ from anal gland infections . The terms are sometimes confused, but there are important differences between the two that affect treatment .
Some dogs are more prone to anal gland issues than others. Everything from your dog’s weight to his breed to his eating habits can make him susceptible to anal gland problems .
A vet, not a groomer, should treat anal gland issues. While groomers often externally express canine anal glands, they cannot address the internal problems often at play .
Changes to your dog’s routine can potentially avoid anal gland issues. You can work with your vet to make a plan to improve your dog’s condition by making changes like increasing fiber, helping him lose weight, and more .

What Are Dog Anal Glands?

Berry-sized glands, known as anal glands or anal sacs, are situated close to your dog’s anus and generate a necessary yet malodorous substance that permeates onto their excrement.

The noxious discharge exclusive to your pup acts as a territorial signifier upon defecation, informing other dogs that the vicinity belongs to your furry friend.

Although we may find it unpleasant, smell-based communication is a common practice in the animal kingdom.

Poop-Sniffing Guidelines

While a quick poop sniff is usually harmless for our dogs, keeping your four-footer away from strange poop is always best. The risk of parasites and illness is high, with parvo, in particular, spreading easily, even via inhalation.

If your furry friend loves to eat poop, it is best to use a short leash in places where unfamiliar dogs may have left their stools.

Irritated Canine Anal Glands: Impaction Versus Infection

The two primary issues observed in the anal glands of canines are blockage and inflammation.

The conditions share some similarities and occasional connections, but there are significant distinctions that impact how they are treated.

If your dog’s anal glands fail to release fluid, it can result in impaction. This condition causes the glands to become inflamed and painful due to the accumulation of fluid.

Impaction is less severe than infection because it involves only a blockage in the anal glands, while infection is caused by an excessive growth of bacteria in the same area.

It is crucial to comprehend that impaction can result in infection and therefore, prompt action should be taken to address both issues.

Why Do Dog Anal Glands Become Infected?

If the impaction of anal glands is not dealt with, it may result in infection.

The inflammation of the ducts that release anal gland fluid during your dog’s bowel movements is commonly the reason for anal gland impaction.

If the glands’ ducts fail to work correctly, they may trap fluid that eventually thickens and causes swelling in the glands.

The accumulation of fluid can rapidly result in gland infection as bacterial growth occurs within, resulting in the production of pus, blood, and heightened inflammation. Consequently, your dog may experience discomfort during defecation and in other situations.

Anal gland blockage and infection often occur due to the usual suspects.

Obesity : Obese dogs who don’t get enough exercise have more fat in the rear region, impacting the muscle pressure placed on the glands while pooping. This makes emptying the anal glands harder, potentially leading to impaction.
Breed : Smaller breeds are more prone to anal gland issues than their larger canine counterparts. Breeds most commonly affected include Chihuahuas, toy poodles, and beagles.
Poor stool consistency : Dogs who frequently have soft stools or diarrhea are more at-risk of anal gland problems because there is less pressure placed on the organs during defecation. Loose stools may be caused by illness or dietary issues.
Skin issues : Dogs affected by chronic skin conditions — including things like dermatitis (inflammation of the skin around the anus) or the presence of harmful bacteria or fungi — are more susceptible to anal gland problems than others. These dogs are more likely to develop recurring issues if the underlying problem isn’t addressed.
Anal disease : Obstructions caused by cysts or tumors can lead to glandular issues, as can poor muscle tone of the anal sphincter. This rear dysfunction can make releasing anal gland fluids much more difficult, causing buildup.
Diet : A diet lacking in fiber can make emptying anal glands harder, potentially leaving your dog susceptible to anal gland issues. Switching to high-fiber dog food or introducing high-fiber treats can help prevent recurring problems by firming up stools, making expressing anal gland fluid easier.
Age : Older canines have reduced muscle tone in their hind ends, leading to poor pressure on anal glands during pottying. They may also struggle to squat while pooping, putting even less pressure on the area.
Allergies. A dog’s anal glands can also be affected by allergies, with more allergy-prone dogs often being more likely to suffer from anal gland issues. Note that it is typically environmental allergies as opposed to food allergies that typically lead to anal glad problems in dogs. If your dog tends to suffer from anal gland problems during a consistent type of year (for example, every spring), then you may want to ask your vet if allergies could be the root of the issue.
Grooming practices : Many groomers offer anal gland expression with regular groomings in dogs without glandular issues. These manual expressions only remove some anal gland fluid by squeezing the area externally, potentially causing swelling that can lead to impaction. Skipping this grooming step can save your pooch from unnecessary issues.

In case you suspect that your dog might have anal gland problems, it is important to seek veterinary assistance without delay. Neglected infections can lead to graver complications such as anal gland abscesses. If left untreated, the abscesses can burst through the skin.

How Can You Treat Infected Anal Glands?

The treatment plan for infected anal glands may vary slightly depending on your pet’s individual needs and your veterinarian’s preferences.

There are different methods that vets use when it comes to treating infected anal glands in pets. While some may opt to sedate the animal, others may choose a more cautious approach. If the latter is the case, the vet will probably express the glands and schedule a follow-up appointment a week later to monitor progress.

To eliminate the presence of bacteria and infected debris, the glands will be rinsed if needed. The area will additionally receive medication and the administration of local or oral dog antibiotics may be recommended to eliminate any persistent bacterial infection.

In order to address prolonged swelling and discomfort following expression, your veterinarian may recommend administering anti-inflammatory drugs or pain medication.

It is crucial to ensure proper follow-up care for anal gland infections in dogs, as they may require further expressions and medications during the healing process.

In case of severe infection, abscess or rupturing of your dog’s anal glands, surgery may be necessary. The procedure may entail draining an abscess or performing a complete removal of the glands.

Additional benefit or reward.

BONUS: Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Recipe

Due to the constant changes in recall announcements and commercial dog food information, an increasing number of dog owners are choosing to prepare their own dog food at home. While dogs find homemade food enjoyable, it is important to note that making dog food at home differs from cooking meals for oneself or one’s human family members. In order to maintain the health of one’s dog, there are crucial guidelines that should be adhered to.

Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?

One reason why homemade diets are becoming more popular is due to the ability to manage the ingredients, which eliminates concerns of dog food recalls. Additionally, some individuals are interested in maintaining a healthy diet for both themselves and their canine companions, thus preferring homemade diets that consist of natural, unprocessed ingredients that are generally viewed as more wholesome in comparison to commercially produced dog food.

Before switching your dog to a home-cooked diet, there are several aspects to contemplate, as it may not be suitable for everyone.

Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.

How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs

It is crucial to use a complete and balanced recipe when making your dog’s diet at home. Once you and your veterinarian have selected a suitable recipe, it’s time to begin.

Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.

To save time and money, numerous dog owners opt for cooking their pet’s food in large batches and storing them in pre-portioned containers in their refrigerator or freezer. While this is a smart move, it is advisable to start with smaller quantities initially to monitor your dog’s response to the new diet.

Sample Dog Food Recipes

Northwest Holistic Pet Care: Cooked Meal for a 20 lb. Dog

It is essential to seek advice from your holistic veterinarian before altering your dog’s diet, taking into account your dog’s health condition. Before introducing any changes in their diet, assess your dog’s weight. This will serve as a reference point to make adjustments in their food intake if they gain or lose weight excessively. The ideal food quantity for your dog depends on several factors, such as age, activity level, and overall health.

Ingredients

8 ounces ground organic turkey thigh (boneless)
2 tbsp ground organic turkey organ meat (liver, gizzards, hearts)
¼ c finely grated organic veggies
1 tsp ground raw sunflower seeds
½ tsp organic coconut oil
½ tsp salmon oil
500 mg Calcium Citrate (*must include this!)

Tailor the ingredient quantities to your dog’s weight and level of physical activity. The measurements indicated above correspond to a dog weighing 20 lbs. and engaging in only minimal exercise. A dog’s calorie demand can significantly increase by four times during vigorous physical activity. Keep a watchful eye on your dog’s weight and adapt meal proportions accordingly to fulfill the energy needs.

40 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 2
60 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 3
80 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 4

Directions:

Begin by blanching the vegetables, then set them aside. Cook the ground turkey thigh and organ meat over medium-low heat, taking care to avoid overcooking it; it should be mostly white with a bit of pink remaining before it’s removed from the heat. Take the blanched vegetables and pulse them in a food processor or clean coffee grinder until they have a finely grated texture. Finally, mix all of the ingredients together and wait until the mixture has cooled enough to be safe for consumption before serving.

One way to preserve a food’s vitality is by avoiding excessive heat during the cooking process. Gentler cooking methods may also be more suitable for pets with sensitive digestion. Blanching and finely grating vegetables can not only help with digestibility but also improve absorption of nutrients.