Anal Gland Problems in Dogs: Signs, Causes & Treatment

If your dog is scooting their bottom across the floor, licking around their tail, or suddenly has a very unpleasant smell coming from their rear end, their anal glands could be causing a problem.

Anal gland problems are common in dogs and can range from mild blockage to painful infection or an abscess. Recognising the signs early can help prevent a minor problem from becoming more painful for your pet.

Anal glands, also known as anal sacs, are two small sacs located on either side of your dog's anus.

They contain a strong-smelling fluid that is normally released when a dog passes a bowel movement. Most dogs empty their anal glands naturally without any help.

Problems can occur when the glands don't empty properly. The fluid can become thick and difficult to pass, causing the glands to become impacted, inflamed or infected.

There isn't always one single cause of anal gland problems. Some dogs are simply more prone to them than others.

Factors that may contribute include:

• Soft or inconsistent stools that don't put enough pressure on the anal glands to empty them
• Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
• Allergies or skin disease
• Being overweight
• The natural size or position of the anal glands
• Previous anal gland problems

Dogs that experience repeated anal gland problems may need further investigation to look for an underlying cause.

The most common sign is scooting, where your dog drags their bottom along the floor.

Other signs can include:

• Licking or chewing around the anus
• A strong, unpleasant or "fishy" smell
• Redness or irritation around the anus
• Discomfort when sitting
• Straining to pass a bowel movement
• Reluctance to pass stool
• Sensitivity around the tail or hindquarters
• Swelling beside the anus
• Blood or discharge around the anus
• A lump or painful area beside the anus

It's important to remember that scooting does not always mean your dog's anal glands are the problem. Fleas, parasites/worms, allergies, skin irritation and other conditions can also cause dogs to lick or scoot.

If your dog is repeatedly scooting or showing signs of discomfort, a veterinary examination can help determine the cause.

Anal gland problems can progress if they aren't treated.

Impacted anal glands
When an anal gland doesn't empty normally, the fluid can build up and become thick and difficult to release. This is known as an impacted anal gland.

Your dog may scoot, lick their rear end or show discomfort when sitting.

Infected anal glands
An impacted gland can become inflamed or infected. Your dog may become more uncomfortable and you may notice redness, swelling or discharge.

Anal gland abscess
If an infection continues to develop, an abscess can form. This can be extremely painful.

You may notice a swollen lump beside your dog's anus, and the area may be red, hot or very sensitive. An abscess can eventually rupture through the skin, resulting in blood or pus around the anus.

A ruptured abscess can look alarming, but veterinary treatment is still important to manage the infection and help the area heal properly.

Treatment depends on what is happening with the anal glands.

For a simple impaction, your veterinarian may empty the affected glands and assess the contents. If there is inflammation or infection, additional treatment may be required.

Depending on the severity of the problem, treatment may include:

• Emptying the impacted anal glands
• Medication to treat infection or inflammation
• Pain relief
• Treatment of an abscess
• Dietary changes or additional fibre
• Investigation and treatment of an underlying condition
• For chronic severe cases, surgical removal of glands may be recommended

Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your dog's individual needs.

Diet can be an important part of managing dogs that experience recurring anal gland problems.

Firm, well-formed stools can help naturally put pressure on the anal glands during bowel movements. In some dogs, increasing dietary fibre may help improve stool consistency and support natural emptying.

However, adding fibre isn't appropriate for every dog, and the type and amount required can vary.

If your dog regularly has anal gland problems, speak with your veterinarian before making significant changes to their diet. They can assess your dog's overall health, diet and bowel movements and recommend an appropriate approach.

Some dogs will experience anal gland problems only once, while others are more prone to recurring issues.

If your dog has repeated problems, your veterinarian may recommend strategies such as:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Managing allergies or skin disease
• Improving stool consistency
• Reviewing your dog's diet
• Increasing appropriate dietary fibre
• Monitoring for early signs of recurrence

The best approach will depend on why your individual dog is developing anal gland problems.

If your dog is occasionally scooting but otherwise seems comfortable, it is still worth mentioning to your veterinarian, particularly if it becomes a regular behaviour.

You should arrange a veterinary examination promptly if you notice:

• A painful or swollen area beside the anus
• Blood or pus
• A wound or draining area near the anus
• Significant redness or swelling
• Difficulty passing a bowel movement
• Severe discomfort
• Your dog becoming lethargic or off their food

Anal gland infections and abscesses can be very painful, so early treatment can help keep your dog more comfortable.

Contact Vet Cross to book an appointment and get your dog back to feeling comfortable.