What are Anal Glands, Anyways?

Any pet owner who has experienced anal gland issues with their dog knows it’s far from a pleasant experience. These small, but powerful glands, located on either side of a pet’s rectum, serve a unique purpose in the animal world. In dogs, anal glands release a strongly scented secretion used to mark territory and communicate with other animals. However, when these glands don’t function properly, they can lead to discomfort, infections, and a lingering odor that’s hard to ignore.

Understanding Anal Gland Problems

In a healthy dog, the anal glands express naturally during bowel movements, and release a small amount of fluid that marks their scent. But when these glands become clogged, also known as impacted glands, they can cause issues ranging from mild irritation to painful infections. Impacted glands occur when the fluid inside thickens, blocking the gland’s natural release. Left untreated, impacted glands can become infected and may even rupture, requiring immediate veterinary care.

Signs that your dog may be experiencing anal gland issues include:

• Scooting or dragging their rear on the floor
• Excessive licking of the rectal area
• Difficulty with bowel movements
• Turning to look at their rear end, or showing signs of pain

If you notice these behaviors, it’s essential to have your pet evaluated by our team to address the problem early before it escalates.

Preventing Anal Gland Issues with Proper Grooming

While not all anal gland problems are preventable, proper grooming and regular maintenance can make a significant difference. Many dogs, especially small breeds, benefit from regular anal gland expressions as part of their grooming routine.

At Yorba Linda Pet Care Center, we work closely with our grooming partner, Chino’s Caring Kennel, to provide safe and professional grooming services, including anal gland expression, for your pet’s comfort and health.

Routine grooming helps prevent impacted glands by ensuring that any buildup is addressed early. This proactive approach can reduce the risk of infection, and keep your dog comfortable and healthy. Chino’s Caring Kennel provides expert grooming services, and knows how to handle sensitive tasks like anal gland expression with care. Their experienced staff uses gentle techniques to ensure the process is as stress-free as possible for your pet.

Additional Tips for Healthy Anal Glands

Beyond grooming, there are other ways to support your pet’s anal gland health:

• High-Fiber Diet — A diet rich in fiber promotes firm stools, which can help naturally express the anal glands during bowel movements. This regular expression can minimize problems.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight — Obesity can increase the risk of anal gland problems, so keeping your pet at a healthy weight can make a difference.
• Don’t Ignore Symptoms —If your dog shows signs of discomfort, schedule an appointment right away to prevent more serious complications.

Anal gland issues may not be a glamorous topic, but they’re essential to your dog’s health and well-being. With regular veterinary care, proper grooming, and a healthy diet, you can help reduce the risk of painful and uncomfortable gland problems. 

At Yorba Linda Pet Care Center, we’re here to provide compassionate, comprehensive care for your pet, with a team dedicated to keeping your pet comfortable. And with our trusted partner, Chino’s Caring Kennel, you can rest assured your pet is receiving excellent grooming support as part of their ongoing wellness plan. 

If you have any questions about your pet’s anal gland health or are interested in grooming services, contact us to learn more about keeping your furry friend happy and healthy year-round.