Canine Anal Glands

Canine anal glands or anal sacs are scent glands in dogs. Common anal sac problems include anal sac impaction, anal sac infection, and anal sac abscess. This page looks at the likely causes and treatments of anal sac problems, and how to express the canine anal sacs.

Canine anal glands, (aka canine anal sacs), are a pair of small scent glands which are located on either side of the anus, slightly below the anal opening, at about the 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock positions in reference to the circumference of the anus. If you pull down the skin on the lower part of the anus and look in the two locations as mentioned above, you can see them. The anal glands are connected by tiny ducts to the outside.

Anal sacs vary in size depending on the dog breed. Generally speaking, healthy anal sacs range in size from a pea to a kidney bean.

The dog anal glands produce a unique odor that gives the individual dog his "identity". The odor on the stool helps the dog to establish territory. That's also why dogs sniff each other's rear end as a form of communication.

The anal glands are emptied during defecation by the pressure of stool passing through the anus. Sometimes, the anal glands are emptied out by forceful contractions of the anal sphincter when the dog is upset or in extreme fear.

Problems Related to Canine Anal Glands

Anal Sac Impaction
Perhaps the most common problem related to canine anal glands is anal sac impaction, which means the anal sacs have become too full and are not emptied out completely. As a result, the sacs become swollen and tender, and the liquid secretion becomes extremely thick, plugging the openings of the anal sacs.
Anal sac impactions may be caused by constipation or infrequent bowel movement.
Sometimes, if the stools are too small or too soft, they cannot put too much pressure on the sacs during defecation. This will also result in anal sac impaction.
Dogs with impacted anal glands will often scoot along the floor. This is the dog's attempt to empty out the sacs. The dog may also constantly look, lick, and/or bite at the anus. In addition, the dog's rear end will give out a powerful foul odor.
Anal gland impactions tend to occur more often in obese dogs and small-breed dogs.
How to Express Canine Anal Glands
To prevent anal sac impactions, it is essential to check the dog's anal glands regularly (while grooming) to see if they are empty or not. Feel the areas where the anal glands are located. If they are full, they can be felt as small, firm lumps in which case it will be necessary to manually empty them - a process called "expressing" the anal glands.
You may want to ask your dog's groomer or your vet to express your dog's anal glands, or you can do it at home as well (be sure to wear latex gloves!):
- Begin by holding up the dog's tail and pulling it gently upward.
- With your free hand, hold a couple of Kleenex and place your thumb over one anal gland and your fingers over the other.
- Press gently in and squeeze.
- When the sacs empty, you can smell a powerful odor and the discharge is a brown liquid. If the discharge is yellow, bloody, or pus-like, it means that the glands are infected and veterinary care is necessary.
Also, consider using AnalGlandz for Pet Anal Gland Health to assist with the manual expression of your dog's anal glands. AnalGlandz is a natural herbal remedy containing herbs such as nettle, chamomile, dandelion, and yarrow. This remedy can be used topically as a hot compress directly over the anal opening, before manually expressing the glands. Regular use of AnalGlandz will also help to keep the anal glands and surrounding area healthy.

Anal Sac Infection and Abscess
Anal glands can also get infected and abscess. Signs of infection include swelling on one or both sides of the anus. The discharge from the anal glands is thin, yellowish, blood-tinged, or pus-like. Anal sac Infection is very painful so the dog will lick, scoot, and even bite at his rear.
Sometimes infected anal sacs will result in an abscess being formed within the gland. Signs of an abscess include fever and swelling (usually on one side). The swelling will turn from red to deep purple and eventually will rupture through the skin, producing a draining tract. The dog will experience severe pain and sometimes may develop constipation due to the pain.
If the abscess does not rupture on its own, it should be surgically lanced by a veterinarian, after which it should be drained and flushed with an antiseptic solution, and the dog is usually placed on an oral antibiotic.

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Preventing Problems Related to Canine Anal Glands

Dogs with recurrent anal sac impactions are often recommended to have a high-fiber diet or be supplemented with fiber such as bran or medications such as Metamucil. The high fiber can bulk up the dog's stools which will put more pressure on the anal glands during defecation, and hopefully will help the glands express themselves.

Sometimes, surgical removal of the glands (anal sacculectomy) is recommended for dogs with chronic anal gland problems. The surgical procedure is rather simple; however, occasionally complications such as fecal incontinence do occur.