Don’t believe everything you read–scooting a butt across your nice white carpet isn’t always a sign of worms in your dog or cat. It just might be your pet’s anal glands.
Much like a human appendix, dogs don’t really need anal glands. But, like our appendix, when things go wrong…watch out!!
Anal glands are scent glands located just inside Rover’s anus. Picture tiny balloons filled with perfume that would make a dead trout smell great, emptying into your dog’s butt just as he’s pooping. The perfume squirts, topping off the healthy poop. As every dog sniffs, they know that it’s your Rover who has been in the area, making his own special deposit.
What’s The Purpose?
It’s all about leaving your mark. Feral beasts mark their territory with anal gland secretions, letting others know they’re in the neighborhood. Hunting, mating and actual survival likely depend on letting the wild things know where you are.
It’s a sniff-fest gone crazy. Your dog and cat can identify strangers, friends, females in heat, etc. Let Lucky the Lab have a sniff, and he might be able to tell you who’s been on your grass without ever dialing a phone. Sheila the Shih Tzu never needs to click into social media; her nose knows all.
Anal Glands Gone Amok
- Impacted Glands
If the goo inside the gland become too thick, if the little anal duct opening is too small, or if unknown inflammation is present, impaction occurs. Result: Butt Rub Bossa Nova
Head to the vet and help your sorry little pet enjoy life again.
- Infections and Abscesses
Occasionally, anal glands become infected, leading to anal gland abscess or sacculitis.
No one’s sure why. Maybe chronic diarrhea, constipation or bacterial overgrowth inside that gland can cause an infection. Maybe all that rubbing or licking leads to abscess. The material in the gland becomes abnormal, often bloody. The abscess is usually easily treatable, although chronic problems and deep infections can rarely occur.
Some dogs don’t show symptoms of a gland problem at all until the gland abscesses. Don’t feel guilty Your vet may have to irrigate and/or infuse the gland, prescribe warm compresses, antibiotics and pain medication.
- Carcinoma or Cancer
Tumors can develop in anal glands. If caught early, the prognosis is fair. These dogs require surgery if it is feasible to remove the tumor.
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True or False?
- Only small dogs have anal glands.
FALSE! All dogs and cats have them. Not just little dogs. Repeat: ALL dogs and cats.
- Only small breed dogs have anal gland problems.
FALSE! Any dog can develop a problem, but small dogs do have more problems than larger breeds.
- Anal glands must be routinely emptied by a vet or a groomer.
FALSE! Anal gland emptying is associated with normal defecation.
- Anal glands empty only while a dog is pooping.
FALSE! Accidents happen and it won’t smell pretty. Cats can squirt windows and cat carriers. Dogs can squirt furniture and bedding and themselves! Check with your vet if your pet’s anal glands frequently misfire.
- If it smells horrible, it’s a sure sign of big trouble.
FALSE! I think we’ve made it clear. Simply put, any time and every time…PEE YEW!!!
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