The smelly truth about anal glands

Anal glands, also called anal sacs, are a set of glands that are under the skin near your dog’s anus. Glands are located around the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock position from the anus. They fill with a foul-smelling fluid which is normally expressed through a tiny duct when the animal defecates. A nervous dog may accidentally express these glands when frightened. Some people describe the smell of anal glands as having a fishy or musky odor.  Others just say it is the worst smell they have ever smelled.

If a dog does not naturally empty their anal glands when they defecate, the glands will fill with fluid. If the fluid does not escape from the gland normally, the glands may become impacted.  Impacted glands can be very uncomfortable for the animal and are often very itchy.  To relieve the itch, your dog may scoot on their rear end or lick the area for relief. In some cases, the overfilled glands become infected. This condition can be extremely painful to the dog and may require surgical or medical treatment.

Diagnosis of Anal Sac Disease

A veterinarian can diagnose most anal gland issues simply by examining the anal area.  Depending on their size, the glands may feel like a pea or an almond under the skin.  Your veterinarian will also look for signs of redness, pain, swelling, and the presence of pus, which would indicate an infection. 

Treatment of Anal Sac Disease

Expressing the anal glands is the term for the manual removal of secretions that have accumulated in the anal glands. This can be performed at the veterinary clinic or even at home by the pet owner. Groomers routinely express anal glands before bathing dogs.  

If the anal glands are infected or irritated, a veterinarian should perform the procedure. In severe cases, the veterinarian may have to insert a tube into the gland and flush with a special solution.   Antibiotics and pain medication are given to help stop the infection and numb the pain.

Surgical removal of the glands, called an anal sacculectomy, is sometimes performed in extreme cases where the animal has frequent anal gland issues or infections. This procedure can be difficult and there is a chance that the surrounding nerves could be damaged during the procedure, which can lead to fecal incontinence.  

Prevention

The best way to prevent anal gland issues is by frequent anal glands expressing.  The technique involves placing a paper towel over the anal area and gently pressing the gland forward while squeezing with the thumb and index finger. You can always ask your vet to show you how you can do it at home. Your vet may also recommend adding fiber to the dog's diet, which may help naturally express the anal gland and eliminate the fluid.