If you’ve ever been around a beloved dog who happened to have an anal gland accident, you know the terrible feelings that follow—shock and shame from the dog, and likely a blend of disgust, humor, and the sinking knowledge that it’s your job to clean it up. Yuck!
The musky odors that can blast off from your precious friend’s rear end come from anal sacs, small pouches in both dogs and cats that store gland secretions in the sac lining. Two small ducts at the four and eight o’clock areas around the dog’s anus sometimes discharge these contents, and though the secretions may range from yellow to brown and oily to creamy, they pretty much always smell terrible.
Why do pets have anal glands?
Ironically, producing a distinctive smell is part of the anal gland’s reason for existing. It’s the reason dogs introduce themselves by sniffing one another’s hind quarters. These odors tell dogs lots of things about one another, such as what their mood is like, how healthy they are, and whether they are stressed.
Anal glands may also be a leftover evolutionary tactic, since animals may have sprayed secretions at offending parties just like skunks do today.
They really stink, though… Should I get it checked out?
Anal glands aren’t necessary any longer for defense or good health, but sometimes they can become infected or even ruptured. If your dog scoots across your favorite carpet, they may have an itchy rump, or they may be having an anal gland issue. If your dog spends an excessive amount of time licking her rump area, she may be sending a signal that the area is irritated and should be checked out at the pet clinic.
Your groomer can handle expelling anal glands, or you can learn to do it at home without too much trouble. (Hint: The video link is helpful, but not appetizing. Use tissues and wear gloves!)
What can I do to help anal glands be less messy?
Lots of people swear by adding fiber to a pet’s diet, and we have seen great results with patients at LazyPaw Animal Hospitals. We find that most dogs love pumpkin, which may sound seasonal, but is actually available in the canned vegetable aisle at most grocery stores. Stick with plain pumpkin, not the seasoned or sweetened stuff, and add a tablespoon to your pet’s food each day to help clear out anal glands naturally.