|
|
A real pain in the butt!
Yeah, you are right I am referring to the annoying anatomical bits called anal glands. They are scent glands and, when all is working correctly, they are naturally expressed each time the dog poops. This way dogs leave "smell signals" for dogs passing by their poop. It is one of their dog - to - dog communication tools.
So how do they become a problem?
Anal glands become impacted when the secretions dry out. Once impacted they are more likely to become infected. Infected glands are often seen as a painful, red swelling next to the anus and the dog seems to be very uncomfortable. These abscesses often burst through the skin requiring a trip to your friendly vet.
Some factors increase your dog's chances of anal gland problems:
1. Food reactions
2. Allergies
3. Being overweight or obese
4. In-activity
5 Chronic gastrointestinal problems
6. Regular "routine" anal gland expression - my pet hate!
There are a number of signs indicating to you that your dog might have anal gland issues:
1. Butt dragging.
2. Constant licking under the tail.
3. Difficulty/pain in pooping.
4. Swelling/blood under the tail.
So how do we fix this?
Definitely not by getting your vet to squeeze them ad nauseam.
1. A more suitable diet might just be what you need.
2. Weight loss.
3. Regular brisk walks outside of the property might prompt your pet to poop and post some news at the same time.
4. Address the dog's itchy skin as a whole.
Lastly, I would like to urge you not to have glands squeezed routinely at parlours or vets. You're right - I do hate it - BUT repeated squeezing leads to inflammation and bruising that creates scar tissue and narrowing of the already thin anal gland duct. Should your pet's anal gland problems not resolve with these suggestions, they might need removal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|