Like all canine predators, your dog has anal glands. They produce a fragrance that territory marking serves.
As long as the anal glands don’t cause any problems, they don’t even attract attention. It is only when inflammation or blockages occur that severe pain develops in the area.
Here you will find information about diseases of the anal glands in dogs and their symptoms.
Symptoms in dogs with problems with the anal glands: what are the typical signs?
The anal glands lie 2 to 4 millimeters under the skin in the anal sacs.
It comes to inflammation or constipationthen symptoms such as pain, problems with defecation as well as licking and scratching at the anus region can occur.
Problems with the anal glands also show the following signs: nibbling on the rod, «sledding» on the ground, swelling and redness, allergic reactions to the skin and mucous membranes.
Pain, itching and gnawing on the tail
If the anal glands in the dog are blocked, then this is usually the case pain and itching tied together. The itching is caused by the bulging anal sacs.
The result is often inflammation, which then causes severe pain.
Biting the tail also indicates a problem with the anal glands. The triggers here are also itching and pain.
Licking and scratching at the anal region, swelling and redness
The obstruction of the anal glands causes irritation and swelling. If inflammation occurs, then the area around the anal area is around flushed.
The swelling of the anal glands also causes your four-legged friend to feel uncomfortable.
The tight skin is extremely itchy. The result: the dog licks and scratches a lot and extensively in this area.
problems with defecation
The swelling of the anal glands in dogs leads to other symptoms. Because it narrows the anal passage of your four-legged friend.
It’s harder for him to get the feces through the constriction to drop off The constipation causes additional abdominal pain.
Sledding on the ground
The popular belief is that when there are problems with the anal glands in dogs, one of the symptoms is what is known as sledding.
It is said to be the decisive factor in the anal glands signs to be a problem. But this is not the case.
When constipation comes with inflammation, your dog’s buttocks are so painful that he’s more likely to impede will sit on his bottom.
Dogs are more likely to slide their butts across the floor when excited or excited acid load the mucous membrane of the anus is present.
It causes such severe itching that your furry friend tries to relieve it by slipping.
Allergic reactions on the skin or mucous membranes
By the non-draining of the anal glands, an allergic reaction of the skin or mucous membrane can occur.
This allergy with swellings and pustules is also a sign of a problem with the anal glands.
As you can see, problems with the dog’s anal glands can manifest themselves through a variety of symptoms.
It is important for you to recognize these pathological changes in the anal glands and to act accordingly.
When you should go to the vet for anal gland problems and what treatment options are available
First she has to Caused of the dog’s anal gland problems are treated. For example, it should be clarified why the anal glands are blocked.
This is followed by the treatment of the unpleasant symptoms.
Drain anal glands
The anal glands in dogs are greatly enlarged when they are constipated. If the symptoms mentioned are added, they must be emptied professionally.
This should definitely be done by the vet. He is using a targeted massage manually empty the clogged cavities.
If an anal gland blockage is not treated in time, it can lead to an anal gland abscess. This needs to be treated by a vet.
Anti-inflammatory solution and antibiotics
If the inflammation is very pronounced, then further measures are necessary.
In this case, the rectum of the four-legged friend is rinsed with an anti-inflammatory solution. The aim is to completely remove all germs and pathogens.
The entire anal area will hygienic clean made.
If your dog seems very upset in general, then there may be a suspicion that the inflammation has spread throughout the body.
Then it is necessary to use an antibiotic.
expressing anal glands themselves
It can happen that the anal glands of your four-legged friend have to be emptied manually.
You can learn to do this yourself – but not without one exact Instructions by your vet.
Especially if you empty the anal glands yourself, hygiene and thorough cleaning of the area around the anal glands are urgently required.
Important
Let the vet show you exactly how to empty the anal glands. And always wear disposable gloves to keep conditions as hygienic as possible.
Remove anal glands
If your dog repeatedly has anal gland blockages with severe symptoms, then the anal glands can be removed from your furry friend.
This is a surgical interventionwhich is performed under general anesthesia.
This surgery can make your loved one’s life easier. The vet will give you detailed advice on this.
Has your four-legged friend ever had problems with his anal glands? How did you help him in the situation? Do you have any suggestions on how to get rid of the constipation prevent can?
Leave us your experiences and tips in the comments.