Every dog has anal glands. As the name suggests, these glands are located on the dog’s anus.
The secretion is the individual scent of each dog.
Many dogs have one during their lifetime Problems with the anal glands. In one dog, the anal glands are blocked, in the other dog, the anal gland secretion is leaking.
In this article you will learn everything about anal gland secretion in dogs.
Anal gland secretion from the dog leaks – what to do?
You can easily remove leaking anal gland secretion with a Cloth from your dog’s rear end.
However, you should always take your dog to the vet if the anal glands are leaking. The latter can then examine more closely what the Caused of expiration.
All dogs secrete anal glands when they defecate. This is a natural process and part of territory marking.
If the anal gland secretion leaks in dogs, this is usually a result of blocked anal glands. If the anal glands are clogged, the secretion can no longer function properly flow.
The secretion gets one tough consistency. Due to the thickening of the secretion, the anal glands no longer empty properly.
Often the anal gland secretion manually by the vet expressed. However, more secretion is produced as a result. In some cases, the secretion then runs out unhindered.
Inflammation of the intestine is also partly responsible for this. Depending on the cause, the gift of antibiotics to be necessary.
In many cases, however, a change in diet is sufficient. A good diet is also the best prophylaxisso that problems with the anal glands do not arise in the first place.
Recognize anal gland secretion: appearance and smell
The anal gland secretion is reminiscent of liquid and greasy feces. The smell of the secretion is particularly striking. After all, the scent of the secretion is that identification mark of the dog.
For us humans, on the other hand, the secretion smells very unpleasant. Finally he comes Odor not by chance if the glands are located in the anus.
As long as everything works smoothly with the anal glands, we humans don’t really know anything about their existence. The secretion it is only secreted during bowel movements.
Only when there is clogging, or leakage inflammation of the anal glands, we become aware of it.
How to remove the anal gland secretion and odor?
To remove the anal gland secretion, the anal glands can be expressed. However, this should always be done by one vet let be done.
If you put your hands on it, it can lead to inflammation. In addition, expressing for dogs is a painful process. With the wrong technique, this pain can be exacerbated.
If it ever happens that furniture, floors or the dog itself are smeared with anal gland secretion, a simple one will help cleaning. To neutralize the odor, some baking soda can be put on the affected area.
How often do you have to express a dog’s anal glands?
If the dog is healthy, the anal glands have to be clean at all not expressed become. They empty themselves when they have a bowel movement.
However, some dog breeds are prone to clogged anal glands. This means that they have anal glands expressed more often should be. Other dog breeds, on the other hand, have few problems with it.
Of clogged anal glands are especially those dog breeds Maltese, Spaniel, Beagle and Chihuahua affected.
If the anal glands are blocked, expressing the anal glands relief provide.
However, the anal glands should only be treated in the case of acute constipation. Because by expressing the production of the secretion increased.
Is the secretion still closed? toughit still cannot drain and the blockage persists.
Another consequence can be permanent leak of the anal gland secretion. The veterinarian can best weigh up whether and how often expressing is necessary.
What happens if the dog’s anal gland is not emptied?
If the dog’s anal gland is not emptied, it can constipation strengthen. This means the anal glands are thickening. Inflammation can also occur.
Many dogs also suffer from itching and irritation due to the blockage of the anal glands Pains.
If the anal glands are not treated, it can also lead to one chronic problem become. The anal glands can then become permanently clogged or simply leak.
How does a dog behave when the anal gland is full?
Dogs show some behaviorswhen the anal gland is full. He usually starts licking and nibbling his anus. He shows this behavior very intensely.
Because it is a sign that the anal glands itch and hurt. Otherwise one can recognize problems with the anal gland because these swollen are. The skin in this area is also often scaly.
Good to know
Many owners think that if the dog slides around on the buttocks, also called «sledding», this is a clear sign of a full anal gland. The anal glands can be massaged by sledding and actively emptied by the dog itself.
However, sledging is not always a clear indication of a blockage of the anal gland secretion.
In many cases, this simply means that the mucous membrane in this area is irritated and the dog suffers from itching as a result.
Prevent problems with the anal glands
It is best if the Nourishment of the dog is adjusted so that problems with the anal glands do not arise in the first place.
Is your dog’s feces over a long period of time too softlacks the pressure to empty the anal glands during bowel movements.
A firmer droppings can prevent diseases of the anal glands.
Conclusion
Problems with the anal gland are often very difficult for dogs unpleasant. The glands itch and hurt. In this case it can help to have the anal glands expressed by the vet.
It can happen that the anal glands a chronic dysfunction develop. In this course, they usually run out unhindered.
Appropriate nutrition so that the droppings are not too soft and hard preventive works.
Has your dog ever had problems with the anal glands? What behavior did he show? Write it in the comments!