Canine Anal Glands and Sacs: Prevention

Prevention of Problems with Anal Glands Dog

An easy step to take is to improve the firmness of your dog's stools. Start with not giving your dog table scraps. These types of foods can cause the stool to be too soft. Also consider adding fiber to your dog's diet either through the commercial dog food you purchase or by adding a supplement to your dog's diet such as PetAlive Natural Moves which contains the fiber Psyllium nigrum.

You can also try adding a herbal supplement to your dog's diet which contain ingredients such as:

• Urtica urens for natural cleansing, (Obertreis, B., Giller, K., Teucher, T., Behnke, B., and Schmitz, H. “Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioica folia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid”. Arzneimittelforschung. 1996;46(1):52-56.)
• Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) herbal cleanser found all over the world. This herb will also act as an excellent skin cleanser and detoxifier and is perfect for use on the anal glands.
• Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) widely used as a gentle cleansing and soothing herb. (Maiche, A. G., Grohn, P., and Maki-Hokkonen, H. “Effect of chamomile cream and almond ointment on acute radiation skin reaction.” Acta Oncol 1991;30(3):395-396.)( Glowania, H. J., Raulin, C., and Swoboda, M. “Effect of chamomile on wound healing--a clinical double-blind study.” Z.Hautkr. 9-1-1987;62(17):1262, 1267-1271.)
• Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) will help to support the health of the skin around the anal glands.
• Silica (6C) Silica is a natural remedy excellent for supporting natural emptying of the anal sacs. Silica will also help to keep the anal ducts open.

One product which is made specifically for this purpose and is a good source for additional research is AnalGlandz. Of course consult your veterinarian to see if this approach would be of benefit to your dog.