Dog Anal Glands Symptoms & Treatment

Symptoms

The anal glands dog can cause discomfort for your dog. A well known symptom among owners is when your dog scoots across the floor in its anus in an attempt to get some relief.

Other symptoms which indicate that infection may have set in include a foul smell, and any liquid that does come out has a blackish or yellow color. You can feel the glands from outside the body and determine is they are swollen. You may also be able to see that the skin has an unusual color.

Treatment

The first treatment step is to help your dog empty the glands by following these steps. If you are uncomfortable, ask your veterinarian for instructions and then you can do it yourself the next time. We suggest performing the procedure in the bathtub and then giving your dog a bath.

1. Life your dog's tail with one hand.
2. Using the other hand, take your thumb and forefinger and apply light pressure the the inside of the gland, pushing out. You might want to hold a tissue or towel at the same time to catch the liquid.
3. Liquid should come out of the gland. If it doesn't wait a few minutes and try again. If it doesn't come out, see your veterinarian. When the liquid doesn't train it could thicken. For infection, your veterinarian will apply an antibiotic ointment.
   

For tougher cases, your veterinarian may need to use a lance to create an opening.

Next: Preventation of Problem