Is that An Odor Coming from Your Dog's Anus? Treatment Tips.

By Cathy Doggins

Does your dog scoot across the floor? While some blame worms, the real cause is the anal sacs. The gland contains a smelly liquid that dogs use to identify each other. Dogs use the odor as an identifier when sniffing the anus of another canine. Signs of anal gland problems include odor, anus licking and scooting.

Anal Gland Anatomy

The anal sacs are on the sides of the anus between the interior and exterior sphincter muscles. The sphincter holds feces inside the dog until it is released. When feces pass through the anus, the sphincter muscle empties the anal sacs, causing the oily liquid to drain.

Anal Gland Conditions and Diseases

Anal glands can be as small as a pea or larger in bigger breeds. Problems occur when the oily liquid does not empty from the glands. When the glands fail to empty, the liquid contents can thicken. This makes it tough for the liquid to empty and may end up causing anal gland symptoms. Swelling glands are uncomfortable for the dog. Many dogs suffer from anal gland infections, a condition that requires antibiotics and a veterinarian to drain the glands. One sign of infection is unusually bad odor.

In some instances, problems like a tumorous growth may result in a blockage. Tumors affect one of the glands. If the growth is metastatic, it can move to nearby lymph nodes, the liver and lungs. If a neoplasm is causing impaction, see a veterinarian as soon as possible. The typical prognosis for an anal sac tumor is 544 days.Prevention

Dog owners can prevent anal sac problems by taking note of and acting on any early symptoms. Dogs that are suffering from anal gland issues will slide across the floor on the anus or lick the rear end. The strong odor is also a sign that an issue requires attention.

Treatment

Anal sacs in a healthy dog will empty naturally as a byproduct of the defecation process. In dogs prone to anal sac impaction, owners can be trained to empty the glands through palpitation. Groomers or a vet can express the glands during an office visit. Dogs with frequent issues have the anal glands surgically removed.

About the Author:

Ms. Doggins is the publisher of many articles on anal gland impaction and training. She enjoys instructing owners about canine health in order to help avoid disease and prevent behavior problems. When not coaching dog owners, she can be discovered caring for her very own pets, or as a volunteer at a nearby shelter.