F.A.Q Puppies & Dogs

My dog seems to have a problem with his anal glands. He is constantly licking around that area and there is quite a strong smell. Is this normal?

Anal sac disease is very common in dogs. The anal sacs are on either side of a dog's rectum and each one is filled with a 'sticky' fluid that smells rather unpleasant! The duct from this gland empties into the anus so that the faeces are covered with some of the secretion, acting as a scent marker. Sometimes the duct gets blocked, the secretions build up and the duct becomes infected.

Anal gland secretions are very individual and can provide information about age, sex and identity. It is thought that the secretions are important for individual recognition and territorial marking. Studies in wolf packs have shown that the secretion of anal glands is 'voluntary', and the top wolf of the pack has the highest rate of secretion, and the rate increases when a new wolf is introduced into the pack. Anal glands have no real function in the domestic dog, although they are often emptied when the dog is frightened. Emptying the sacs usually happens when the dog goes to the toilet, as this has a 'squeezing' effect on the sacs.

Therefore, factors such as the sex of the dog, their position in the hierarchy, their sexual hormones and cycle together with just sheer 'individualism' will affect the amount of anal gland secretions.

There are two major problems seen with anal glands. These are a blockage of the anal glands and infections. Uncomplicated blockages can be treated by the vet emptying the anal glands, and through bulking up the faeces with fibre or by altering your dog's diet so it has a higher fibre content.

Severe anal gland infections often need quite a long course of antibiotics, either by mouth or infused into the glands themselves. Surgery to remove them is used in recurrent and problem cases.