All dogs have 2 oval shaped anal sacs or anal glands just inside their anus at the 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions. The inner lining of the sacs produce fluid that is very odorous, somewhat of a metallic and fish smell combined into one. The fluid is released by an opening located close to the opening of the anus. Male and female dogs both have anal sacs. Wild animals can voluntarily express the discharge of the anal sacs as a way to mark their territory or a form of self defense. The anal sacs do not any purpose in the domestic dog and they have lost the ability to voluntarily express them. Instead domesticated dogs will express their anal sacs as feces moves out of the anus or when they are very scare/nervous.
About 15% of dogs are unable to successful express their anal sacs when defecating. If the opening or the ducts of the anal sac are inflamed or obstructed it can cause an impaction or blockage. This can be irritating and uncomfortable. If an anal sac is left impacted it can form an infection or abscess. If the infection is not caught right away it is common that they will rupture out of the skin next to the anus.
What are signs of an anal sac problem?
Scooting of the rear end
Licking of the anus
Straining to defecate
A red swelling next to the anus
Blood or pus on the stool
Factors that can contribute to an anal sac issue:
Chronic loose or soft stool
Genetics
Allergies, either food or environmental
Obesity
What happens if my dog has an anal sac issue?
They should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will perform a rectal exam and try to express the discharge in the sacs. If there is an infection present antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be needed. In some cases flushing the anal sacs and infusions of the anal sac with antibiotic ointment is needed. If the anal sacs are painful, sedation may be required to successfully identify and treat the anal sac infection. If your dog has chronic issues with their anal sacs, surgical removal of the sacs may be necessary.
How can I help my dog have healthy anal sacs?
Feed a healthy diet to encourage good stool quality
Treat any underlying allergies
Feed them fiber, supplements such as Glandex can be helpful
Some dogs need their sacs to be manual expressed. This must be done with caution as expressing them too frequently can contribute to inflammation and cause more issues. If your pet does not have any issues with their anal sacs, it is not recommended to have them expressed. Owners can be shown how to express anal sacs externally but again this is not recommended as the sacs cannot completely be emptied without inserting a finger into the rectum. If there is an issue with the anal sacs a veterinarian or veterinary technician should be the one to perform the expression to ensure there are no issues with them.
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