Impact of Diet on Your Dog’s Anal Glands

Dogs may exhibit odd behaviors like dragging their bottoms or sniffing other dogs’ behinds, which can be linked to their anal glands, a common concern for pet parents.

Understanding what anal glands are and how a dog’s diet can affect blockages is crucial for preventing issues and ensuring your dog’s well-being.

What do my canine’s anal glands do?

Your dog’s anal glands consist of two small sacs positioned on each side of the anus. Typically, a dog naturally releases these glands when they defecate or sometimes, they do so involuntarily when feeling stressed or fearful.

By expressing their anal glands, a dog can mark its territory by leaving a distinctive (often unpleasant) scent behind — usually around their territory to assert dominance over neighboring dogs. This behavior explains why dogs sniff each other’s hind ends while out and about, as it allows them to gather information about the other dog’s hormonal balance and overall health. Surprisingly fascinating, right? ¹

How can I determine if my dog’s anal glands are obstructed?

A dog that is healthy may never face significant issues and will naturally express their glands. However, if the anal glands do not empty properly, they can become swollen and blocked, leading to potential infections or abscesses. This condition is known as anal succulitis or anal gland impaction.

If your dog’s anal glands are blocked, they may exhibit the following symptoms, indicating the need for manual expression:

What steps to take if your dog’s anal glands are blocked

In case the symptoms continue, it is advisable to promptly seek veterinary attention to prevent gland infections and abscesses. Regular manual expression may be required to prevent reoccurrence.

Why do dogs experience impacted anal glands?

There are various factors that can lead to your dog’s anal glands becoming impacted. Here are some typical causes:

Impacted anal glands may result from a mix of factors, so identifying the root cause is crucial in preventing future occurrences.

Can diet contribute to anal gland problems?

According to Laura Ward, a nutritionist at Best Dog Foodz, diet can indirectly impact anal gland issues. Factors like weight and digestive health play a role in the development of these problems.

Ward explains that overweight dogs are more susceptible to anal gland issues due to excess fat deposits and weakened muscles around the anal area. Maintaining a healthy weight for your dog is crucial in preventing anal gland problems.

While diet alone may not directly cause anal gland issues, dogs that experience diarrhea or constipation may struggle with proper anal gland emptying. This can lead to reduced pressure on the anal sacs, inhibiting natural expression.

If your dog’s current diet is not optimal for their digestion, Ward suggests making dietary adjustments such as choosing a more suitable diet or increasing fiber intake to help mitigate the risk of anal gland problems.

Dietary Fiber

Enhancing the amount of fiber in your pet’s diet can lead to larger stools, increasing pressure on the anal glands for natural expression.

Typically, a well-rounded dog food will have a sufficient fiber content, but you can choose a specially formulated high-fiber option if needed.

Since fiber is exclusively present in plant cell walls and not in animal cells like meat, it can be sourced from vegetables and grains.

Boosting fiber intake could also aid in weight management for overweight dogs, promoting a quicker and prolonged feeling of fullness.

Fats

Omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate discomfort and swelling from inflamed anal sacs.

Fish oils, abundant in omega 3’s, can help in stool lubrication, shielding sensitive rectal structures from harm caused by firm stools, and potentially averting constipation.

If you perceive a lack of omega 3’s in your dog’s diet, consider including a veterinary fish oil supplement or opting for a high-fiber diet containing fish oil. Consulting your vet before adding supplements is advisable to ensure compatibility with their current diet.²

Nutritious Options for Reducing Inflammation

Opting for a diet abundant in potent anti-inflammatory components such as omega essential fatty acids, ginger, spirulina, and turmeric can help reduce swelling and proactively prevent inflammation.

If needed, you can also explore supplement alternatives, with your veterinarian offering guidance on selecting the most suitable option for your dog’s specific needs.

Keeping your Dog Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for your dog’s digestive health and can prevent issues like constipation and anal gland problems. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times or consider using a water fountain to encourage drinking.

While anal gland problems can have various causes, maintaining your dog’s healthy weight through exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of blockages.

While diet plays a role in managing anal gland issues, it is not the only factor. If your dog experiences severe impactions or infections, surgical intervention may be necessary. Consult your vet for the best course of action.