Health

Dogs

Anal gland problems

Dogs have two small scent glands on either side of the bottom that normally empty when they pass stools. If they do not empty properly they can become blocked, infected or form a painful abscess. Scooting along the floor is the classic sign.

What you might notice

• Scooting (dragging the bottom along the floor).
• Licking or nibbling the bottom.
• A strong fishy smell.
• Pain or straining when passing stools.
• Swelling, redness or discharge next to the anus.

Common causes

• Soft stools or diarrhoea that do not press the glands empty.
• Being overweight.
• Skin allergies.
• Narrow gland openings, more common in small breeds.

What you can do at home

• Keep your dog at a healthy weight.
• Ask your vet about adding fibre to firm up stools.
• Note how often your dog scoots and tell your vet.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Scooting or licking the bottom.
• A fishy smell or discharge.
• Problems that keep coming back.

Don't

• Do not try to squeeze the glands yourself unless your vet has shown you how.
• Do not have the glands emptied routinely when there is no problem.
• Do not ignore scooting; it can also be caused by worms or skin problems.

Prevention

• Feed a diet that produces firm stools, with fibre if your vet advises.
• Keep your dog lean.
• Treat underlying allergies or diarrhoea.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.