Just as humans shake hands when they meet, dog’s sniff each others bottoms. Every dog has a unique scent, and their sniffing is a way of saying “Hello! Who are you?”
Your dog’s scent originates in the anal sacs-two storage areas on either side of the anus that contain an odoriferous fluid. When dogs have a bowel movement, some of the fluid is released. This allows them to mark their territory and introduce themselves to other dogs. It also lets them know who else has been paying a visit to their neighborhood.
The sacs normally empty without trouble. But sometimes the fluid backs up-and the sacs become impacted. The main reason for this, particularly in smaller dogs, is that the openings leading from the sacs are too small for the fluid to drain easily. Sometimes, the stools aren’t firm enough to exert the necessary pressure on the sacs, or the fluid inside the sacs becomes too thick to get out. Regardless of the cause, the accumulating fluid causes the sacs to swell and become inflamed, making them itchy and uncomfortable. Blocked anal sacs can also get infected.
Dogs with blocked anal sacs often get temporary relief by licking the area. They will also try to ease their discomfort by scooting across the floor, giving their bottoms a little scratch.
Giving Relief
Blocked anal sacs certainly aren’t pleasant, but their rarely serious. And most of the time, their easy to treat. Removing the fluid from the sacs-a procedure called expressing-will relieve uncomfortable pressure. Most owners take their dogs to the vet or groomer to have it done. But it’s not difficult to do at home.
- Expressing the sacs takes a little bit of time, so you need to find a comfortable place to work. I normally do it when my dog is in the bathtub or I will do it outside in my backyard. This way the mess can easily be cleaned and the dog sponged off or bathed afterward. Otherwise, you can just put some newspapers on the floor.
- To keep your hands clean, I like to wear disposable latex gloves. You can lubricate the fingers of the gloves with petroleum or K-Y jelly. If your not doing it in the bathtub or outside, you may want to hold a tissue, washcloth, or wad of cotton to catch the fluid that comes out of the sacs.
- Recruit someone to gently restrain your dog, with one arm around his neck and the other around his abdomen. Dog’s don’t enjoy having their bottoms messed with, and your going to need some help holding him still.
- The anal sacs are located at the four and eight o’clock positions around the anus. When the are impacted you can actually feel them because they protrude. Press the skin with your fingers behind the sac and gently squeeze or ” milk it”. In most cases, the secretions inside will come right out. You can express one sac at a time or you can do both together. Just be sure to use a light touch. Pressing too hard can damage the sac, causing bleeding or other serious problems.
- Beware! The fluid can squirt everywhere! I have actually had it squirt in my hair and on my clothes! YUCK!
Preventing Problems
Lots of dogs will have anal sac trouble at least once in their lives, and for some it can be an ongoing problem. Even though it’s rarely serious, dogs do get uncomfortable-and the condition is not a lot of fun to treat. To prevent the sacs from becoming blocked in the future, here is some advice.
Scrap the table scraps
It’s hard to say no when your canine disposal unit is nosing around the dinner table for a handout, but giving dog’s table scraps can cause loose stools, which aren’t firm enough to help the anal sacs empty naturally.
Clear the way
For long haired dog’s especially, stools can get trapped in the hairs around the anus, especially with smaller breeds of dogs. This can irritate the anal area, leading to blocked anal sacs later on. Trimming the hair around your dogs bottom will keep the area cleaner, so he’s less likely to have problems. Moisten a warm washcloth and clean the anus if your dog tends top get poop stuck on his rear end.
If the anal sacs do become infected, there will be a nasty odor (fishy) coming from his behind and your dog will be quite irritable. Some dog’s will even snap at their owners because it can be quite painful for your pooch. If you suspect they may be infected, take your dog to the vet. Sometimes they will even need to administer antibiotics if the infection is severe.
Pets-Part of the Family
