How to Treat Your Dog’s Anal Gland Problem: Effective Home Treatments You Need to Know
Understanding Anal Glands in Dogs
Did you know that dogs have anal glands? These small sacks, located near your dog’s anus, serve for scent marking purposes. Each time your dog defecates, some fluid from these glands is expressed, giving their stool a unique scent. While they don’t seem to have a significant purpose, they can be a source of problems.
Signs of Anal Gland Problems
The most common sign of an anal gland issue is when your dog scoots, dragging its bum on the carpet. This behavior indicates that the glands are inflamed, irritated, or impacted. Other signs include excessive licking at the anus, a strong fishy smell, or visible swelling and redness. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to inspect your dog’s anal area for any abnormalities.
Natural Remedies for Anal Gland Issues
If your dog is experiencing blocked anal glands, there are several home remedies you can try:
- A hot compress with aloe vera and salt water can help loosen compacted material.
- For inflamed skin, consider using over-the-counter Preparation H, propolis spray, or CBD for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Regular exercise and increasing dietary fiber with ground flax or canned pumpkin can also aid in natural gland expression.
Expressing Anal Glands at Home
If your dog’s anal glands are impacted, you may need to express them manually. This process involves using gloves, lubrication, and a paper towel to catch the expelled fluid. Gently squeeze the gland with your thumb and forefinger to release the fluid. If the glands are too hard to express, it’s best to consult a veterinarian.
Dealing with Anal Gland Odor
To combat the fishy smell associated with anal gland issues, try a DIY doggy deodorizer. Mix warm water, apple cider vinegar, Castile soap, and lavender essential oil, and apply it to your dog’s rear area. This mixture can help kill bacteria and leave your dog smelling fresh.
Anal gland problems in dogs can be uncomfortable and smelly, but there are several natural remedies and preventative measures you can take at home. Regular exercise, a high-fiber diet, and proper hygiene can go a long way in keeping your dog’s anal glands healthy. If you’re ever in doubt, consult with your veterinarian for the best course of action.
Thanks
What is the ratio please to mix the water apple cider vinegar, lavender oil and Castile soap? Thank you so much
Here it is:
Warm water 1/2 cup
Apple Cider Vinegar 2 tsp
Castile soap 1 tsp
Lavender Oil 10 drops
Hello guys! Does anyone know if improper hygiene can cause this problem? My girl has been leaking the strong odour on the carpet…I take her swimming in the lake daily, which is why I wonder id the dirty water is causing it? I feed her high fiber already and home cooked meals. If anyone has any knowledge, please let me know. Thanks!
We do have a related article that can help:
Leaking urine (incontinence) is actually very common.
One of the ways that we are able to naturally help dogs is with the plant estrogens found in Flax…
It just so happens that Ultimate Canine contains Flax, so it may help.
Bladder Control
SIGNS
Your pet wakes up in the morning next to a puddle of urine. Your dog or cat may dribble urine when walking.
CAUSES
The most common occurrence is in middle-aged, spayed female dogs. They have lost a source of estrogen that is needed to maintain bladder control. Older dogs and cats are also prone to liver and kidney failure, which may show up as bladder incontinence.
The first thing to do is ascertain that it really is incontinence, and not a bladder infection or submissive urination. Incontinence is defined as involuntary urine leakage, and this often occurs at night when your dog is relaxed or sleeping.
Dogs with diabetes or kidney failure may drink excessively, and then be unable to go through the night without urinating in the house. The most common occurrence is in middle-aged spayed female dogs. They have lost a source of estrogen that is needed to maintain bladder control. Other less common causes include bladder infections, and spinal cord damage.
As there can be several causes, you should first visit your veterinarian to determine the most likely cause. They can perform a physical exam, a urinalysis to check for presence of infection, and blood work to check organ function. If it is determined that estrogen responsive incontinence is the likely diagnosis, then your veterinarian may suggest using estrogen medication.
SOLUTIONS
NIGHT WATER RESTRICTIONS. Only put down a small amount of water at night, but always allow free access to water for the rest of the day.
SUPPLEMENTS. Some glandular supplements can help your spayed female dog produce more natural estrogen. These are generally known as raw gland concentrates. One product available at health food stores is called Female Caps (Solaray). The dose is one-fourth capsule per ten pounds of body weight daily. This can be tried for thirty days to see if it will be effective.
PLANT ESTROGEN. Ground flax seed is a great source of plant estrogens–the dose is one teaspoon per cup of food daily.
Soy isoflavones are another good source of estrogen. These can be purchased as an extract under the brand name Genista. The dose is one-fourth capsule per ten pounds of body weight daily. Use for thirty days to see if they are effective
NERVY. Back injuries sometimes put pressure on the nerves that control the bladder. Hold your thumb and index finger and locate the dip between the vertebrae on either side of your pet’s backbone. Press straight down for two seconds then release. Start at the middle of the spine and go to the tail. This helps move the spine, keeping it flexible, and may release any excess pressure on the nerves.
ACUPRESSURE:
There are acupressure points that control the bladder as well as influencing the adrenal glands. BL1, located on the inside of the eye; BL13, BL14, and BL15, located along the spine at the level of the front shoulder; BL67, located on the outside of the lateral toe on the rear foot; SP6, located on the inside of the back leg above the hock; and SP10, located just above the knee. Put pressure on each of the points for one minute twice daily for two weeks. If this appears to be helping regain control, repeat the pressure once per week.
HERBAL:
Herbal therapy is aimed at replacing these with plant estrogens: oat straw and yams will help. One herbal formula includes oat straw, plantain, nettle, and horsetail. Dose:fifteen drops per twenty pounds of the tincture.
A NEW Natural Remedy:
Corn Silk
Some people use corn silk both as a supportive treatment and as a remedy. Corn silk contains mucilage which has a thick gel-like texture that coats the inside of the bladder. If your pet has a urinary tract infection, corn silk can help to sooth the irritation. It also functions as a mild diuretic. Corn silk also contains phytoestrogens which can help with spay incontinence. Purchase corn silk as a pill or powder for convenience, or you can use whole corn silks to make your own.
Dose 100mg/10lbs daily – it comes in 1200mg capsules.