Anal Glands

[evybear15]

I've had our vet look to see if there are any obvious problems like an impacted gland. I've checked for redness and signs of irritation. I can't find anything.

However, every few weeks or so, Baxter seems to have an issue where his anal glands leak. He could be laying down and snoozing, or just sitting and relaxing. Out of nowhere, he'll whip his head around and start licking - and that's when I notice the small spot of liquid by his bum. And let me tell you, it smells terrible. He tries to lick it up, and then his BREATH smells terrible.

Does anyone else have this happen with their dog? Is there something specific that I should have him checked for? I'm a bit stumped on this one.

[1sttimeforgsd]

I think that I saw on here the other day that if their stools are not solid enough it does not help them to express their glands when they potty. Foods that form a firmer stool help the anal glands to express themselves, whereas a stool that is loose does not do the job so well. If I am mistaken on this maybe someone will let us know.

[evybear15]

I think I've read that as well. But Baxter's stools are firm, which is why I'm still confused. It doesn't seem to really bother him much, I just can't understand what's causing it...

[Harley's Mom]

I realize this thread is months old but I'm having the same issue with my 1 yr old part GSD/part Bernese Mtn Dog, Harley. He surprised me last evening with anal gland leakage while he was sleeping in his crate. The stench was unbelievable and it took over 5 hours before the smell dissipated. Harley had been out to the yard about an hour or so before it happened and all of his stools were fine. There were no signs or advance warning. This only happened the one time - he was fine for the balance of the evening and the entire night and so far, today, he seems fine as well with 2 stools so far and they have been healthy and fine.

I'm a former Bernese Mountain Dog owner and never had this issue with my Berner so having a GSD mix in Harley and this anal gland leakage problem is very new and somewhat stressful to me. Is this going to be an ongoing thing or does it just happen sporadically and mend itself? He does not appear to be in any pain/discomfort, he's eating fine, playing fine and sleeping fine.

Thanks for any advice.....

[Sasha86]

I've tried expelling her anal glands but she gets very mouthy and doesn't let me near her butt. I hope she is not in pain. I've looked at YouTube videos but still no help, any suggestions?


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[markkedd]

I think she is not feeling well.She feel pain when you try to check and might be some serious cause.I had experienced the similar situation and my baby was in real trouble at that time.Due to better treatment and extra care she get recovered after few days.

[ponyfarm]

Same issue with one of my dogs. Luckily , I have a friend who is a vet and will express them frequently for me. You may just need to stop at the vet every so often and have the glands expressed..sort of like a maintenance procedure.

[Heidigsd]

Nikki has issues with her anal glands too We just get them emptied whenever she is showing symptoms. Here is a good article: Dermatology for Animals

Michaela

[Blanketback]

I changed my puppy's food to Acana lamb & apple, which has more fiber than the other kibble I was feeding. I searched this site, and several threads said this food made the stool very hard. I also add pumpkin and coconut oil. His stools were never loose, but they're firmer now. My puppy's anal problems could have been caused by a seasonal allergy, or maybe the previous kibble didn't agree with him. I don't know for certain, but when I saw my "regular" vet this week and I mentioned that the glands had been expressed 5 times last fall, he was concerned - he told me that the glands themselves will thicken if they're manually expressed too often.