Impacted Anal Glands and Flatulence

Is your dog scooting, licking her bum, or have you noticed a “fishy smell”? If you dog has exhibited any of these symptoms, your dog may be experiencing problems with her anal glands. Anal glands are two small glands located just inside your pet’s anus. The material secreted into these glands is thick, oily, and stinky. Normal defecation often serves to empty these glands. However, if an animal is unable to empty the gland, the gland becomes impacted and uncomfortable. Both dogs and cats can suffer from impacted anal glands.

Does your dog suffer from flatulence? Flatulence is a normal biologic function. There are some easy changes that can be made to help decrease the amount of flatulence that your dog experiences.

Quick Tips:

• Feed smaller amounts several times throughout the day instead of one large meal.
• Feed a mixture of dry and canned foods.
• Discourage rapid eating by using an over turned small bowl inside the pet’s regular food bowl.
• Avoid soy and peas in the diet.
• Avoid lactose.
• Avoid fresh or dried fruit.
• If possible, walk your dog within 30 minutes of eating so as to encourage passing gases outside.
• Avoid canned foods containing the texturing ingredient carrageenan.

If you think your dog is uncomfortable, or suffering from an abnormal amount of flatulence, please make an appointment with one of our veterinarians.