Is your pet licking their butt, scooting across the floor, or straining to pass stool? These are just a few of the signs your pet should see Dr. Wagner at Animals R Special New Albany.
What are anal glands?
Anal glands are scent glands located around the anus which produce a smelly,oily secretion. Anal glands are used by your pet for marking and are expressed naturally as stool is passed.
Why are the anal glands causing a problem for my pet?
Problems occur when the anal glands get too full or impacted. If your pet cannot express the anal glands on a regular basis by the passing of stool, they can become swollen, irritated, and even infected. Some pets need help expressing the anal glands. Our staff here at Animals R Special can help by manually expressing them in a quick office procedure. This will help relieve the irritation and prevent infection. Pets that are having anal gland problems often need them manually expressed every 4-8 weeks.
What can I do to help? Anal glands are complicated, and there is no easy fix. Here are things you could try at home to go longer in between visits:
Add canned pumpkin to your pets food twice daily.
Adding canned pumpkin to your pet’s diet will increase their fiber intake, which helps firm the stool to make naturally expressing anal glands easier. This method can help go longer in between visits but often does not relieve the problem entirely.
Change your pet’s diet all together.
Changing your pet’s diet is a big deal and you should consult with Dr.Wagner to ensure an easy transition. Some experts believe anal gland problems can be due to underlying allergies. There are many diets available to fit your pet’s needs. For more information on pet allergies, visit this link.
Anal Gland Removal
We do not take the decision to perform any surgical procedure lightly, but some pets with SEVERE anal gland problems may have the glands removed. Because this procedure is performed by a board certified specialist, a consultation with Dr.Wagner is a must.