How to Treat Dog With Anal Gland Problems

Help Them Stay Comfortable

When Scruffy scoots his bottom on the carpet, it isn't because he is performing a trick. He is more likely than not trying to relieve an uncomfortably full anal sac. These sacs normally empty and refill each day, but it is not uncommon for either dogs or cats to have an issue with these small glands at least once in their lives. Some pets may have this problem often. Most times they can be treated with home remedies. Watch for signs of a problem like scooting, excessive licking, or a swollen and inflamed anal area.

Things You'll Need

• High quality pet food
• Vegetables
• Epsom salt
• Silica

Instructions

1. 

   Try a new diet. High quality food is the best gift you can give to your pet. Choose one that has at least two meat sources listed among the first three ingredients. Add fiber to your pet's diet as well. Some pet food products contain vegetables, or you can add fresh vegetables yourself. The fiber will absorb water in the intestines to create larger stools that exert more pressure on the glands. Broccoli and carrots are the most popular. Avoid onions.

2. Give them a soak. Use either a sitz bath or compress. If your dog or cat will tolerate sitting in a warm "sitz bath" for ten minutes once or twice a day, this might be the best treatment. Use a two to one ratio of warm water to Epsom salts (about one cup of salts to two gallons of water). For the compress, hold a warm cloth soaked in the same Epsom salt solution to the animal's anal area for ten minutes; having the animal sit on the compress is another alternative. You can also try placing your hand over your pet's rear and gently rocking it back and forth. This will often assist them in draining.

3. Exercise your pet. Regular exercise strengthens abdominal and rectal muscles which can put more pressure on the sacs so they drain.

4. Soothe with silica, a common natural remedy. For some pets, this is all you will need. Give them 2-3 drops or 3-5 pellets twice a day for three days.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution! Blocked anal glands can sometimes be serious because they can get infected. Inflammation from infection can create impaction and painful abscesses. See your veterinarian for extreme symptoms--your pet may need antibiotics or a temporary drain after manual cleansing of the sacs.