The Link Between Dog Food and Anal Gland Health

Anal glands, or anal sacs, are two small glands located near a dog’s anus. These glands release a distinct-smelling fluid used for marking territory. When functioning properly, they empty naturally during bowel movements. However, when issues arise, these glands can become impacted, infected, or abscessed, leading to discomfort and other complications.

Symptoms of Anal Gland in Dogs

1. Redness or swelling around the anus: When the anal glands are inflamed, the tissue around the anus may become red and swollen.
2. Difficulty in defecation or constipation: Anal Gland Issues may cause your dog to have difficulty in defecation or even constipation.
3. Anal odor: A buildup of anal gland secretions triggers a bacterial infection that can cause the anal area to emit an odor.
4. Pain or discomfort: Dogs may show signs of pain, such as lifting their legs, bending over or avoiding movement, or they may choose to lie down in a particular position to alleviate the discomfort.
5. Licking or biting the anus: Discomfort around the anus may cause the dog to lick or bite the anus frequently.
6. Rubbing buttocks: Dogs may rub their buttocks on the floor to relieve itching from clogged or inflamed anal glands.
7. Abnormal Anal Gland Discharge: In Anal Gland Issues, the discharge may become thick, discolored (e.g., changing from normal yellow to gray or brown), and difficult to expel.
8. Swollen and protruding anal glands: In severe cases, the anal glands swell and protrude above the surrounding skin and are hard to the touch, which may affect the dog's unnatural hind limb swing.
9. Septic infection: In advanced cases of septic infection, the entire anus is turned out, followed by neurological signs, flaccidity, paralysis, or paralysis of the two hind limbs, and dragging of the two hind limbs when walking.
10. Rupture of the anal glands: In severe cases, the anal glands may rupture and discharge a large amount of yellowish thin secretion mixed with pus.

Can Food Cause Anal Gland Issues in Dogs?

Yes, food can cause anal gland problems in dogs. Here are the specific analysis.

I. High protein, high fat food

Long-term feeding of high-protein, high-fat food (such as milk, eggs, meat, animal offal, etc.), the lack of vegetables and other easily digestible and fiber-rich food, it will lead to excessive secretion of the glands, the old accumulation will turn into a black or coffee-colored liquid or mud. When the opening of the anus occurs obstruction or excessive secretion of glands prone to bacterial infection, triggering inflammation, redness, swelling, filling, itching (often rubbing the anus on the ground or licking the anus area), and even broken and erosion.

II. lack of fiber or high salt food

Dogs whose diet lacks fiber or contains too much fat and salt may affect intestinal health, which in turn affects the normal excretory function of the anal glands and increases the risk of anal gland inflammation.

III. Greasy food

Dogs often eat some greasy things, the chance of Anal Gland Issues will be higher.

• Food allergy

Some dogs may be allergic to certain foods, such as grains, fish, shellfish, etc. The intake of these foods may cause swelling around the anus, thus affecting the anal glands.

V. Soft stool or dilution related food

When a dog has soft stools and prolonged diarrhea due to food or other reasons, it is unable to actively discharge the secretions in the anal glands, which may trigger anal gland problems.

How to Treat Anal Gland Issues in Dogs?

The main treatments for Anal Gland Issues in dogs include the following.

• Flushing treatment

For mild cases, squeeze out the contents of the anal glands and inject liquid antibiotic preparations into the glands for repeated flushing. Some topical ointment can be applied to the redness and swelling outside the anus, and the dog should avoid rubbing or licking the anus during the application of the ointment.

• Surgery

In cases where abscesses have developed, the anal sacs need to be incised and drained, and the dog should be treated with antibiotics throughout the body. If the condition recurs and regular flushing and antibiotic treatment is not effective, the anal sacs will need to be surgically removed.

• Anti-inflammatory and pain relief

For severely infected dogs, systemic antibiotics such as cephalosporin, Baylisil, tylosin, etc. should be used. Apply topical antibiotic ointment such as Mupirocin ointment, muscle sore ointment such as Jingwanhong ointment, Bailing Jinfang, etc. Oral painkillers, such as Bianco, Povidone, etc., but painkillers have side effects on the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, and are not recommended to be used if not necessary.

• Physiotherapy

Warm compresses can be applied to the anal gland area to promote local blood circulation and inflammation absorption.

• Daily care

Keep the area around the anus clean, use a cotton swab dipped in a pet-specific care gel to apply to the perianal area after each bath. After defecation, if you find the buttocks stained with poo, clean it locally. In summer, if the coat on the buttocks is particularly thick and dense, cut it short as appropriate, but do not shave it to avoid increasing the risk of skin cancer.

• Dietary adjustments

Increase the fiber content of your diet, such as feeding sweet potatoes, pumpkin and vegetables, or choose dog food that is easily digestible and contains a lot of crude fiber to make your dog's stools bigger and firmer, and to better squeeze the anal glands during defecation to promote the elimination of anal gland fluid.

Also Read: How to Cook Sweet Potatoes for Dogs

• Increase Exercise

Take your dog for more exercise training to ensure the anal gland fluid can be discharged from the body to avoid blockage and inflammation.

What to Give Dog with Anal Gland Issues?

Dietary modifications for Anal Gland Issues in dogs are primarily aimed at improving the health of the anal glands and reducing the incidence of Anal Gland Issues. Here are some suggestions.

• High-fiber foods

Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet can help your dog to have bowel movements, which will reduce the overproduction of anal glands. For example, you can feed your dog some vegetables (e.g. carrots, broccoli, celery, etc.), fruits (e.g. bananas, etc.) or add some fiber supplements.

• Easy-to-digest food

Avoid giving your dog spicy, greasy, and hard-to-digest foods that may irritate the anal glands or cause constipation, which can aggravate the symptoms of Anal Gland Issues.

• Avoid allergy foods

If you suspect that your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, you need to identify the possible allergens and avoid them. For example, some dogs may be sensitive to egg whites, so try replacing them with other protein sources.

• Stay hydrated

Ensure your dog has enough water to maintain a water balance in the body, which helps to maintain normal bowel function and anal gland health.

• Probiotic and Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Psyllium Husk: A natural fiber that can be mixed into food.
Canned Pumpkin: A simple, effective way to boost fiber intake.

On the advice of your veterinarian, consider adding probiotic and digestive enzyme supplements to your dog's diet to improve intestinal flora and enhance digestive function, which will indirectly improve anal gland health.

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• Natural supplements

Some supplements with all-natural ingredients can support anal gland health from the inside out.

It is important to note that dietary adjustments should be made on a case-by-case basis, with factors such as your dog's age, weight, health, and exercise level all needing to be taken into account. Also, if your dog is already suffering from Anal Gland Issues, a combination of medication and anal gland cleansing is needed in addition to dietary adjustments.

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