Gentle Relief for Dog Anal Gland Issues

Dr. Karen Becker’s Guide

Get the scoop about the scoot. Dietary tips, supplements, and remedies to restore and promote healthy gland function.

Anal gland issues in dogs (and sometimes cats) are a common modern problem, often stemming from dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors. In a healthy pet, these scent glands help with communication and should express naturally during defecation. However, many dogs (and some cats) today suffer from chronic gland issues due to recurrent inflammation, poor diet, allergies, and microbiome imbalances.

These tiny glands are located just inside your pet’s rectum at around the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. These sacs are lined with oil and sweat glands and produce a thick, yellowish-brown liquid with a distinctly fishy odor—once you smell this odor you’ll never forget it.

Normally, when your dog (or cat) has a bowel movement, the pressure of the stool naturally squeezes these glands, releasing a small amount of fluid.

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Author: Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, CVH, CVA, CCRT

About The Author

Veterinarian Dr. Karen Shaw Becker believes biologically appropriate food and an animal’s immediate environment are essential in determining health, vitality, and lifespan. She has spent her career as a wildlife and exotic animal veterinarian and small animal clinician, empowering animal guardians to make intentional lifestyle decisions to enhance the well-being of their animals.