Anal gland issues are very common in dogs. Such issues affect the overall health of the dogs. Thus, it is crucial to treat anal gland problems. So, this blog is about anal sacs disease and anal glands supplements for dogs.
Anal glands are two oval-shaped sacs on either side of the anus. Such small glands produce a specific fluid with some fishy or pungent smell. The odor of each dog’s secretion differs from the other dogs. Yet, the purpose of secreting this fluid is to mark territory.
Anal sacs vary in their size depending on the breed of the dog. But normally, the size ranges from a pea to a kidney bean. The other name for anal glands is an anal sac. Generally, the anal sacs secrete fluid when the stool passes from the anus. But sometimes, anal glands don’t empty their secretions during pooping. As a result, the liquid contents become thick, making anal sacs full or infected.
When a dog suffers from anal gland disorder, it is necessary to get a veterinarian’s help. But, first, let’s look at the indications that will tell your dog needs treatment.
Signs Of Anal Gland Issues In Dogs
Anal gland issues prove a threat to animal life. So, it is significant to take into account the following symptoms.
- Scooting the back against the floor.
- Extreme itching around the anal area.
- Excessive licking of the anal part.
- Difficulty in excretion or defecation.
- Abscess near the anus,
- Blood or pus in the stool.
Such symptoms are indications of anal gland diseases. That means your dog needs proper treatment to get back to normal life. Now, let’s look at the causes of oral gland problems in dogs.
What Are the Common Causes of Anal Gland Issues?
Some factors increase the dogs’ risk of suffering from infected anal glands. Such factors disturb the normal functioning of the anal glands causing severe issues. The common causes of anal gland issues are
1. Obesity
Obese dogs face more anal sac problems than their fellow breed. The reason is the anal glands secrete the fluid when stool exerts pressure on them. Obese animals tend to have more fat around the anal part. More fat reduces the pressure on anal sacs. Thus, it stops fluid secretion from such glands due to low pressure. Resulting in anal glands getting blocked with think fluid contents.
So, it is mandatory to use gland supplements for dogs. Such supplements are essential for treating anal gland issues.
2. Insufficient Dietary Fibers
An adequate proportion of dietary fibers is necessary for the healthy life of your dogs. When the food lacks the essential dietary fibers, it can cause anal sac disease. Therefore, giving the dogs an adequate quantity of dietary fibers is necessary. The dietary fibers help to prevent and treat anal gland issues.
Though only changing the diet once is not enough. It is important to give a diet rich in dietary fibers regularly. The reason for it is dietary fibers will produce heavy stool. Thus, it will exert pressure on the anal wall. Ultimately, forcing the anal sacs to secrete when the pet defecates.
3. Genetics
Small breeds are more susceptible to developing anal gland infection. However, unlike small animals, the disease is less common in large dogs and cats. Still, no breed is completely immune to such infections. So, the anal sacs issue affects dogs of every age and breed.
Now, let’s shed some light on remedies for treating anal gland disorder.
Treatment Of Anal Sacs Disease
After diagnosing the symptoms of the anal sacs issue, its treatment is the next step. The following are the different ways to treat an anal gland disease.
1. Weight Loss
Weight loss is one of the different treatments that veterinarians suggest. Fat around the anal area stops the secretion of anal glands. So, when the fat is less due to weight loss, the anal glands empty easily.
2. Anal Gland Supplements
Anal glands supplements for dogs prevent and reduce the chances of anal sacs issues. Such supplements are rich in dietary fibers. Thus, they soothe the digestive system. For instance, veterinarians suggest Calendula compresses to relieve anal gland itching. Moreover, canned food helps to treat anal sacs issue.
3. Probiotics And Digestive Enzymes
Another way to treat anal gland disease is using probiotics and digestive enzymes. When the stool is not solid enough, it fails to express the anal glands. In this situation, the canine probiotics supplements help to bulk up the stools.
If this doesn’t work much, the next phase is using digestive enzymes. Such supplements include amylase, cellulase, protease, and lipase. So, the digestive enzyme supplements provide additional support to the probiotics. As a result, the thick solid stool helps to express the anal glands and secrete fluid.
4. More Fibers
Increasing the intake of fibers in the pet diet proves a good step. Veterinarians suggest more fibers to fulfill the need of the pet for nourishing food.
5. More Water Intake
One of the natural ways to treat anal glands disorder is to increase water intake. More water level in the animal body prevents dehydration. Water also helps to keep dogs active and healthy.
All these ways help treat the anal gland issue of your pet. Also, anal gland supplements for dogs contain active ingredients. Moreover, they are easy to consume as they come in powder and chewable forms. Thus, such supplements save your pet’s life.
Are You Looking for Anal Gland Supplements for Dogs?
Anal gland supplements and probiotics act as a lifesaver during severe anal gland issues. So, veterinarians always look for the best veterinary medicines and supplements to prescribe. Therefore, Vet and Tech is a multi-vendor platform that hosts leading manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors worldwide.
It sells veterinary medicines, probiotics, and anal glands supplements for dogs. Moreover, it provides natural supplements and other antibiotics. But it is important to consult a veterinarian before selecting any medicine for the anal glands of animals.
FAQs
What Is Anal Gland Disease of Dogs?
The anal glands lie near the anal part of the dogs and secrete pungent fluid. When the animal fails to secrete that fluid, its anal glands become infected. Thus, it results in anal gland disease.
What Is the Role of Anal Gland Supplements for Dogs?
Anal gland supplements provide the essential dietary fibers to the animal body. So, the thick stool helps to express and empty the anal glands.
How Is The Weight Loss Effective for Treating Anal Gland Issue in Dogs?
Fat around the anal part in dogs suppresses the expression of the anal glands. So, weight loss proves helpful in expressing the anal glands due to less fat.