Anal gland issues
Apr 26, 2024 8:08:25 AM
This topic is not for a dinner party conversation, but knowing how to spot a problem could save your dog a lot of misery.
Dogs and cats all have 2 anal glands, which sit on either side of their anus. The role of the anal gland is to secrete a brown oily liquid as the stool passes. This liquid holds a unique scent for each dog and cat. A bit like fingerprints in humans. The scent is used as a form of communication to identify each other and mark territories.
Symptoms of an anal gland problem:
- Swelling of the area
- Strong odour from the area
- 'Scooting' their bottom on floor
- Nibbling or licking base of tail, paws and back end in an attempt to relieve the irritation
If your dog or cat displays any of the above symptoms it is important to take them to the vet for a health check, as soon as possible.
Anal gland problems are seen more frequently in dogs than in cats. Problems develop when the anal gland is not properly emptied as the pet defecates. This may be due to your pet's stools being too small or too soft. When this occurs the fluid inside the anal gland sac becomes thick and blocks the gland, resulting in impacted anal glands.
How can Trophy Pet Foods help?
Dogs and cats with anal gland issues need to be fed a diet with a high fibre content. This fibre helps to increase the volume of the stools and helps with stool formation. These ‘well-formed solid’ stools then pass against the anal gland and stimulate secretion of the liquid, thereby emptying the anal glands.
We recommend feeding dogs our Trophy Premium Duck & Vegetable – proven to be reliable at relieving anal gland problems, in many dogs. For cats, we recommend Trophy Ultra Premium Cat Kibble.
With the right food and help from Trophy Pet Foods we can get your dogs and cats feeling much better quickly.
Back
Recent Blogs
Keeping Your Furry Friend Safe and Happy During Halloween
Halloween approaches with its festive decorations, spooky costumes, and sweet treats. While humans eagerly anticipate the holiday, it can be a challenging time for our four-legged friends. From unfamiliar sights and sounds to potentially dangerous treats, Halloween can pose various risks to our beloved dogs.
While it might be tempting to dress up your dog in a cute or funny costume, always prioritize their comfort and well-being. Ensure that the costume is not restrictive, does not impede movement, and does not have small parts that could be swallowed. Allow your dog to become accustomed to the costume before the actual event, and keep a close eye on them while they're wearing it.
The vital role of responsible dog ownership.
A Pledge to Paws and Principles
Dogs have long been cherished companions, confidants, and sources of unconditional love for millions of people around the world. These faithful friends offer not only emotional support but also contribute significantly to our overall well-being. However, the joys of having a canine companion come with great responsibilities. Responsible dog ownership is not just a choice; it's an obligation we owe to our four-legged friends, our communities, and ourselves. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of responsible dog ownership and highlight the numerous benefits it brings to our lives.
My dog is a finicky eater...
You have a dog that has no appetite, is fussy and finicky with his food and you are fed up of trying every dog food brand under the sun. Here are our top tips for encouraging a better feeding regime
Finding the best places to walk your dog
The many benefits of dog walking are well documented and regular walks form part of our daily routine. But it is really easy to get into an unthinking pattern of where and how we walk our dogs. There are lots of adventures to be had out there with our canine companions so why not try something new?
