Anal Glands

Dogs and cats (and many other animals) have small internal sacs just inside the anus called anal glands or anal sacs. In cats, they are generally about 5–8 mm in diameter when full, and in dogs they can range between 8 mm and 30 mm. The glands are located internally at approximately the 4 and 8 o’clock positions when looking at the anus.

These glands contain a very smelly material — often described as smelling like fish or skunk. The material can vary in appearance, ranging from a green, yellow, or brown liquid to a thick, black, toothpaste-like paste.

They are the main scent glands for your pet.

When animals are frightened, excited, or sometimes even relaxed (e.g. while sleeping), they may suddenly express their anal glands — and the smell is extremely strong. Just a drop can be difficult to remove from clothing, bedding, or furniture.

Some dogs have a problem with leaking small amounts of anal gland material regularly, especially when the glands are full.

To help reduce leaking:

• ✅ Have the glands expressed every 4 to 8 weeks
• 🌿 Increase fibre in the diet
• 🧫 Add canine probiotics

Fibre tip: Start with 1 teaspoon of psyllium husk daily and gradually increase. Cooked pumpkin is also very helpful.

Yes. Most pets have some material in their anal glands, but in some animals, the glands overfill and don’t empty properly. This can lead to discomfort or pain.

Common signs of blockage:

• 🛷 Rubbing the bottom along the ground (scooting)
• 👅 Licking or biting at the anus

These signs may also be caused by allergies or skin conditions, so it’s best to get your vet’s advice.

Anal gland issues can be recurrent and frustrating, but your vet can help create a tailored management plan.

Treatment may include:

• ✋ Expression of the anal glands at the clinic(Available at a reduced fee for regular clients without a consultation)
• 🥦 Increasing dietary fibre(Start with 1 tsp psyllium husk daily and increase gradually. Cooked pumpkin helps too!)
• 🧫 Veterinary probiotics
• 💊 Anti-inflammatory creams
• 🌿 Treatment for allergic skin disease
• 🦠 Treatment for bacterial overgrowth
• 💉 Anal gland flush and infusion under general anaesthetic
• ✂ Surgical removal in severe or ongoing cases

Client-favourite fibre recipe:

🥣 1/4 pumpkin + 1 sweet potato, boiled in water until soft (don’t drain)

➕ Add 1/2 to 1 cup of psyllium husk

❄ Cool, mash and freeze in portions

🍽 Add 1–2 tablespoons to food twice daily

If the anal gland duct becomes blocked, pressure builds, and the gland may rupture through the skin — usually just below and beside the anus.

Before rupture, you might notice:

• 🔴 Swelling or redness beside the anus
• 😣 Pain when sitting or walking
• 👅 Licking or biting the area

Once the gland bursts, a deep hole (~10 mm wide) will appear and drain pus or fluid. With proper treatment, it typically heals within a week.

Treatment includes:

• 💊 Pain relief and antibiotics
• 💉 Flushing under general anaesthetic (sometimes)
• 🔄 Ongoing monitoring and regular expression
• ✂ Surgery if the problem recurs
• ⚠ Most repeat bursts occur within weeks of the first, so consistent care is essential.

Anal sacculitis is a painful infection of the anal glands caused by bacterial overgrowth. Not all bacteria in the gland cause issues, but some can create thick, smelly discharge and inflammation.

This condition is often slow to resolve and may not respond well to antibiotics alone.

Treatment may include:

• 🧼 Frequent gland expression (often weekly to start)
• 💊 Anti-inflammatory medication
• 💉 Antibiotics
• 🚿 Gland flush and infusion under general anaesthetic
• ✂ Surgical removal in chronic cases

⏳ Recovery may take several weeks to months, but most pets improve with regular care.

In some cases, anal gland problems are so persistent that surgical removal is the best long-term solution.

At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we arrange for a specialist surgeon to perform the procedure for optimal outcomes.

Pros:

• ✅ Permanent resolution of leaking, infection, and irritation

Cons:

• ⏳ Recovery takes 1–2 weeks
• 💩 Temporary faecal leakage may occur
• 💉 The surgical site is sensitive and easily infected

Post-surgery care:

• Two incisions made beside the anus
• Pain management and antibiotics provided
• 🦺 Elizabethan collar (cone) worn for 2 weeks
• Rest and monitoring during recovery

🎉 Once healed, most pets are much more comfortable and free of anal gland issues.

Adding fibre helps bulk up stools and encourages proper anal gland function.

Good sources of fibre:

• 🥄 Psyllium husk (from the health food section of the supermarket)
• 🎃 Cooked pumpkin or sweet potato
• 💊 Veterinary dietary fibre supplements

Start slow:

Begin with 1 tsp psyllium husk twice daily and increase gradually. Too much fibre too quickly can cause an upset stomach.

Fibre recipe (client favourite):

• 🥣 Boil 1/4 pumpkin and 1 sweet potato (don’t drain)
• ➕ Add 1/2–1 cup psyllium husk
• ❄ Cool and mash, freeze in portions
• 🍽 Feed 1–2 tbsp twice daily

Always speak to your vet before making major dietary changes.