Is your dog scooting, releasing a foul fishy odour or always experiencing runny poops? You're not alone! We know it's a stinky subject, but it's one most of us unfortunately have to face and is crucial for your furry friend's well-being.
To put it simply, dog anal glands (also known as anal sacs) are two small, grape-sized pouches located on either side of your dog's anus.
These glands are responsible for producing a smelly, oily substance that helps dogs mark their territory and communicate with other dogs through scent. While this might sound fascinating, it can become problematic if these glands aren't functioning properly.
To put it simply, dog anal glands (also known as anal sacs) are two small, grape-sized pouches located on either side of your dog's anus.
These glands are responsible for producing a smelly, oily substance that helps dogs mark their territory and communicate with other dogs through scent. While this might sound fascinating, it can become problematic if these glands aren't functioning properly.
We've got so much more to share below, but if you've got specific questions you want answers to. Head over to Scooch Health to get personalised anal gland insights from Rio the AI assistant!
Ask Rio
We've got so much more to share below, but if you've got specific questions you want answers to. Head over to Scooch Health to get personalised anal gland insights from Rio the AI assistant!
Ask Rio
Behaviour
Anal gland problems can have behavioral implications. If your dog is in discomfort due to impacted or infected anal glands, they may exhibit changes in behavior such as restlessness, irritability, or even aggression.
Surgery
In very severe cases where a dog experiences recurrent anal gland issues, your veterinarian might recommend surgical removal of the anal glands. This is a last resort and is only considered when all other treatment options have failed.
Pain
Dogs can't tell us how they feel. Often pain can go unnoticed, with them only displaying pain if it's severe. That's why any symptoms of anal gland issues should be addressed immediately to give them the support they need.
Behaviour
Anal gland problems can have behavioral implications. If your dog is in discomfort due to impacted or infected anal glands, they may exhibit changes in behavior such as restlessness, irritability, or even aggression.
Surgery
In very severe cases where a dog experiences recurrent anal gland issues, your veterinarian might recommend surgical removal of the anal glands. This is a last resort and is only considered when all other treatment options have failed.
Pain
Dogs can't tell us how they feel. Often pain can go unnoticed, with them only displaying pain if it's severe. That's why any symptoms of anal gland issues should be addressed immediately to give them the support they need.
It can do! While anal gland problems can affect any breed of dog, some dogs are more prone to anal gland issues than others. Breeds with shorter or stockier body shapes, like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs and Cocker Spaniels, tend to experience anal gland problems more frequently.
This is because the shape of their anal glands or their anatomy, can make it harder for them to naturally express the gland secretions during bowel movements.
In cases of impaction, the vet can manually express the anal glands to relieve discomfort.
In some instances, dietary adjustments and supplements might be recommended to promote healthy anal gland function.
If an infection is present, your dog may need a course of antibiotics to clear it up.
Honestly these have been a lifesaver! We had our dogs anal glands squeezed and within 3 weeks the smell was back. Saw these on Instagram and thought we had nothing to lose. The smell was gone within about 2 days of her have 2 treats a day! Honestly a god send cannot recommend enough! And she loves them!
Bought these for my puppy as we were noticing an anal gland smell. With my dog being a small dog (Dachshund) the packet lasted 2 months. We had a week off while we waited for the next packet to arrive and instantly noticed the smell return. Can say these 100% work for my dog and would recommend them to everyone.
I've got 2 staffies aka Spuds. My girl had a habit of scooting and my boy had a habit of biting his bum. I've tried all sorts to help it including spending lots of money on them but none worked. Since they have both been on these we've had no issues! Worth it and the spuds think they are treats!!
He’s normally suspicious of anything new in case he’s being ‘spiked’ with his monthly wormer/flea control. He was straight into these!!!
I’ve tried lots of different high quality food but our wee guy was still farting A Lot plus the dreaded anal glad leakage and smell. We are several weeks into out scooch supplement; the farting is down 90% and so far no recurrence of the glands issue. Amazing 🤩
My dog absolutely loves these treats and had less issues within the first week of trying the treats. Now two weeks in no more issues! Couldn't recommend enough!
My wee pug, Vera, has been on the anal gland subscription for a fee months now. It is like night and day with her stinky bum. Before, she had leaks and the smell was less than delightful. Now, she has a pleasant posterior!!! Great product. I have already gotten a few of my friends to subscribe for their dogs too. It really is that good 🐾🐾 Vera likes to be helpful, here she is using her face to help me paint the house!!🤦♀️
Willow my 6 yr old Pomeranian , always had trouble with her anal glands. Visits to vets every couple of months to have them cleared. Plus she always had a foul scent and scooting. Now after just a couple of days. No scooting and no foul scent. I’m delighted with this product. Willow loves having one each morning. Highly recommend .
Just approaching a month in to using these treats and the difference is amazing. My dog used to get that fishy glandy smell at least once a week and since starting these I’ve not noticed it once. I was dubious how well these would work but so far very impressed!
BO was always dragging his butt across the floor, but for the last week he has stopped and his motions are now firm but not hard.
Within 3weeks the anal glad issue completely stopped. No more having to change my jumper twice a day. So glad we found this.