Anal glands are two small sacs located on either side of the anus in dogs. They produce a foul-smelling fluid that is used to mark territory.
Anal glands are important for dogs because they help them to communicate with other dogs. The scent of the fluid released from the anal glands can tell other dogs.
Anal glands should be expressed regularly to prevent them from becoming infected or abscessed. You can express your dog's anal glands yourself or take them to the vet to have them done.
If your dog's anal glands are not expressing properly, they may start to leak fluid. This can cause a foul odor and may make your dog scoot their bottom across the ground.
If your dog's anal glands are infected or abscessed, they will need to be treated by a vet. The vet may express the glands, drain the abscess, or prescribe antibiotics.
You can help prevent anal gland problems by expressing your dog's glands regularly and feeding them a high-fiber diet.
Anal glands are an important part of a dog's body, but they can also cause problems if they are not taken care of properly.