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14th Feb 2023

Bum Scooting? ...

Could be full anal glands!

Anal Gland Issues in Dogs!
Anal Gland Issues in Dogs! Anal Gland Issues in Dogs!
by Laura Crotch-Harvey MSc BSc (Hons)

Does your dog scoot it’s bum on floor, or have a bit of a fishy smell?

It could be full anal glands…

 

What are anal glands?

Anal glands are located on either side of your dog’s anus, that can fill with a brown thick pungent liquid.

What do they do?

Anal glands are the dustbins of the body and they excrete excess waste that has built up in the body.

What causes anal glands to fill?

An excess of something in the diet normally causes this, most commonly a diet too high in protein or fat.

The body can only utilise a certain amount of protein and fat for maintenance and energy requirements any excess can turn into metabolic waste and cause the glands to fill up.

How do I stop them filling?

Feed a high quality diet, made with controlled levels of protein and fat and feed at the correct feeding amount for your dog’s weight, age and activity level. Ideally stop treats while you have the problem or reduce the daily food to account for these treats.

The body can take up to 3 months to resolve anal gland issues.

Click here for John Burns’ guide to anal gland issues in dogs can help.

by Laura Crotch-Harvey MSc BSc (Hons)

I've worked at Burns since 2015 and head up a busy, dedicated team of pet nutritionists at our Kidwelly head office. No two days are ever the same. We are often busy going the extra mile for our customers and offer free advice via LiveChat, telephone and email.