Anal Gland Stink

[bryn]

My 10 year old German Shepherd bitch is having problems with her anal glands. Having had them emptied 3 times in as many weeks the smell returns after a couple of days and it’s then back to the vets. Her diet is one of dry food (with a handful of bran flakes),a pigs ear treat and the odd treat from what we’ve eaten. There’s been no change in her diet for years.
I know some of you will say to DIY the glands but I’d rather not.
My question are:

1, Is there a medication she can take if the problem becomes long term and if so is it effective.

2, Are there other remedies available that site users have tried and have worked.

Many thanks
Bryn

PS. In the past she’s probably had her anal glands emptied once every 2 years.

 

[polranny]

We had this problem with a cocker spaniel. In the end we opted for surgery and the anal glands were removed. The vet said there was risk of some incontinence but this didn’t happen.

 

[nun_hunter]

From personal (pet dogs not me) experience and anecdotal evidence if the dogs stools are too wet then they don't need to push out the stool and so the glands don't get squeezed and emptied.

My dogs have all been of raw and the stools are firm and there is a bit of straining to get them out.

I'm sure a vet will be along to say there is no evidence of a link and there are other reasons, which I'm sure there are too but this makes sense to me and has been what I've heard from others who have had issues with their dogs.

 

[SikaSeeker]

You can actually clear drain out anal glands without going to the vets. The stink is serious! We have a spaniel here, 11 now. Used to do it to her 4 times a year, then hit 8 and never needed it again. If they drag their arse along the ground too, that’s also needing draining.

 

[Rake Aboot]

Doesn’t seem to be an easy task with Teckel’s, I can never do it even though i try all the methods recommended.

 

[biffo]

I get the wife to do mine regularly….

 

[SikaSeeker]

I get the wife to do mine regularly….

Like stiffmister, one or two fingers!!

 

[bryn]

I get the wife to do mine regularly….

She does mine as well.

 

[shakey jake]

She does mine as well.

thats very good of biffos wife

 

[Oldstalker]

The smell, especially from older bitches, but also older dogs - just less frequently, can be if they develop an intolerance to glutens in their meal. Going gluten free sometimes solves this; not always but sometimes. It may be worth a try.

 

[bryn]

You can actually clear drain out anal glands without going to the vets. The stink is serious! We have a spaniel here, 11 now. Used to do it to her 4 times a year, then hit 8 and never needed it again. If they drag their arse along the ground too, that’s also needing draining.

I think I’m going to have hold my nose and do some DIY.

 

[Buchan]

Anal sac secretions stink, they are supposed to and are used in communication by dogs or released violently when under stress as any one working in a vets will confirm. They can be an issue for some dogs and the classic options are to make the poo harder or bigger so the sacs empty with defaecation.
The sacs might be infected, but it’s hard to tell. There’s no medication directly for it. If they are scooting excessively, it’s probably itchy skin rather than the glands.
However, sheperds are prone to anal furunculosis that can get confused with anal sac disease. I’d personally go for a highly digestible diet (crappie) and see what happens if the vet has done a full check