THE GHASTLY TRUTH ABOUT ANAL GLANDS

The Ghastly truth about Anal Glands

If your pet's been doing the nightmarish bum shuffle lately, it might not be a demonic curse... just their anal glands calling for attention!

These small scent glands, found on either side of the rectum, play an important role in communication. In healthy pet's, they empty naturally during defecation, releasing a tiny amount of fluid that contributes to their individual scent, their own "calling card."

When everything's working as it should, you'll never know they're there. But when the glands become full, thickened, or inflamed, you may notice scooting, licking, or discomfort. Frequent manual expression can sometimes make the glands sluggish or irritated, so we prefer to look at the bigger picture. That being gut health, stool quality, diet, and inflammation, all play key roles in keeping things moving naturally.

A healthy microbiome, good fibre intake, and a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet are the foundations of happy anal glands. Probiotics, omega-3's, and supportive herbs can all promote healthy gut and gland function from the inside out.

Pumpkin isn't just for carving, it's also a gentle, natural source of soluble fibre that helps regulate stool consistency, encouraging the glands to express naturally during bowel movements. Other fibre rich additions like psyllium husk, chia, or ground flaxseed can also help, depending on your pets' individual needs. As with all supplements, moderation is the key, too much fibre can have the opposite effect!

Herbs that aid digestion, soothe inflammation, and support detoxification can be particularly helpful for pets prone to anal gland issues. Dandelion and burdock root promote gentle cleansing and liver function, marshmallow and slippery elm calm and coat the gut lining, and calendula supports the lymphatic system and natural healing.

If you notice ongoing scooting, swelling, or blood, or if your pet struggles to empty their anal glands, it's best to have them checked. Persistent issues can sometimes point to infection, impaction, or in rare cases, a tumour.

If your pet suffers from recurrent anal gland troubles, we can help identify and address the underlying causes. Our holistic team offers dietary guidance, gut health support, herbal therapy, and natural anti-inflammatory options to keep tails wagging and bottoms saintly!