Home Remedies for Anal Gland Problems in Dogs: Tips and Tricks
The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Posted by Suzanne (Southeast, Michigan) on 04/27/2008 ★★★★★
For those of you who have dogs with skin problems, skin allergies, anal gland issues, smelly coats, dirty or greasy feeling coat, smelly breath, please consider a raw diet. This is something that is becoming more well known and is growing in popularity. Commercial dog foods are the cause of so many health problems in pets. My dog had horrible anal gland problems(have you ever smelled anything so horrid?) Instead of having his anal glands extracted over and over, and for other health reasons that need to be addressed, I switched him to a raw diet. My three dogs and one cat have now been eating a raw diet for two years now. Raw meaty bones, some organ meat, and then a couple times a week, a few supplements like fish oil, yogurt, raw egg, kale. It's similar to something called the BARF diet for pets, but a simplified version. Two books by Tom Lonsdale, Raw Meaty Bones, and Work Wonders, are a good place to start reading about the diet. There are web sites and yahoogroups as well. There is a formula for percentage of meat/bones/organ, so it's important to read about the diet before jumping into it. It should also be a very gradual transition. My dogs teeth are super clean and white (even my 9yr old lab) because they're eating like their ancestors did; ripping the meat off bones, chomping on bone (raw bones only -- cooked bones are a choking hazard). Since starting this diet, besides being overall healthier pets, other benefits: clear anal glands because the poop is a bit harder, healthier skin and coat, no dog smell or doggy breath, much less poop because no fillers, etc., as in dry food I never have to clean up poop in my yard! Natural diet means natural poop; in a few days, it turns white and crumbles away. Also, my dogs are happier. They love the raw diet. I had one very stubborn cat who I just couldn't get to transition to a raw diet, so I fed her Evo, the more natural dry food. That did help her allergies, but I still would rather she went raw.
I have a 2 yr old pitty about 65 pounds and just started today on 2tbs of pumpkin and will do twice a day with his food. He only eats raw food diet mixed with vegetables but he still has this anal gland issue I have started notice the smell and him licking his bum a lot and also grabbing his tail which he never use to do. It's been about a week or so of this and just started to smell that almost metalic smell when he licks his bum. He has for a long time now had mucus in his stool which vet gave me anti biotics and some other stunt hat was to loosen off the intestine if there was a foreign body inside his intestine. But nothing worked and now this anal gland smell..I just hope this works as I spend more than I can afford just on his organic raw meet diet from a company called natural instincts. My point being is raw meat diet did not help as that's all he has ever been given by me.
Posted by Becky (Kilgore, Texas) on 04/26/2015 ★★★★★
I have been using 1 teaspoon of pumpkin a day on my small dog also and have had real good results. I buy real small can of 100% pure pumpkin and divided it up and freeze it in small bags. I read it should be used in 5-7 days when stored in refig.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
I used psyllium husk fiber mixed with low sodium chicken broth to help my dog express her anal glands. I noticed my dog scooting her butt across the grass when we were outside playing. She also had a slightly fishy smell coming from her back side, and she seemed to lick quite a bit as well. I figured she had a problem with her anal glands. I did some research- and decided to try increasing her fiber. I broke open some fiber capsules and measured about half of a tablespoon. I mixed that with some chicken broth (half a cup to a cup) and gave it to her rigbt away. The fiber expands quickly, so they have to drink it ASAP. She drank the mixture at about 5pm. The next morning, as soon as she got outside she took a healthy bowel movement, followed by 2 more a few minutes later! No more fishy smell, no more scooting, and no more licking!
I have a 50 pound black mouth cur. If you have a small dog, I'd reduce the dosage. The fiber is meant to scrub the colon and make the dog have a solid bowel movement, so keep that in mind. Also, you should probably watch your pet to make sure they have a successful bowel movement after taking the fiber. They may need your assistance.
hi! I have a 50# Pitt mix. I have tried just about everything! Pumpkin, carrots, apples, zuchinni, coconut oil, oatmeal, lentils, chia seed.... How often do u give the phsylium? Did a vet tell u to try it? So u gave it 1 time and it helped? Help!
How to prepare pumpkin puree for anal gland issues.
Wash the outside of the pumpkin. Cut off the top. Scoop out the seeds. Put it in a shallow pan. Put in oven at 350 F for about 1 - 1.5 hours. It's done when you can easily pierce the skin with a fork. Remove and cool. Juice will pool in the bottom of the pan. Drain that off and set aside. The cooled pumpkin skin easily peels off. Put the flesh in a bowl amd mash/puree. Store in fridge up to 5-6 days in a covered container OR freeze pumpkin scoops on wax paper or a plastic tray. Then store in freezer bags for later use.
I have a kitten, he is only 6 months old and I just noticed he has this AG problem, I see a lot of people using the pumpkin cure, my question is, would my kitten, being so young be able to take this? and if so how much should I give him? I fell so bad for him and know he must be in pain, please help.
I am so happy that I found this wonderful site. To all of the pet parents, Thank you so much for being so kind and supportive of each other. Great advice!
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
You can sure try the pumpkin, but it may help to take her in to the vet if you cannot express the glands yourself.
What may help resolve the issue is more exercise, and more fiber via the pumpkin on a daily basis. The pumpkin may cause your girl to have more bowel movements so keep an eye out to avoid accidents.
Hi, I have a ~15lb rat terrier mix that seems to have developed an anal gland issue.
I can see a smallish red bump that he licks from time to time. His activity seems normal - eats ok, plays, seeks attention, etc. I feed him a mix of chicken, brown rice, carrots, and greens twice daily. He just had a few days of diarrhea, which I feel may be related.
I honestly don't have money for a vet, especially as this does not seem to be an emergency. I've read a lot about the pumpkin solution, but I'm wondering if this works for dogs who are already showing signs beyond scooting? Any advice is greatly appreciated, thank you!
Hi, I have Rosie 8 year old staffy who has anal gland problems her whole life. I visit the vet regularly to get them emptied I've just read that pumpkin could help. She eats raw beef mince with boiled rice and grated carrots as her meal. She is 28 kg how much and how often should I give the puréed pumpkin to her? She sleeps in the house so when she leaks the smell is horrible
I have 10 yrd old maltipoo.After getting bladder stone surgery a few months ago, he started having problems with AG 'scooting'. Also his anal area appears swollen. Tried a lot of things, but wary of most due to he has diabetes, on insulin shts 2x a day. Also has epileptic seizures. Last week , started giving 2 teaspoons plain lowfat yoghurt mixed in a little water. He gulped it down, appetite improved. Scooting very much reduced. Will keep u posted.
When my 8 year old Daisy, a shepherd mix, had this anal gland problem, I made sure she got a lot of pumpkin. I purchased the canned pumpkin, some say fresh is better. I mixed several spoonfuls with her dry food. I had no problem with her eating it. There are some good sweet potato treats too that seem to help. She now gets pumpkin or sweet potatoes frequently to avoid this problem. I hope this helps.
I see everyone is talking about dogs mostly on here. I need so help with options before I jump to the vet $$
"Walnut" my cat She has the 2nd stage or maybe 1 sac I think it might be an infection but not sure I saw the little black thing and I was trying to wipe it with a wet wipe and it wanted to come but I was a little worried of hurting her. I will try the pumpkin but I was not sure if there is anything else out there I should feed her.
I have another cat before who had stage 3 and the vet was so nice and took good care of my baby girl "cat" so people if u have stage 3 don't think ur extremely bad animal parent. My cat would just run off we thought it was because she was getting old 15 years old - then we saw her bottom. I was crying and got her to the vet asap.
As I read through the article on anal gland issues and then comments, I didn't notice anything on probiotics. My dog had several instances with impacted anal glands including them getting infected. The vet prescribed an antibiotic. But the second time he prescribed an antibiotic, the infection went away but came right back (like a child's ear infection would). So I thought about my kids and decided to try a probiotic. It worked great. In fact, it worked faster than the antibiotic. And now I add it to his food about once a week. He was already getting a healthy Merrick brand food, carrots and a little olive and or coconut oil. I have to be careful with olive oil and coconut oil. More than just a little and they will actually cause the impaction. My dog also can't have any steak fat or too much apple.
Posted by Charmaine (Ulster, N Ireland) on 09/06/2012
Hi folks, im letting you all know about my 4 1/2 yr old german shepherd who was having big problems with anal glands, vet was reluctant to operate as she said her glands where normal and changed her diet with a medication, royal canine is one of the top foods but alas was not getting rid of the problem and I was squeezing her glands for her on a regular basis.
But this time I came across this site and altho I couldnt get a hold of pumpkin flesh I did get the ground pumpkin seed along with coconut oil in a health food shop and started feeding her with the blended mixture of both and hey presto, a week has past, gone is the offensive dark brown smelly liquid that usually was excreted from her glands and she doesnt seem soo down anymore, loves the taste and will look for more although I think maybe I will decrease the amount I was giving her, this bitch is much happier as well as she isnt smelling the home anymore and this way she doesnt have to endure an operation that may change her character, so people dont knock it till you have tried it, your dogs will thankyou for it xxx
ps thankyou very much for the idea, I very much appreciate your help and ideas.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
Posted by Apryl (Aiken, South Carolina) on 01/19/2012
The pumpkin is working for the most part, I've only seen my dog scoot his bottom a few times. It really has worked, but what I'm wondering is should I continue to give it to him everyday, and I have, but only about a tablespoonful. Do you think this is all right? I welcome the feed back!
My dog is biting his back closer to his butt, and though it's not all day long I know something is wrong, I called the vet and the woman said to bring him in and explained it sounds as if he needs his anal glands cleared, this has never happened before. I keep reading these Post and they say to give your pet pumpkin. The pumpkin they and you are referring to, is it the Libby's Pumpkin?
Posted by Zoey Lover (Huntington Beach, California) on 03/16/2015
After reading about pumpkin and how it can eliminate my dogs anal glad issues, I want to try it but she just had an anal glad rupture and is on antibiotics. I need to know when I should start giving her the pumpkin? Should I wait and let the glad heal before putting extra stress on it? thx
My 7 year old DLH cat, Cowboy has been plagued with AG issues for a couple years now. Initially after suffering an abscess a couple years ago, my vet advised me that it was rather rare for this to be a persistent issue with cats. Being otherwise extremely healthy, I figured once the scheduled anti-biotic dosage was complete we'd be alright. She also advised me I could take him in once a month to have the sacs expressed before an infection set in. I took him back several times to have them expressed but he ended up getting another infection anyway within 6 months.
Unfortunately, it didn't end there. After the third bout of infections, I decided I had to seriously find an alternative to surgery and anti-biotics.
I started searching more diligently for a holistic approach to prevent the build up in the first place. I've always been of the mindset that dealing with the cause is a much easier than dealing the effect later on. Most have suggested that I up his fiber/carbohydrate intake which is completely contradictory to the diet I prefer to feed him.
Once I read all the success stories here @ EC I thought I'd give it a shot and went out and purchased some Organic Pumpkin last night. It was an easy sell for me to give it a try after discovering others have reaped the benefits of pumpkin for not only AG impaction, but also for hairballs.
I wasn't sure he'd even go near it so I initially just put a little dab on his nose to let him lick it off and get a taste for it. I then mixed some into his breakfast this morning thinking it would still be there waiting for me when I got back from work today to discard. Much to my surprise he ate it all. Getting him to even try it was my biggest concern.
I'll report back as soon as I get some definite feedback as to the effectiveness of this apparently miraculous remedy. I just wanted to thank the contributing members here for giving us a glimmer of hope that we can beat this awful condition naturally.
Again, I'll post back when enough time has expired to give a true Yay or Nay on the effectiveness of this remedy. I'm already convinced this will be a huge Yay for us since he's proven he'll even eat it in the first place to give it a try.
Posted by Cattis (Auckland, New Zealand) on 05/16/2010
wow, I love earth clinic...big time...everyone is evolving, I'm so glad doctors and vets are loosing their so called power over us.....My dog is having his first ag experience and I think I now can prevent so much discomfort.
Posted by Kerrianne (Canberra, Australia) on 05/03/2014
THANK YOU!! My 5 year old Cavoodle, Napoleon, has had AG problems for the past 3 years. He has had infections approximately 6-8 times every year and been treated with antibiotics. It has reached a point where the vet has now recommended he has the AG's surgically removed. I have been desperately wanting to avoid surgery for my 'best friend' and I think you may have provided an alternative. I am off to get pumpkins tomorrow.
Posted by Linda (Moncton, New Brunswick ) on 10/11/2008
Hello, my dear sweet old cat Murphy had an infected and impacted anal gland, the my golden. Have purchased 100% pumkin and started the dog on it. Had anyone tried it on a cat? If yes how much per day?
I have not used it on a cat, however we have a cocker spaniel who weights about 20 pounds and we would mix the pumpkin with honey, as per our vet 1/4 cup 2 times a day. Good Luck
Hi , my cat has anal gland issues and is in the vets once a month!! How on earth would I get a cat to eat pumpkin?? And at the moment in England pumpkin is being grown all over the place!! I need to know how to cook it, disguise it and the quantity????.. Please fellow comrades... Sherie
Fresh pumpkin, steamed till soft. Then mix a quantity in the food, decrease or increase if needed. If you top the food with Nutritional Yeast from the health food store, it will be easily disguised and add the important vits B. A dab of VCO is always good. You may find more info. on EC on anal gland issues if you do a bit of EC research. All the best. Namaste, Om
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
Try 1 tablespoon of soft pumpkin and mix well into 1 can of wet cat food. You have to monitor your results from there, as it is all very individual. So he may need to take 1/2 tablespoon more or 1/2 less as you monitor your results.
Posted by Kim (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) on 03/01/2009
My golden's anal sac issues were solved many moons ago by switching to a raw food diet. HOWEVER, my rott mix has been having anal sac issues for about a year now, regardless of diet. We've tried herbal fixes, grain free kibbles, raw foods (several varieties) and have actually settled on a less than ideal kibble. Still corn/wheat/soy/byproduct/chemical free, but my guys generally eat grain free human grade stuff. We're in the process of switching to morning feedings of this kibble and then evening feedings of Orijen again with added pumpkin, coconut and bran. Her issues are severe, and she required expression weekly, with copious amounts of fluid. Quite frankly, I've never seen anything like it. Cross your fingers for us!
Posted by Linda (Burlington, Ontario) on 04/16/2009
Hi Kim: How is you doggy doing with his anal sac problems. I am going through the same thing with my choc lab. I have to get them emptied every two weeks. He is on a high fiber diet, coconut and coconut oil I HAVE TRIED BRAN CARROT AND PUMPKIN. i AM THINKING ABOUT ADDING ENZYMES TO HIS DIET. hAVE YOU EVER TRIED ENZYMES. hAS YOU DOG EVER BEEN ON HIGH DOSES OF ANTI BIOTICS. I THINK THIS HAS CAUSED ALL OUR PROBLEMS BUT THAT IS JUST MY UNEDUCATED OPINION. i WOULD LOVE TO HEAR IF YOU ARE HAVING ANY SUCCESS.
Oh gosh, Linda, I didn't think of the antibiotics causing the anal sac situation, but you are probably right. And to think I gave him another course of them out of desperation.
For your dog, since he's already on a raw meat diet, I would suggest that you see if you can find a classical homeopathic vet, or just a homeopath. Lots of homeopaths will take dogs as patients. You could even try an online homeopath since we have Skype these days. My advice: only deal with homeopaths that deal with the whole constitution of the dog. You can tell if he/she is a good homeopath because they will ask all sorts of questions about the character of your dog. Pray it all works out...
I am new to this blog. I was just reading your situations with your dogs. I am also having an anal gland problem with my little guy. He is a 3 year old Beagle mix. I have been having to express his anal glands nearly every 2-3 weeks, sometimes weekly. This has been going on for the past 4 months. I started him on canned pumkin and that seemed to be working, but lately we're back to having his glands expressed weekly. My vet has talked to me about surgery. I really hate to go tht way if there are other alternatives to try. I would really love any and all help. Thanks.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
You might consider feeding your boy a raw meaty beef rib or neck bone to bulk up his stool to help express his anal glands. You also would benefit to learn how to express the glands yourself to aid your boy when it appears he needs his glands expressed.
A few years ago, German shepherd was very smelly and vet had to express his anal glands. After the 2nd trip to the vet in less than a year, plus the fact that the dog greatly dislikes going to the vet, did some research on Internet and found out someone recommended prunes. I give my 88 lb dog 2-3 prunes per day and have had absolutely no problems since. Was concerned that prunes might be in the same family as raisins (which are toxic to dogs) and possibly toxic but have not been able to find definite information. If there is a problem with giving dogs prunes, I would appreciate if someone would post something to that effect.
I just wanted to say that prunes are NOT related to raisins. Raisins are dried grapes, and the grape seed is what is toxic to dogs. Prunes are dried plums. Since plums have a large pit, before drying they remove that pit. I dont think there is any problem feeding a dog prunes. I'm not sure if you will see this, I noticed that it has been quite a while since you posted, but I thought I would tell you anyway.
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