Why Does My Dog Keep Sitting on His Bottom After Grooming?
My beloved golden retriever, Max, is always ecstatic to visit the groomer. He loves the attention and the pampering. However, after his last grooming session, I noticed something peculiar: Max started sitting on his bottom frequently. I was concerned, so I took him to the vet, where I discovered that his anal glands needed to be expressed.
Anal Gland Impaction
Anal glands are small sacs located on either side of a dog’s anus. These glands produce a foul-smelling liquid that dogs use to mark their territory. Normally, these glands empty naturally when a dog defecates. However, sometimes the glands can become impacted, causing discomfort and irritation.
Symptoms of Anal Gland Impaction
In addition to sitting on their bottom, dogs with impacted anal glands may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Scooting on the ground
- Licking or biting at their anus
- Straining to defecate
- Producing foul-smelling feces
- Redness or swelling around the anus
What Causes Anal Gland Impaction?
There are several factors that can contribute to anal gland impaction, including:
- Diet: A diet low in fiber can make stools harder, which can make it more difficult for dogs to empty their anal glands.
- Obesity: Overweight dogs tend to have more problems with anal gland impaction.
- Constipation: Dogs that are constipated are less likely to be able to empty their anal glands.
- Allergies: Allergies can cause inflammation in the anal glands, making them more likely to become impacted.
How to Express Anal Glands
If you suspect that your dog’s anal glands are impacted, you should take them to the vet. The vet will be able to express the glands, which involves gently squeezing them to release the liquid.
You can also learn how to express your dog’s anal glands yourself. However, it is important to note that this is a delicate procedure and it is best to have it done by a professional.
How to Prevent Anal Gland Impaction
There are several things you can do to help prevent anal gland impaction in your dog, including:
- Feed your dog a healthy diet: A diet that is high in fiber will help to keep your dog’s stools soft and easy to pass.
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight: Overweight dogs are more likely to have problems with anal gland impaction.
- Make sure your dog gets regular exercise: Exercise helps to keep your dog’s bowels moving, which can help to prevent anal gland impaction.
- Watch for signs of allergies: If your dog is showing signs of allergies, such as itching or sneezing, talk to your vet. Allergies can cause inflammation in the anal glands, making them more likely to become impacted.
Conclusion
If you notice that your dog is sitting on their bottom frequently, it is important to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions, such as anal gland impaction. With proper treatment and prevention, your dog can live a happy and healthy life without any anal gland problems.
