We realize we only touched upon various services provided by groomers, so we are going to take the next few posts to talk more about each one listed.
Let’s start with #10: The Rear End.
(You may not want to continue reading if you are enjoying what you’re eating.)
Anal sacs, or anal glands are located just below a dogs anus on either side. They produce fluid that smells surprisingly like copper or, as Heather says, “ like pennies”. Who would have thought the fluid in anal glands smells just like money?
Well, what a dog smells is: age, sex, health status, and other things, like mating material. Healthy anal glands empty during a bowel movement. Some do not express as easily because they are impacted. This usually occurs in smaller breeds. Your dog will often let you know in his own canine way by sliding across the floor on his butt or biting and licking at his rear. Often times, you will be able to smell a fishy odor coming from that area.
Impacted anal glands can be expressed, or squeezed out, manually and we take care of that with no extra charge. We recommend you do not try this at home. Because a healthy, fiber-full diet is really important for dogs with problematic anal glands, here are some things you could try though:
That wasn’t so bad was it? I hope we were helpful. Please feel free to post any questions or comments!
Thank you, Animal Lovers!
Let’s start with #10: The Rear End.
(You may not want to continue reading if you are enjoying what you’re eating.)
Anal sacs, or anal glands are located just below a dogs anus on either side. They produce fluid that smells surprisingly like copper or, as Heather says, “ like pennies”. Who would have thought the fluid in anal glands smells just like money?
Well, what a dog smells is: age, sex, health status, and other things, like mating material. Healthy anal glands empty during a bowel movement. Some do not express as easily because they are impacted. This usually occurs in smaller breeds. Your dog will often let you know in his own canine way by sliding across the floor on his butt or biting and licking at his rear. Often times, you will be able to smell a fishy odor coming from that area.
Impacted anal glands can be expressed, or squeezed out, manually and we take care of that with no extra charge. We recommend you do not try this at home. Because a healthy, fiber-full diet is really important for dogs with problematic anal glands, here are some things you could try though:
- Foods which increase fiber content can also be added to the dog's food, including raw sesame seeds, ground flax seed, buckwheat, whole oats, brown rice, wheat bran, whole grain cereal, or bran flakes. (It’s critical that these dry grains be thoroughly hydrated before serving to your dog in order to prevent choking or intestinal problems and make sure your dog doesn’t have any wheat allergy)
- Metamucil is a commercial medication which may provide additional fiber to your dog's diet.
- Fatty acid supplements are also an option. Your veterinarian can recommend supplements and medications specifically for your dog while advising how to use them to improve anal gland health.
- A daily walk or two help not only with weight, but digestive health
That wasn’t so bad was it? I hope we were helpful. Please feel free to post any questions or comments!
Thank you, Animal Lovers!
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