Lets talk about Anal glands

Anal glands is something all dog owners will come across at some point during the dogs lifetime, and its normal and what are they!?
Two pear shaped glands either side of the bottom which help lubricate the stool as it comes out.  But during the dogs lifetime the fluid can change.  Younger dogs the liquid is just that a liquid, of brownish green colour, which smells horrible. Fishy smell.  But some dogs as they get older the liquid solidifies to a cottage cheese type substance.  
Dogs can get infected anal glands also which require antibiotics to clear it up.  Dogs can also have an abscess at the site of the gland which causes pain and discomfort to the dog.

Now many young dogs get anal gland issues, they may scoot their bottom on the floor as their is discomfort or they may self empty.  You may notice a smell on your clothing or sofa and liquid there.  If your dog has bad breath and no evidence of rotten food stuck in teeth or tooth or gum disease and decay then it is often the anal glands need emptying. 

So how do you empty glands.  The best thing is to go to your veterinary surgeons.  Most dogs that need glands emptying simply out grow it, and it just gets better one day.   Or you can try and empty them yourself, but you should be shown how to do it, so you do not damage the glands, and do not cause discomfort to the dog. Maybe your veterinary surgeon can show you. 

If your dog has issues with anal gland you can look at diet.  If it has a soft diet the gland isn't squeezed so it can then get over full. You can put additives into the food to help. Their are a whole range of products you can buy online to add into food, if you do a google search.  Or give your dog a raw meaty bone to see if this helps.  Raw fed dogs do not suffer with anal gland problems as much as soft food or kibble fed dogs, but it doesn't meant they won't get issues.