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Hello, fellow Golden Retriever owners! Have you noticed a foul odor lingering around your furry friend lately? And maybe caught your Golden Retriever scooting his bum across the floor?
It’s not the most glamorous topic to discuss, but it’s one that needs to be tackled in order to provide your furry best friend with some much-needed relief.
We’re talking about anal glands, and answering the burning question: Do Golden Retrievers need their glands expressed?
So, let’s get straight to the point and uncover everything you need to know about your Golden Retriever’s anal glands.
Table of Contents
Do Golden Retrievers Need Their Glands Expressed?
The need for gland expression in Golden Retrievers can vary. While some Goldens naturally express their anal glands during bowel movements, others may require manual expression. Signs of anal gland issues include a foul odor, scooting, excessive licking or biting at the base of the tail, and discomfort. Consulting a veterinarian is recommended for proper diagnosis and guidance on gland expression.
What Are Anal Glands And How Do They Function In Golden Retrievers?
I’ll admit I’d never heard of anal glands before owning my Golden Retriever, but, I became all too familiar with them when my Golden’s glands got infected.
It was quite a shock, and I quickly realized the importance of understanding what anal glands are and their function.
So, what are anal glands?
Anal glands, also known as scent glands, are small fluid-filled sacs located near your dog’s rectum.
Dogs typically have 2 anal glands, about the size of a pea or small grape, positioned on either side of the anal opening.
These glands serve a vital function in marking territory and communicating with other dogs.
During bowel movements, the fluid inside the glands gets released, carrying your dog’s unique scent.
However, sometimes the fluid may not properly empty, leading to potential issues like infections or blockages in the anal glands.
It’s important to recognize the signs of anal gland issues early on to avoid discomfort and distress in your Golden Retriever.
Signs Of Anal Gland Issues In Golden Retrievers
Pay close attention to the following signs in your Golden Retriever, as they could indicate anal gland issues.
Being aware of these signs will help you act quickly to prevent any further distress.
Scooting
You may notice your Golden Retriever scooting or dragging his bum across the floor, in an attempt to relieve discomfort or itchiness caused by anal gland issues.
Scooting is typically the first sign you will notice, and while it’s an indication of anal gland issues, scooting could also be caused by digestive issues, parasites, or simply just an itchy bum.
However, if you notice your dog scooting frequently, it’s clearly a sign of anal gland issues.
Fishy Smell/Foul Odour
Trust me, you’ll know the smell of anal gland issues in your dog! It’s pungent and has a fishy smell, yuck!
If you detect a foul, fishy odor emanating from your dog’s rear end, it’s a clear indication of anal gland issues.
Excessive Licking Or Biting At The Base Of Tail
If you notice your Golden Retriever excessively licking or biting his anal area or the base of his tail, it could be a sign of anal gland irritation or infection.
Swelling Or Redness
Visible swelling, redness, or sensitivity around the anal area can be signs of irritation or infection of the anal glands.
You may notice that your Golden Retriever becomes sensitive to touch in that region, and may even tuck his tail, or move away to avoid being touched, petted, or brushed near their rear end.
This is your Golden Retriever’s way of indicating discomfort and a potential issue with their anal glands.
Discomfort During Bowel Movements
Your Golden Retriever may show signs of discomfort, straining, or experiencing pain while having a bowel movement, if their glands are problematic.
Changes In Behaviour
Anal gland issues can cause discomfort and irritability in dogs.
You may notice your Golden Retriever becoming restless, agitated, or even depressed and lethargic.
Another sign could be that your Golden Retriever eats a ton of grass, grass eating is usually a way for dogs to try to make themselves feel better.
If you notice any changes in behaviour in your Golden Retriever, particularly the ones mentioned above, it could be related to anal gland problems.
Blood Or Pus
The presence of blood or pus in your dog’s stool, or around the anal area, is an indication of a more severe anal gland infection or abscess, which requires immediate veterinary attention.
If you notice any of these signs in your Golden Retriever, it is best to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and guidance.
Why Do Some Golden Retrievers Require Manual Anal Gland Expression While Others Do Not?
Have you ever wondered why some Golden Retrievers seem to have constant anal gland issues that require manual expression, while others can go their whole life without issue?
Well, it turns out there are certain factors that play a role in your dog’s anal glands, and whether your dog naturally expresses his glands or requires assistance.
Let’s explore these factors.
Anatomy
A Golden Retriever’s anatomy in regard to the size, location, and structure of the anal glands, can impact their ability to empty naturally.
Variations in anatomy may contribute to a higher likelihood of anal gland issues that require manual expression to prevent discomfort and complications.
Genetics
Genetics can play a role in anal gland issues, as certain inherited traits can affect the anatomy and functioning of the anal glands.
While Golden Retrievers are not commonly affected by anal gland issues, as compared to small breeds, genetic variations can still contribute to the need for manual expression.
Diet
Diet can affect anal gland issues in Golden Retrievers.
If your dog isn’t getting enough fiber in their diet, or their stool is always soft, it can make it harder for the anal glands to empty properly.
It’s important to feed a well-balanced diet with adequate fiber to maintain healthy stool consistency and to support the natural emptying of the glands.
Allergies
Allergies, whether related to food or the environment, can contribute to inflammation and irritation in Golden Retrievers.
Inflamed anal glands are more prone to issues like blockages or infections.
It’s important to identify and manage your Goldens allergies to help reduce the risk of anal gland issues.
Obesity
Obesity can increase the likelihood of anal gland issues, as excess weight can put additional pressure on the glands and hinder their proper function.
Frequent Manual Expression
Having your Golden Retriever’s glands manually expressed too much can actually cause further problems.
Frequent manual expression can lead to dependency. Meaning, the glands will lose their ability to empty on their own because they have become reliant on manual expression.
Only express the glands manually when necessary with veterinary guidance, to ensure the glands maintain their natural function.
The Importance Of Regular Anal Gland Maintenance
When everything is in good working order, your Golden Retriever will naturally express his anal glands every time he has a bowel movement.
This natural process keeps the glands healthy and functioning properly.
However, as we’ve learned some Golden Retrievers need a little assistance in emptying their glands.
Regular anal gland maintenance, including manual expression, if and when needed, is important and should be part of your dog’s care routine.
Let’s look at the reasons why:
- Prevents discomfort, infections, and blockages.
- Promotes your Golden Retriever’s overall well-being and comfort.
- Reduces the likelihood of scooting, and foul odors.
- Supports healthy gland function and prevents complications.
How Can I Express My Golden Retriever’s Anal Glands?
Expressing your dog’s anal glands at home might sound like a good idea to you, especially if you want to save some money, or you can’t get an appointment at the vet.
However, you need to know what you are doing, because if you don’t, you can actually cause discomfort or harm to your dog.
It is highly recommended to have a veterinarian show you the proper way to express your dog’s glands or do it for you.
Most people would rather pay a small fee to have a vet perform this procedure.
But, if you are willing to do this yourself, this short video demonstrates the proper technique.
Just a warning, it is pretty gross and you might change your mind afterward and want a vet to perform the procedure.
Preventing Anal Gland Issues In Golden Retrievers
Can you prevent anal gland issues in Golden Retrievers?
Obviously, you can’t change your Golden Retriever’s anatomy, which is sometimes the root cause of anal gland issues.
However, you can certainly take some preventative measures to ensure your dog’s anal glands are working as they should and reduce the risk of any issues.
Here are some ways you can prevent anal gland issues:
Maintain A Healthy Diet
Feeding a balanced diet that is high in fiber will promote regular bowel movements and optimize gland function.
A poor diet can result in loose stools, or constipation, which can both lead to anal gland issues.
Add More Fiber
Adding additional fiber to your dog’s diet will bulk up the stool and ensure that the glands function and empty themselves naturally.
Great sources of fiber include:
- Pumpkin: You can add a spoonful of 100% pure pumpkin puree to your dog’s food.
- Psyllium Husk, Ground Flax Seed, Chia Seed: You can sprinkle a few of these high-fiber seeds on top of your dog’s food, or mix them into the pumpkin puree. (See recipe below).
- Rabbit Feet or Rabbit Ears: Feed rabbit feet or rabbit ears as a treat. These treats may sound gross, but dogs love them! My Golden Retriever loves rabbit feet, she gets one every other day. They are high in fiber and really help to bulk up the stool.
- Fruits & Vegetables: Apples, broccoli, carrots, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all great sources of fiber, and they’re healthy for your dog. Just make sure when feeding apples to not allow your dog to eat the core with the seeds.
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber as well as beta-carotene. Dehydrated sweet potatoes make a great treat, you can easily make your own using a dehydrator.
All Natural Anal Gland Recipe:
- 1 Can of 100% pure pumpkin puree
- 2 Tbsp. of whole psyllium husk
- 2 Tbsp. of chia seeds
- 6 Tbsp. of ground flax seeds
- **Mix everything together. You can freeze the mixture into tiny molds (I use paw print molds), or keep refrigerated and add a spoonful to your dog’s food.
Monitor Weight And Exercise
Obesity can increase the risk of anal gland issues. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight in your dog through regular exercise and portion control.
Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and support gland health.
Great sources are fish oil, sardines, salmon, ground flaxseed, and chia seeds.
Regular Grooming And Hygiene
I’m not saying you should wipe your dog’s butt after a bowel movement!
But, bathing your dog regularly as well as keeping the hair around the bum area trimmed will help keep the anal area clean and prevent any infections.
You can also use commercial wipes such as Glandex Rear-End Pet Wipes which are specifically formulated to support anal gland and rear-end hygiene. They are easy and convenient to use.
Adequate Hydration
Ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water, as proper hydration supports healthy stool consistency.
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Schedule regular vet visits to monitor your Golden Retriever’s overall health, and address any issues promptly.
FAQs
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions related to anal glands. If you have any further questions please leave them in the comments below.
1. Why Does My Golden Retriever Scoot On The Floor?
Scooting on the floor typically indicates that your Golden Retriever is experiencing discomfort or irritation in their anal glands.
Scooting is a way for your Golden Retriever to try and relieve the discomfort.
2. Can I Express My Golden Retriever’s Anal Glands At Home?
While it’s possible to express your Golden Retriever’s glands at home, you will want to proceed with caution.
It’s best to have a vet show you the proper technique, or perform the procedure for you to avoid causing discomfort or harm to your dog.
3. What Happens If You Don’t Get Your Dog’s Glands Expressed?
If you don’t get your dog’s anal glands expressed when needed, it can lead to potential complications such as infections, abscesses, or blockages in the anal glands.
Your dog may experience discomfort, distress, or pain, and the issue could worsen over time if left untreated.
Prompt expression helps to prevent these complications and ensures your Golden is happy and healthy.
4. What Dog Breeds Need Their Glands Expressed?
Smaller dog breeds are more commonly affected by anal gland issues because of their anatomy.
However, no dog is entirely immune as potential anal gland issues can occur in any breed regardless of their size.
5. Do Golden Retrievers Have Scent Glands?
Yes, Golden Retrievers have scent glands which are also known as anal glands.
These small fluid-filled sacs are located near their rectum and play a role in communication and marking behaviour.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up, I want to highlight how important it is to understand and care for your Golden Retriever’s anal gland health.
As a fellow Golden Retriever owner, I have learned that some Goldens can naturally express their glands on their own without issue, while others need a little help through manual expression.
Regular maintenance, feeding a wholesome diet with added fiber, proper grooming, and managing your pup’s allergies, can go a long way in preventing anal gland issues and promoting overall well-being.
It’s important to act quickly and seek veterinary guidance if you notice any signs of discomfort or potential problems.
Taking proactive steps and being attentive to your Golden Retriever’s needs will help ensure your pup stays happy and healthy!
Has your Golden Retriever experienced anal gland issues? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you!
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
As a Golden Retriever owner myself, I found this article to be incredibly informative and helpful. Before owning my Golden, I had never heard of anal glands, but unfortunately, my pup had some issues with them. I learned to recognize the signs of anal gland issues, such as scooting, foul odor, excessive licking, and discomfort.
Overall, I found this article to be a great resource for Golden Retriever owners like me. It’s essential to understand and care for our furry friends’ anal gland health to ensure they lead happy and healthy lives. Thank you for sharing this valuable information!
I do have one question though: are there any specific exercises or activities that can help in naturally expressing a Golden Retriever’s anal glands?
Hi Lizzy,
There are no specific activities or exercises to aid the natural expression of anal glands. However, regular exercise improves your Golden Retriever’s overall health and well-being, which in return can reduce the likelihood of obesity which helps prevent anal gland issues related to being overweight.
As far as preventing anal gland issues, if you follow the tips mentioned in this article such as feeding a proper diet that’s well-balanced, adding more fiber, monitoring your pup’s weight, adding omega-3 fatty acids, regular grooming, and ensuring your pup is hydrated, it will certainly go a long way in keeping your pup’s anal glands healthy.
Even after doing all of the above, some Goldens can still have anal gland issues. It’s important to recognize the signs such as scooting and a foul odor, and act quickly before things get worse.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Jenny.