{"id":747,"date":"2020-02-12T12:13:47","date_gmt":"2020-02-12T19:13:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/?p=747"},"modified":"2024-08-13T17:20:28","modified_gmt":"2024-08-13T23:20:28","slug":"the-ins-and-outs-of-anal-sacs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/the-ins-and-outs-of-anal-sacs\/","title":{"rendered":"Ins and Outs of Anal Sacs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Dog<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Does your dog regularly scoot its cute backside across the living room floor? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you occasionally notice an unpleasant, musky odor in the air or spot a brown streak on the carpet? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you noticed your pet obsessively licking its rear end? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve answered \u201cyes\u201d to any of these questions, your pet\u2019s anal sacs may be to blame.
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While not the most exciting topic, knowing what the anal sacs are and how to properly care for them is an important component of your pet\u2019s care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Form and Function<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anal sacs, also called anal glands, are located just inside both sides of the anus. The lining of the sacs secrete an oily, dark brown, smelly substance that is stored inside the sacs themselves.\u00a0
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Unlike skunks, which can forcefully and voluntarily secrete the contents of their anal sacs, dogs and cats typically express their anal sacs during defecation or when they are nervous or anxious. These odorous secretions are believed to convey information about the pet or serve as territorial markings. Additionally, the oily substance helps lubricate the stool during excretion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Concerns<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Impaction of anal sac secretions is the most common cause of anal sac problems in dogs, and sometimes in cats. This occurs when the secretions are not properly expressed during defecation. If left untreated, the sacs will continue to fill and become more impacted, leading to infection and abscesses. This condition is painful for the pet and requires medical treatment to open and drain the abscess. In chronic cases, surgical removal of the anal sacs may be necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, most of our pets will make it obvious when they are having anal sac issues. These are the most common signs:
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