The ‘ruff reality’ of dog anal glands.

A powerful heading for my first blog post I feel. I mean, I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t be interested in reading about dog anal glands.

When I first got Clover, I had no idea how much time I would spend worrying about her bum, massaging her bum, looking at her bum and paying for the vet to look at her bum. Nobody told me about any of this. (Turns out when you google ‘benefits of getting a dog’, dealing with dog anal glands doesn’t appear as a result- weird!). I also have to spend time wiping her bum, although that’s not related to dog anal glands, that’s a whole other issue (don’t worry, I’ll do a post on it soon!).

Anyway, apparently it’s a very normal to have dog anal gland issues. Essentially all dogs have anal glands which naturally empty themselves when they ‘relieve’ themselves by going to the toilet. But sometimes, (or in Clovers case- often!) they don’t naturally empty themselves (the posh term is ‘express’)- and this can cause problems. “But how will I know if the glands aren’t expressing properly?!” I hear you cry. Well, let me assure you that there is no need to be concerned about that. Firstly, you’re dog will show obvious signs of agitation. There will be butt scooting across your nice clean carpets, and their bum sort of swells and looks a bit sore. Clover also tells me she’s uncomfortable by sitting down really quickly or turning suddenly to her butt end as if she’s just been bitten or stung. But if you haven’t noticed any of these signs then don’t worry… because you can’t miss the smell…

The stench that comes from Clover whenever there are some anal glands issues is nothing short of putrid. A sort of metallic/fish smell that hits you as soon as you enter the room. There’s no mistaking it. And if that wasn’t enough, then of course there’s the discharge. The discoloured, metallic smelling discharge which Clover leaves all over my sofa, bed, carpets and cushions when she’s having anal issues. Delightful.

Last week, I changed the covers on my bed. A simple and straightforward task if you don’t own a dog. I washed it, hung it out to dry on the washing line then put it back on the bed. I slept in those fresh sheets once. Less than 24 hours later and I’m stripping my bed covers again because there is Clovers’ butt juice all over them. She had managed to get it not only on the top of my duvet cover, but also on my pillow case. My fault, I suppose, for leaving the bedroom door open.

So, how do you tackle dog anal gland problems? With great difficulty would be the apparent answer. Last time this happened I took Clover to the vets. An extortionate bill for the vet to put her finger up Clover’s bum and squeeze the glands. The way Clover cried and cowered whist this was happening is a scene I will never forget. I’ve never heard her yelp like it and I’ve never felt so guilty for putting her through pain… pain that I had paid for! But, I guess better to have the short pain at the vets than the long term discomfort otherwise.

This time round, Clover has had anal gland problems for around a week. I’ve googled various home remedies and the general consensus seems to be to feed them fibre to harden their poop which will make it more likely to express the glands naturally… dog ownership is so glamourous. So, that’s what I’m trying. I’ve also spent £35.00 on some pro-biotic tablets for her to take each day which do seem to be making a difference… I’ll keep you posted on that. If she starts showing signs of being uncomfortable again then I’ll be phoning the vet, but if I can protect her from the pain she went through at our last vet visit then I will… after all, I don’t want the guilt on my conscious on top of the overpriced bill!

I never promised these blog posts would be nice to read- I just promised that they would be honest. Dog anal glands was bound to come up sooner or later, so I thought I’d get it out the way early. Welcome to the ruff reality…

Photo below of Clover feeling sorry for herself (the only time she shows me any form of attention) because she’s got a hurty bottom. The blanket went straight in the wash once she was finished being needy, only to get butt juice all over it again within a few hours of it being dry… I love my life.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading about dog anal glands?

Then head to ‘the ruff reality blog’ for further recent, wonderful insights into dog ownership…

Alternatively, head back to the ‘things nobody told me about’ page for more topics you’ll wish someone warned you about.

Haven’t got a dog yet? Head to my ‘top tips’ page for my honest advice on deciding if you are ready for a dog, which breed of dog you should get, and the top six things to consider before you get one.

CLOVERS INSTAGRAM

Subscribe below for more real life dog ownership adventures!