Watch Out for the “Scoot”
You might have seen one of the many videos on You Tube where a dog is scooting his butt across the floor in a most humorous way. Not only is it unfair to the dog, who has no idea millions of people are laughing at his expense, it’s also a sign of a potentially serious problem – impacted or infected anal glands.

According to Dogster HQ it may not be something you want to bring up at the next vet visit but it’s important that you do. Learning how to care for your dog’s anal glands will help insure he stays healthy and may save you the cost of an emergency visit to the vet later on. Anal glands are a dog’s calling card – they emit a small amount of fluid when pressured by urinating or defecating and that fluid has your dog’s own unique smell. They can also release the smell when a dog is excited, for example when meeting another dog. If the glands aren’t expressed (releasing built up fluid) naturally and regularly, they become impacted which can lead to infection or even a rupture of the glands.

Regular Care of the Anal Glands

Some dogs never have a problem with their anal glands so it’s up to you to be aware of the warning signs. The famous scoot across the floor is a good indication that your dog needs his anal glands expressed. Other signs are a fishy odor around your dog’s behind, your dog licking near his rectum, or soft stools. If you notice any blood where your pup has scooted, go to the vet immediately, as it is a sign of an infection.

Some dogs never have a problem with their anal glands so it’s up to you to be aware of the warning signs. The famous scoot across the floor is a good indication that your dog needs his anal glands expressed. Other signs are a fishy odor around your dog’s behind, your dog licking near his rectum, or soft stools. If you notice any blood where your pup has scooted, go to the vet immediately, as it is a sign of an infection.

The Role of Nutrition
By feeding your dog a higher quality dog food with fewer or no cereal fillers, your dog will likely produce firmer stools which will naturally express the anal glands.

Avoid People Food
Table Scraps are more likely to cause soft stools.

Supplements
There are some supplements that are thought to support the anal glands such as the product “AnalGlandz.” Be sure to check with your vet before starting any supplement.

Having a Professional Express the Glands 
Anal glands can be easily overlooked when you consider your dog’s health. But these small, stinky sacs can cause a lot of trouble if they aren’t checked. An impaction is uncomfortable for your dog, an infection is painful and a rupture is extremely painful and leads to further complications. Whoever you prefer to have this procedure done, the next time your pup scoots around the floor or when you notice a sign that they’re impacted, get your dog checked out. 

As noted by Dogster, this is really recommended to be done by an expert as they are less likely to hurt your dog, and can do it quickly and efficiently. You can bring your dog to Wet Paws Dog Grooming as we likely see your dog more often than your vet, there’s less time that the glands are going unchecked. or have it done at the vet. 

Source: Dogster HQ, http://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/anal-glands