My dog has an anal gland infection. Is it an emergency vet visit?

Ouch, poor Luna! Based on the pictures you provided (thank you for that!), they do not look overly red, swollen, and there are no signs of blood. As long as she is eating and drinking normally, going to the bathroom normally, and otherwise behaving normally, she can wait until the morning to see the vet. I would put an Ecollar on her to prevent her from licking at her anus, and you can make one at home. I will put a link below on how to do that. If she is in a lot of pain, isn't eating, is lethargic, and/or is having trouble going to the bathroom, then I would take her into a vet now. Good luck, I hope this helps! http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

Anal glands live at 5 and 7 o’clock or so, not at 12 o’clock like you have circled. However other problems such as perianal dermatitis can be causing signs as well. Using warm water and Epsom salts to compress the area can be helpful to decrease irritation and pain. Here is an article about Benadryl use in dogs : https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/ I hope this will keep him comfortable until you can get him to a veterinarian. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hello. You are correct that Tucker probably is in some pain. Having him seen sooner would certainly allow us to start him on some pain medications. He also would be started on antibiotics. However, if you cannot have him seen now , sometimes sitting them in warm water with some Epsom salts is very soothing and will allow the abscess to go ahead and rupture. This will cause some bleeding and you may see some discharge, but he should feel better at the same time. I think you should have him seen as soon as possible, but I would not wait until Monday. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Heidi. Sounds like you guys are absolutely right. This is a judgement call. If she is incredibly uncomfortable I would advise taking her tonight. But if she is able to rest, doesn't seem to be in too much pain, I think you can wait until tomorrow to get it assessed. The fact that it ruptured is a good thing, it's probably less painful although a little more messy to deal with. Your vet will probably make sure both anal glands are emptied, advise topical wound treatment, give some antibiotics, anti inflammatories, pain meds, E collar, etc. Keep placing neosporin right on and even in the wound. Also warm compressing it will encourage drainage and ease a lot of pain. Good luck with Heidi.

Hello, so sorry that Sydney is having this issue. It can take up to a week. If after that you are not seeing an improvement by then she will need to go back to the vet for a check-up. The vet may have to surgically drain the infection. Hope this helps. Best wishes and I hope she is feeling better soon!

I think this is not an emergency and can wait to be seen tomorrow. The only thing that may happen is that this abscess bursts until then. If that happens, gently wipe off the pus, do not flush or put ointment on the wound, leave it as it is. It is likely painful at the moment, but once the abscess bursts the pain will be over. Your vet will lance and flush the abscess and prescribe an antibiotic if needed.

Hello. Most anal gland infections heal up quite nicely with medications & keeping the area clean. Unless there is a special circumstance involving Tia's glands, such as the area is just not healing, additional flushing & treatment is usually not necessary. See how she does after a week on antibiotics & if she is doing well, just continue the antibiotics. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.