My dog has anal gland infection symptoms. Vets closed, what to do?

Poor Buddy! An anal gland infection is not normally an emergency, so if he's acting normal otherwise (eating and drinking, active, etc.) it should be okay to wait until Monday to take him to the vet. If he seems excessively painful in this area, or if he is having any other symptoms such as acting lethargic or not wanting to eat, it would be best to take him to an emergency vet over the weekend since these can be signs of a more serious problem.

Based on the location, I am concerned that the left anal sac may be the cause for the bleeding. Dogs can develop anal sac abscesses, which is an infection of the anal sac (there are two located at the margin of the anus) that can rupture to the outside. These can be painful and will often require antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication to manage pain and allow healing. The other potential is an anal sac mass. Due to Ben's age I would be very concerned for this. Unfortunately there is not much that can be done from home for either of these conditions. It would be recommended to try to find the closest veterinarian to you and have Ben seen. If it is an anal sac mass, these often require surgery and have the potential to be malignant cancers.

You had asked what might cause this -- possibilities include an [anal gland abscess](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs), [other infection](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/skin-ulcers-and-draining-lesions/) or possibly a tumor. Unfortunately, without a physical exam, a diagnosis cannot be made. Your veterinarian should be able to diagnose the cause after the exam tomorrow. Until then, place an [e-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar) (cone) on your dog to prevent licking or chewing. Any treatment will depend on the diagnosis. It is likely the e-collar will need to be kept on until healing is complete.

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

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.

Your pet may have an inflamed or infected [anal gland](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/conditions-of-the-anal-glands). [Impacted or abscessed anal glands](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs) are very painful and makes it difficult to defecate or even move. Without treatment, an impacted gland may abscess and rupture, causing a open wound on your pet's rear that will require wound care, antibiotics and pain relief. I recommend getting your pet seen by your vet. He or she will express (empty) the anal glands, clean her up and possibly start her on antibiotics and pain medication if indicated. You can ask to be shown how to express the anal glands yourself at home so you can avoid impaction or infection in the future. Increased dietary fiber or supplements, such as [Glandex](), may help prevent anal gland issues as well.

A warm, moist towel pressed to the area for a few minutes can sometimes help to draw the glands and relieve the discomfort temporarily until you can have her seen and fully assessed. If she is very uncomfortable however hold off as some cases are extremely painful