My dog's anal glands popped. How do I prevent future infections?

This can be painful and messy so I recommend using a hot compress on the area several times a day to keep it clean and draining. Then I apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on the surface. As Milo will lick the area using a cone or restraint collar to prevent licking will help it heal faster. Once the sac has ruptured it usually will heal quickly on its own. Continue the antibiotics until they are finished. To prevent this from happening again I would have Milo's anal sacs expressed regularly, every two to three months. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Milo.

You may speak with your veterinarian about a diet trial with a hydrolyzed protein diet for 12 weeks. This will tell you if an allergy is present. If you can;t control it with food, you may look into surgery to remove the glands. I hope this helps.

If she has impacted or infected anal glands then they need to expressed. This is something you can learn to do at home, but it is probably best to have your veterinarian or their staff teach you the first time. In the meantime you can use warm compresses on Gracie's bottom to try to ease a little discomfort. Some of these small breed dogs need their anal glands expressed every 4-6 weeks on a regular schedule. Adding some fiber to her diet may also help her to express them a little more naturally.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is a supplement called Glandex and one called No Scoot that many of my clients love for anal gland problems. In some cases it can decrease how often they need to be expressed. I would discuss with her veterinarian if either of these may be compatible with her diet.

Hello. I am sorry to hear about Oliver's problem. How quickly the anal sacs refill truly depends on the dog. Some dogs need their anal sacs expressed every month, others once a year. If your dog has been having problems with anal sacs, your vet may want to recheck them a month or two after having them expressed. They can then make a recommendation on how soon to come again based on how full they are at the recheck appointment. often we will recommend a diet higher in fiber for dogs with this problem or add fiber to the diet in the form of canned pumpkin or psyllium. I would ask your vet which they recommend for your dog as every pet is unique and they know your dog best!

I am so sorry Bella is having issues with her anal glands. You can always add some canned pumpkin to Bella's food to see if that helps bulk up her stool a little bit so she can express her anal glands easier. Some dogs do need frequent expressions every 1-2 weeks. I would discuss doing an anal gland infusion with antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory to help with some inflammation in her anal glands. She may or may not need to be sedated for the infusion. Some dogs can tolerate it very well while others (typically when there is an infection) cannot tolerate it well and will need to be sedated. I hope her anal gland issues resolve soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

You can express Ellie's anal sacs yourself, but have the vet show you how to do it first to make sure you are doing it right. You can also give her Glandex. It's a supplement that can help with anal sac health. I hope this helps!