Dog's anal gland swollen for weeks, not painful. What should I do?

Anal gland fistulas are usually very painful. I would recommend going back and asking for several days worth of pain medication (do NOT give human ibuprofen or acetominophen as those can be deadly to dogs), and an Elizabethan collar if you don’t already have one one to prevent licking. Feeding just boiled rice and chicken for 2-3 days is an option (unless Mojo has a chicken allergy) to feed a low residue diet that will be less painful to poop out. Good luck!

Ouch! Poor Oscar! It is good you have an appointment with your vet. This may require oral medications for pain and infection and they will want to do a thorough exam to see if the anal glands are the underlying problem. Until then I would keep applying the triple antibiotic ointment at least twice a day. You could also apply some hydrocortisone to the area to help with the swelling and irritation. If the anal glands are full, adding fiber to the diet can help bulk up the stool and express them naturally. I recommend canned pumpkin puree (not the pie filling) at each meal. I hope this helps and that Oscar gets feeling better soon. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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!

You can see some swelling after expression of the anal sacs. Given that Sofia is pooping fine, I would just keep an eye on her for now. If this swelling continues over the next few days, gets worse, or she starts having problems pooping, then I would be concerned and have her seen by a vet again.

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.

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.

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.