My Shih-Poo's anal glands are inflamed. How can I help her at home?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sofie. I recommend that she has her anal glands regularly expressed by her veterinarian. This way they can be closely monitored for any sign of a recurring infection or impaction. Initially she should have them expressed by her veterinarian every 3-4 weeks. I hope this information helps!

These will need to be expressed by vet or vet to relieve the discomfort, bathing the area with salted water in the meantime can help. Additional fiber in the diet can b used to prevent recurrence and be sure to keep up to date with deworming medications

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.

Poor smith. I would recommend taking him to a veterinarian to have the glands examined. A warm compress is a great idea but if they are infected smith will need antibiotics to help the swelling resolve. If infected anal glands are not addressed they can ruptured. Also sometimes based on the age of smith. Inflamed gland could be secondary to a mass, recital or prostate issue hope that helps

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!

No one knows for certain what causes recurrent anal gland inflammation and irritation - sometimes allergies seem to play a role, and certain dog breeds seem to have more issues than others. There are some supplements that you can try, and sometimes adding fiber to the diet can help as well. If Pixie is not on a regular schedule to have her glands expressed that might help. If the problem is severe with recurrent anal gland infections surgery to remove the anal glands is sometimes recommended.

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.