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My dog has trouble walking after pooping. Anal glands or prostate?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Cocker Spaniel | Male | unneutered | 5 years old
My dog a 6yr old cocker has difficulty walking after pooing he had his anal glands discharged which was very smelly and we changed his diet to give him firmer and harder poo to help clear these glands but he still has difficulty walking after pooing. After a long rest he comes round and is able to walk ok. This has been going on for a week. We are wondering if there could be an infection or could it be something else
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on August 11th, 2017
HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Star!
I am assuming when you say he has difficulty walking after defecating that he is walking hunched like he still has to poop? I see that Star isn't neutered, I would have your Vet feel his prostate to make sure it isn't enlarged and painful. Intact male dogs are at risk for benign prostate enlargement, inflammation of the prostate and prostate infections. As the prostate enlarges it can press on the colon or the bladder and make urinating and defecating challenging.
I would also want be sure he doesn't have any back pain too. It still could be his anal glands and they could be still empty but inflamed and need antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.
I hope this helps and please feel free to contact me with any further questions.
I am assuming when you say he has difficulty walking after defecating that he is walking hunched like he still has to poop? I see that Star isn't neutered, I would have your Vet feel his prostate to make sure it isn't enlarged and painful. Intact male dogs are at risk for benign prostate enlargement, inflammation of the prostate and prostate infections. As the prostate enlarges it can press on the colon or the bladder and make urinating and defecating challenging.
I would also want be sure he doesn't have any back pain too. It still could be his anal glands and they could be still empty but inflamed and need antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.
I hope this helps and please feel free to contact me with any further questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful