Anal sacs, often called anal glands, even though they are not truly glandular, are two small pouches located at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions on either side of the anus. These sacs secrete an oily, often tar-like substance with a smell that will knock your socks off! The purpose of these glands is unclear but may serve as a way for dogs to mark their territory with scent.  

Healthy, properly functioning anal sacs will secrete on their own when the dog goes poo. When you see a dog scoot on the ground, they may have issues naturally secreting it and are trying to help it discharge on their own.  

So, what’s the big deal? Unfortunately, anal sacs can become impacted and abscessed due to the sac’s inability to pass this sometimes thick substance. When this happens, you must see a vet where they will flush and drain the area and provide antibiotics.  

What can you do if your dog has anal sac problems? Many believe that an improved diet will help your dog’s ability to secrete the sacs on their own. A firm stool is ideal because as it is expelled through the rectum and anus, it rubs against the sacs to naturally express them. Also, stop feeding any foods that contain corn, potato, oatmeal, wheat, rice, or soy. A raw diet often eliminates many health problems including anal gland issues, but if you are unable to feed such a diet, try a high quality grain-free, potato-free kibble with the addition of pumpkin and probiotics. We love Diggin’ Your Dog’s Firm Up! freeze-dried pumpkin supplement and Herbsmith’s MicroFlora+ probiotic supplements.  

At Odyssey Pets, our grooming salon does a superficial, external squeeze on the sacs to accomplish two things: excrete any anal sac juices that are near the surface and ready to come out, and to check for any issues like impaction. If our groomers find any tenderness or potential problems in that area, we report it to the owner so that they may see their veterinarian. Vets will express the glands internally and assess any troubles that may be going on.