Natural Remedies For Anal Gland Issues
- Everwell Pets
- Sep 3, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 1
If your pup is dealing with anal gland issues, don’t worry, there are plenty of natural ways to help get things back on track! Start with a diet change, look at when you’re feeding, and consider how your pup moves throughout the day. From there, you can explore the benefits of homeopathy, essential oils, digestive enzymes, and pre and probiotics. These natural modalities can all work together to support your pup in feeling their best again.
Raw Food Diet
The best way to keep your dog’s anal glands in tip-top shape? A raw diet with the right bone content. Here’s the scoop: bones in the diet dissolve during digestion, helping to create those small, firm poops that raw feeders are so proud of. In fact, raw feeders are pretty much poop connoisseurs, and one thing they know well is “bone poop.” When your dog enjoys a meal that’s higher in bone content—like chicken backs or turkey necks—you’ll notice the result is a small but firm stool. It’s a natural and effective way to keep those anal glands working smoothly!
That firm stool your dog produces on a raw diet does more than just make clean-up easier—it actually helps push against the anal glands when your dog poops, naturally emptying them. But here’s the catch: if those bone poops are too small, even if they’re firm, they might not have enough bulk to do the job fully. That’s where a little extra fiber comes in handy! Adding some fibrous fruits and veggies to the mix can increase stool volume, giving it the oomph needed to scrape the edges and fully engage those anal glands. Feeding a raw diet is a fantastic way to support your dog’s anal glands naturally, but a bit of balance with fiber can make it even more effective!
Feed FOMAD
If your pup is dealing with any digestive issues, including those pesky anal gland problems, one of my top recommendations—after making the switch to a raw food diet—is to move to just one meal a day, served in the morning. It’s a simple change that can make a big difference! Want to know all the details and health benefits? Check it out here!
Exercise
Make sure your dog gets plenty of walks and runs out in the sunshine! Regular exercise not only strengthens those rectal and abdominal muscles, giving your pup the power to put more pressure on those anal glands, but it also helps keep things moving smoothly in the bowel department. More walks mean stronger muscles and more regular poops—a win-win for your dog’s overall health!
Natural Remedies
If you've incorporate the above lifestyle changes and are still dealing with anal gland issues, below are a few of my favorite natural remedies.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic Silica/Silicea (6C or 30C)Silica is a fantastic remedy that helps the body push out foreign objects and fluids, like pus and other excretions (it’s also great for things like splinters and fox tails in the skin). You can easily find Silica at most health stores or online. If your dog needs a little extra help emptying those anal glands, Silica can be just the thing to get things moving naturally.
How to Use Homeopathic Silica
Twice a day for 2 to 7 days.
Handle the pellets as little as possible
Put about 3-5 pellets into a small glass (I commonly use a shot glass) of filtered or spring water (don’t use unfiltered tap water).
Use a dropper or teaspoon to place some of the liquid on your dog’s gums twice a day. Stir the liquid with the dropper or teaspoon before every dose.
If the dropper is causing too much distress for you or your pup, you can put the pellets in his water bowl (stir well and use filtered water). Add more pellets at each water change. This will work just as well. as long as you don’t have other animals who use the same bowl.
Essential Oil Spray Recipe
Adopted From Melissa Shelton, DVM [1]
20 Drops Lavender
10 Drops Copaiba
10 Drops Melaleuca Alternifolia
4oz (120mL) Distilled Water
4 oz Glass Bottle (blue or brown) with sprayer
Add all ingredients to the bottle and shake well before each use. Keep out of heat and direct sunlight
Mist the anal area twice a day or as needed.
**Please note that for the safety and well-being of your pets, I only recommend using essential oils from trusted brands like Young Living, Doterra, or Revive. These brands are known for their high-quality, pure oils that are safe when used correctly. Using other brands may carry risks due to the potential presence of harmful additives or lower-quality ingredients.
Whole Food Additions
Beyond homeopathy and essential oils, I always reach for whole food alternatives before turning to supplements. But remember, starting with a raw dog food diet is key—if you haven’t made the switch yet, do that first and give it some time, about 4 to 8 weeks, before moving on to the next step. Just as it took time for your pet’s body to develop the symptoms you’ve noticed, it will take time for them to resolve. Patience is crucial here. If your pet is still struggling after the diet change and you want to try one of the recipes below, that’s great—just keep in mind that these should be used for a limited or intermittent time, not forever. The goal is to give the body a little nudge, then step back and let it repair and work on its own.
Psyllium Husk Recipe
Psyllium husk is a natural fiber supplement that can be beneficial for dogs, especially when they need help with digestion, firming up stools, or aiding in anal gland health. Here’s a simple recipe to incorporate psyllium husk into your dog’s diet:
Recipe:
1/2 teaspoon of psyllium husk powder (for small dogs)
1 teaspoon of psyllium husk powder (for medium dogs)
1 to 2 teaspoons of psyllium husk powder (for large dogs)
1/4 to 1/2 cup of water (adjust based on your dog’s size)
Optional: A small amount of your dog’s favorite wet food or broth for flavor
Instructions:
Mix the Psyllium Husk: In a bowl, combine the psyllium husk powder with water or for added nutritional value and flavor use bone broth. Stir well until the mixture begins to thicken. You’ll notice it forms a gel-like consistency as the psyllium absorbs the water.
Serve Immediately: Once the psyllium husk has thickened, serve it to your dog right away. You can mix it into their regular food or offer it separately as a treat.
Monitor and Adjust: Start with a small amount and observe how your dog responds. If needed, you can gradually increase the amount of psyllium husk. Always ensure your dog has plenty of freshwater available or add additional water/bone broth to their diet as fiber needs sufficient hydration to work effectively.
Frequency:
This psyllium husk recipe can be given once daily or as needed to support digestion, firm up stools, or assist with anal gland health. If your dog is new to fiber supplements, start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to avoid any digestive upset.
Observation
Keep an eye on your pup during potty time when you’re feeding them fiber broth. Now, I know this isn’t the most glamorous part of being a pet parent, but some dogs might need a little help getting things moving at first. If your dog is struggling, here’s what you can do: slip your hand into a clean poop bag and give the poop a gentle pull. Don’t worry, your hands will stay clean—just grit your teeth, hold your nose, and lend your dog a helping hand if he needs it. [5]
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. This fiber also adds bulk to the stool, promoting a firmer consistency. Firm stools can help naturally express the anal glands, reducing the risk of impaction.They also absorb water and form a gel-like substance, which helps keep the digestive tract hydrated.
This can improve stool consistency and ensure smoother bowel movements. In addition to fiber, chia seeds are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This can be beneficial for dogs with anal gland inflammation or irritation.
Instructions:
1. Soak chia seeds in water before feeding them to your dog. This will allow them to expand and form a gel, which is easier to digest and more effective in promoting gut health. Use a ratio of 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to 1 cup of filtered/spring water, and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Start with a small amount—about 1/4 teaspoon for small dogs, 1/2 teaspoon for medium dogs, and up to 1 teaspoon for large dogs. You can gradually increase the amount as your dog adjusts. Mix the soaked chia seeds into your dog’s regular food or offer them as a separate treat.
3. Add the chia seed gel to your dog’s diet daily or a few times a week for a limited time. It always depends on your pet's individual needs. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of filtered water when adding fiber to their diet.
Fiber-rich options like pumpkin, apples, and sweet potatoes are also great additions that provide that all-important insoluble fiber. Mixing these into your dog’s raw food diet can make a big difference in their ability to express their anal glands naturally and stay healthy. So, with just a few simple tweaks to their meals, you can keep your pup’s digestive system running smoothly and their tail wagging happily!
Probiotics And Prebiotics
Adding probiotics and prebiotics to your dog’s diet can work wonders for firming up those stools. You can try feeding fermented foods like kefir, or fermented veggies (whether homemade, store-bought, or something like Gussy's Gut), or you can opt for a good prebiotic and probiotic supplement. But here’s the key—rotate them and take breaks! I’m not a fan of continuous probiotic use; your dog’s body needs time to balance itself.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are like tiny powerhouses in your dog’s body, breaking down the food they eat into nutrients that can be easily absorbed and used for energy, growth, and overall health. These enzymes—produced primarily in the pancreas, stomach, and small intestine—work hard to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into smaller molecules. For example, protease tackles proteins, lipase handles fats, and amylase takes on carbohydrates. Without these enzymes, your dog’s body would struggle to extract the nutrients it needs from their food, leading to digestive issues and a lack of essential vitamins and minerals.
Even though your pet’s body is designed to produce its own enzymes and get the rest from their diet, we’re living in a time when our soils are depleted, and the foods that once provided those vital enzymes just aren’t cutting it anymore. That’s why it might be necessary to give your pup a little extra help by supplementing with digestive enzymes.
In my many years of clinical practice, I’ve noticed that digestive enzymes are often overlooked when it comes to supporting our pets. You can easily find these at your local natural grocer or online. They come as a tasteless powder that you simply sprinkle on each meal. By ensuring your dog’s diet includes the right digestive enzymes, you’re not only supporting their gut health but also boosting nutrient absorption and keeping them happy and healthy from the inside out!
Allergies
I intentionally listed this category last because, often, what you assumed was an allergy might completely resolve with the changes we’ve already discussed. But if not... allergies and sensitivities—whether from food or the environment—can often be the sneaky culprits behind your dog’s anal gland issues. Start with the tips above, keep a close eye on things, and if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pet health team. Together, you can come up with a plan to tackle this additional layer of care and keep your pup feeling their best.
Book a virtual pet wellness consult with Dr. Andi today! Whether you're navigating the ins and outs of pet nutrition, tackling health concerns, or just looking for personalized advice to keep your pet happy and healthy, Dr. Andi is here to guide you every step of the way.
Citations
Shelton, Melissa DVM (2012), The Animal Desk Reference, Essential Oils for Animals. pg 381