Natural Treatment of Anal Glands in Cats and Dogs- Anal Glands in Cats and Dogs

Treatment of your cat or dogs anal glands are not thought about until it has become a problem for the pet. At that point the smell is already on your carpet, and your pet is already in pain. So, what do you do about it?

All dogs and cats have anal glands. When they are functioning normally, the glands secrete a strong smelling substance that is unique to each individual animal. In a healthy animal the feces presses against the gland and stimulates secretion. The problems start when the glands don’t express normally. When this happens the glands back up and can even become infected.

The most common sign is scooting. It is when a dog or cat raises up their tail and scoots their back end across the ground, usually on your carpet. This is an attempt to express the glands and relieve the pressure. You might also notice that your pet cries or whimpers while they are trying to defecate. If you see either of these behaviors, it is a sign that your pet is in some serious discomfort, and its time to get them some help.

One way to help them get relief is to express the anal glands manually. This is a simple procedure that can be done at your vet’s office, or even by you if you’re brave enough or commonly done by your pets groomer. What you need to do is press your thumb and pointer finger just to the outside of the anal glands. As you apply the pressure upwards and inwards you should see the fluid expressing itself out of the anal opening. If you find that your pet has a problem with irritated anal glands then this is a procedure that you should do regularly to help alleviate the pressure. If you have any questions on how to do this properly then just ask your vet, they will be happy to show you how. This combined with a high fiber diet can do quite a bit to prevent irritation.

Now for some pets these steps just aren’t enough, even when done regularly. For cats and dogs who need further treatment on their anal glands, one great option is PetAlive’s AnalGlandz. This product is wonderful for cleaning the anal area as well as reducing pain and helping to soften the harden material inside of the glands. This is a natural homeopathic remedy with an herbal mix which has no side effects. You mix a small amount of the solution with warm water and then apply it directly to the anal area. Start with every day and then once anal function has returned to normal you can cut back to once or twice a week.

Your pet’s anal glands are one of those things that you just hope know how to clean themselves. Unfortunately sometimes that is just not the case. If you feel that your pet is having problems with their anal glands, then try your natural and holistic remedies we have outlined here. That way your pet can finally find the relief they so desperately need.