A UK company dedicated to promoting pet health, including those anal glands!
Both dogs and cats have anal glands; 'scent glands' that rest between the layers of muscles in the rectum. Their purpose is to allow your pet to leave a smell signal that marks their territory and attracts other animals as they walk by. Ordinarily, the glands are naturally expressed as your pet defecates however, if there is an issue, this will not be the case. This is often caused when the anal glands are impacted due to food hypersensitivities, skin infections and
weight problems, leading to a risk of infection and irritation - and often unpleasant smells! - for your pet.
How to prevent issues arising?
One of the best ways to prevent a build-up within the glands is to maintain your pet's weight and ensure their diet is full of natural products.
Some of the best ingredients to aid the natural operation of glands include fibres, omega 3 from oily fish, and fruit and veg. These can help maintain firmness of stools and work as anti-inflammatories. Another diet pet owners have found effective is
raw meat, which, in addition to many other feeds, is one of the food products Cricket Inn Pet & Animal Feeds Ltd, UK, can offer.
Know the signs
There are various tell-tale signs that the anal glands may be impacted. These include:
- Scooting
- Swelling or lumps around the rectum
- Excessive licking
- Constipation
- Blood or mucus within stools
If you've noticed any of these symptoms, it might be time to try a new diet. If issues do not improve, contact your vet.
