By Gayle Burandt, Know Better Dog Food

Anal glands are two small glands located within and on either side of the anus. They are filled with a brown substance that has a very foul, musky smell. The glands are expressed when dogs urinate, defecate or mark their territory. When dogs meet one another they also raise their tails and excrete a small amount of substance.

Dog anal glands are frequently impacted and the problem usually occurs in smaller breeds. Scooting, licking and biting the anal area may indicate compaction or infection. Digital inspection by a qualified veterinarian is indicated, and antibiotic treatment may be necessary if infection is present. Some complications from anal gland compaction, infection, or abscess may occur, including: fistulous tracts leading from the infected sacs and rupturing through the skin.
The problem is associated with poor diet and usually with dogs fed on a low quality commercial pet food. The bulk (grains and other cheap filler) create a stool that is too soft to effectively express the anal glands.
Try Better In The Raw or U-Stew as indicated, to make your dog a healthy homemade food. When this type of diet is fed, the stool is generally much harder and more compact, thus making anal gland excretion more effective. For long term health of anal glands, a species appropriate diet is essential. The Know Better Dog Food company has witnessed very positive results with innumerable cases of chronic anal gland disorders.