Last Updated on 03/05/2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on July 19, 2023.
Authored by Denise Leo, a renowned expert in Pomeranian breeding, this work is co-authored with our in-house veterinarian, Dr. Muqeet Mushtaq. Dr. Mushtaq earned his degree from the University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences in 2019 and holds an MSc (Hons.) in Animal Breeding & Genetics from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, obtained in 2021. His extensive knowledge and expertise significantly enhance this collaborative effort.
Discover the best tips for dealing with your Pomeranian’s anal glands. One of those important aspects is understanding and caring for your pet’s anal glands. Don’t ignore this important part of your dog’s healthcare. Neglecting it could cause pain and infection!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Pomeranian anal glands: what they do, how to care for them properly, when it might be best to have a vet check them out, and more!
If your Pomeranian has impacted anal gland issues, he may scoot his butt along the ground to try and empty them. Some dogs chase their tails, and others lick that area.
Some animals feel uncomfortable, shiver, struggle to walk, keep their tail down, and can hide. Sometimes, they refer to the feeling in their ears and shake and scratch the ears as if they had an ear infection.
Preventing Pomeranian Anal Gland Problems
The most important thing to do is improve your Pom’s diet. Include more roughage in the diet. Pumpkin and other vegetables are an excellent additive to most Pomeranian dog dinners. Seriously consider changing to a raw food or home-cooked diet. Add any of the suggested fiber supplements to his meals.
Fiber Supplements for Pomeranian Dogs
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY ANAL GLANDS: Glandex is scientifically formulated to support healthy anal glands. With key ingredients including pumpkin seed, Glandex promotes natural emptying of the anal glands & supports digestive health & seasonal allergies.
- GUARANTEED TO BOOT THE SCOOT: Glandex results are guaranteed to help your pet “Boot the Scoot!” in 3-5 weeks & comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Glandex is recommended by thousands of veterinarians worldwide & was developed by leading veterinarians to specifically support healthy anal gland function
- PATENTED FORMULA: Glandex’s patented formula includes all-natural ingredients to keep your dog’s anal glands healthy including a Unique Fiber Blend, Omega Fatty Acids, Digestive Enzymes, Prebiotics & Probiotics
- MADE IN USA: Glandex is proudly made in the USA using the highest quality ingredients. Glandex is easy-to-use and comes as an irresistible pork liver treat! Give once daily based on your dog’s weight. Great Value – Lasts 1 month for a 20 pound dog!
- HEALTH STARTS IN THE GUT: High Fiber Grass Bits naturally revitalize your pet’s digestive tract to relieve digestive issues including diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, stalled digestion, bloating and food intolerance; Reduces gas, stool odor, bad breath and firms up poop
- HELP YOUR DOG FEEL THEIR BEST: Bolster your dog’s immune system and overall health; Increase absorption of nutrients and vitamins to help tackle common pet concerns such as allergies, skin, coat, itching, licking, infection, low energy, weight loss, mood, sensitive stomach, and more
- COMPLETE 4 IN 1 FORMULA: Combines premium Fibers, Prebiotics, Probiotics and Enzymes to supercharge your pet’s digestive system. These four building blocks unite to form a high fiber solution that heals and maintains your dog’s gut
- 4 IN 1 FORMULA SAVES TIME AND MONEY: Stop buying separate supplements; save time and money by buying one solution that combines them all; Solid grass bits mix in well with your dog’s food or can be served as treat or topper; No more powders stuck at the bottom of the bowl or floating in the air like other brands; Serving size varies based on weight – One bag will last a 50 lb dog a little over a month
- NATURAL PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: Natural, Grain Free, Gluten Free, Non-GMO and Made in USA; Miscanthus Grass, Pumpkin Powder and Flax Seed Fibers provide the perfect poop; Inulin & Xylooigosaccharides Prebiotics; Bacillus Subtilis and Bacillus Coagulans probiotics support a healthy digestive tract and immune system; Blend of digestive Enzymes break down food and increase nutrient absorption
- 【HELP YOUR DOG FEEL THEIR BEST】This dog digestive support feature a probiotic formula that can enhance your dog’s immune system and overall well-being by improving the absorption of crucial nutrients and vitamins
- 【HIGH FIBER】High fiber content in these dog fiber supplements supports your dog’s digestive system, providing relief from diarrhea, loose stool, constipation, gas, bloating, and foul odor
- 【ADVANCED 4 IN 1 DIGESTIVE FORMULA】Our complete formula incorporates premium fibers, probiotics, and enzymes, working together to supercharge your pet’s digestive system. Fiber supplement for dogs
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- 【MADE IN THE USA + VET FORMULATED】Our dog constipation relief chews are made in the USA and formulated by VETS in an FDA-registered facility that meets the highest quality standards
- HONESTY IN EVERY BOWL: Pet Honesty’s fiber powder supplement boosts mealtime with a powerhouse blend of all-natural fiber superstars like pumpkin, apple pectin, and psyllium husk. Say goodbye to digestion drama – this tasty fiber powder dog food topper gets to work fast to help make their tummy troubles and bowel issues a thing of the past. No more crumbling chews into their food, just effortless daily relief in your pantry!
- NUTRITIONIST APPROVED TO IMPROVE MESSY BATHROOM ISSUES: Inconsistent potty routines and poop you can’t pick up are the worst for you and your best friend. But those nightmares of messy anal walks will be a distant memory when you add this vet-formulated anti-diarrhea fiber supplement packed with all-natural gut-soothers like pumpkin for dogs. Chosen by pros who know their stuff, it ensures real results – firmer stools, improved stool quality, and a happier, healthier life.
- MADE WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS LIKE PUMPKIN, APPLE, PSYLLIUM, YEAST, & BENTONITE CLAY: There’s no time to waste when your pup’s digestive woes call for serious reinforcements. We have the natural ammo that actually works – fiber MVPs pumpkin and pumpkin seeds, apple pectin, psyllium husk support digestive health and help maintain stool regularity as a natural stool hardener. Plus hydrolyzed yeast and bentonite clay deliver an extra punch of protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals.
- PET HONESTY PLEDGE: Clean + science-backed ingredients. Recognizable ingredients, without useless fillers. Drool-worthy taste. Pet Honesty offers 50+ products to target your pet’s unique needs…because we believe all pets deserve more joyful moments.
- MADE IN THE U.S.A. | NASC MEMBER COMPANY: All Pet Honesty products are made in the US with US and globally-sourced ingredients and meet the highest safety standards, so your pet gets nothing but the best! We’re also a NASC member company meaning we meet the highest quality and compliance standards for pet supplements. And, we proudly support pets in need nationwide through our Social Impact Committee – so all pets can have healthier, happier years.
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY ANAL GLANDS: Glandex is scientifically formulated to support healthy anal glands. With key ingredients including pumpkin seed, Glandex promotes natural emptying of the anal glands & supports digestive health & seasonal allergies.
- GUARANTEED TO BOOT THE SCOOT: Glandex results are guaranteed to help your pet “Boot the Scoot!” in 3-5 weeks & comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Glandex is recommended by thousands of veterinarians worldwide & was developed by leading veterinarians to specifically support healthy anal gland function
- PATENTED FORMULA: Glandex’s patented formula includes all-natural ingredients to keep your dog’s anal glands healthy including a Unique Fiber Blend, Omega Fatty Acids, Digestive Enzymes, Prebiotics & Probiotics
- MADE IN USA: Glandex is proudly made in the USA using the highest quality ingredients. Glandex is easy-to-use and comes as an irresistible beef liver powder! Give once daily based on your pet’s weight.
- 100 caps
- 500 mg per capsule
- Fiber Capsules for hairballs
- effective relief from constipation
- FOR DOG’S DAILY HEALTH: Wholistic Canine Complete is a super-premium pumpkin supplement for dogs loaded with multivitamins and a key source of healthy protein; the all-in-one whole food supplement contains vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants.
- SEE THE RESULTS: This daily dog organic pumpkin powder features many organic ingredients, is easily digestible when mixed into food, and is ideal for dogs of all ages; Wholistic Canine pumpkin powder is designed for your pet’s long-term health with most owners noticing a distinct improvement in their pet’s appearance in just a few weeks.
- RESTORE YOUR PET’S GUT HEALTH: Wholistic Canine Complete has no fillers, synthetics, GMO’s or artificial flavoring, only natural ingredients chosen for a healthy, normal functioning digestive system; it may also help regulate normal immune function, eliminate damaging free radicals, alleviate allergy symptoms, and promote normal cell, tissue and organ function
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- PREVENT & RELIEVE DOG DIARRHEA: Our pumpkin dog fiber supplement is designed by a leading veterinary nutritionist to ensure effective doses of fiber to help (not hurt!) the digestion process. A better option than expensive or ineffective dog diarrhea medicine!
- Organic fiber powder: Fera’s fiber supplement powder is packed with 7 organic ingredients to help with regularity and balance the digestive system; our pumpkin for dogs and cats is rich in insoluble fiber from flax seed and coconut for the heart and gut
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- Feeding guide: Feed our organic fiber supplement as cat or dog food toppers by adding to dog food or cat food with the scoop; scoop is equivalent to ½ teaspoon; under 25lbs, give 1tsp; 26-50lbs, give 2tsp; 51-75lbs, give 3tsp; over 76lbs, give 4tsp
- Care from head to tail: Dog and cat supplements crafted from our commitment to creating effective, honest and delicious cat and dog vitamins and supplements, while combining Eastern and Western ingredients for a holistic approach to your pet’s wellbeing
How to Express Pomeranian Anal Glands
Taking care of a Pomeranian’s impacted anal glands does not have to be a daunting task. Hiring experienced professionals to express the anal glands manually can help ensure your pup is properly cared for without stressing you out.
If done regularly, you may even be able to prevent impacted anal gland problems from affecting your pet in the first place. Additionally, multiple products are generally designed to relieve symptoms of anal gland issues in Pomeranians.
Overall, being proactive when caring for your favorite fluffy companion is key—consistent attention and diligence can go a long way towards helping keep their rear end healthy and comfortable. With the guidance of qualified professionals and pet health experts, it won’t take long for your Pomeranian to return to being its happy and healthy self!
You can be kind and empty your dog’s anal sacs. Use a tissue or rag and squeeze both sides of the sacs. If the resulting secretions are pasty, this method isn’t enough to completely empty the anal sacs.
Another method is to wear rubber gloves and hold the back end of your dog under the tap with warm running water and squeeze both sides of the rectal area until the anal sacs are empty and clean.
More Than You Ever Wanted To Know About Anal Sacs
Dog anal sacs (also called “dog anal glands”) are the two smallish glands inside your dog’s bottom. The substance excreted into these sacs can only be described as smelling vile. They’re oily, thick, stinky, and have a distinct “fishy” smell.
Wild animals can voluntarily empty the anal glands in self-defense or for scent marking. However, domesticated animals such as dogs no longer have this ability.
Normal defecation and walking around are the two ways the dog’s anal glands get emptied, but there are times when animals can’t get them emptied, and they get impacted and very uncomfortable.
What if your Pomeranian Continues Scooting his Butt?
If scooting continues for a few days after cleaning him out, you must check him again. Sometimes, it can take several turns to help empty the dog’s anal glands. If he keeps scooting but his anal glands are empty, other problems may exist, such as tapeworms, itchy skin, or lower back pain. You’ll need to consult your vet and get him checked out.
What Happens if You Can’t Empty an Impacted Anal Gland Sac?
An abscess may form, rupturing through the dog’s skin. It’s messy, painful, and smelly and is sometimes misdiagnosed as rectal bleeding. If your Pomeranian has an abscess, get him to the vet urgently, as antibiotics and treatment will be necessary.
How Often Do Rectal Sacs Need to be Emptied?
It’s impossible to say because animals are different. Your dog will let you know if his sacs are full. If you see him scooting, it’s time to help empty them again.
What if it seems like my Pom’s Sacs Need to be Emptied Often?
Having the vet empty them all the time can prove costly, so get him to teach you how to do it properly yourself. Whether you’re more comfortable doing it or paying the vet depends. The latter is the more common choice. You can also change his diet to a high-fiber diet that creates bulkier stools that help empty the rectal sacs as the food passes by them.
Rectal Sacculectomy
If the sacs need emptying every few weeks, you may decide to have them surgically removed. This procedure isn’t straightforward because many nerves in that area control continence, and any muscle change can affect fecal continence. Also, if your dog has chronic sac problems, his anatomy will be distorted. If the gland isn’t fully removed, draining tracts may form.
However, despite the complications, it’s still considered a fairly minor procedure by experienced veterinary surgeons. Many owners will never even be aware of rectal sacs if no problems happen.
There’s a myth that worms can also cause scooting. This is definitely a fallacy.
Pomeranian Anal Gland issues Conclusion
All Pomeranian owners must remain vigilant regarding impacted anal glands, particularly if their pet shows signs of something wrong. Undergoing regular inspections of your pet’s rear end can help you find any problems earlier and allow for early intervention and proper treatment.
Proper nutrition and frequent check-ups can also help reduce the likelihood of anal gland impaction in your dog. With a healthy diet and a bit of care, you can help ensure your sweet Pomeranian remains as healthy as possible!
One final note: remember to give these dogs all the love and cuddles they crave, as a happy pup will surely have fewer issues down the road! Remember, your four-legged friends are family, too, so taking care of them should always be priority #1.
If you have questions about your dog’s health, talk to the vet because he knows about animals.
Note that this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your veterinarian.
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p>References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo “The Pomeranian Handbook”
