Caring For your Pomeranian, Pom Health

Dealing With Pomeranian Anal Gland Pain

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Last Updated on 19/07/2023 by Dochlaggie. Post first published on July 19, 2023.

Discover the best tips and tricks for dealing with your Pomeranian’s anal glands. Learn what to do and when to call the vet. Get all your Pomeranian care advice here from experienced owners!

As a Pomeranian owner, you know how delightful these wonderful little pups are. Their fluffy coat, perky personality, and unique health needs this dog breed.

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.

Pomeranian anal glands
Pomeranian anal glands

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

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 their 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.

Pomeranian dog
Pomeranian dog

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 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 for the abscess will be necessary.

Pomeranian dog
Pomeranian dog

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: don’t forget to give all the love and cuddles these dogs 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

About

Denise Leo

Pomeranians are my passion, and I have shared my life with these darling little dogs for many decades. The creator and face behind this website is published author and Pomeranian breed authority Denise Leo of Dochlaggie Pomeranians.

Denise Leo
Denise Leo