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Anal Gland Support for Dogs Articles

Signs of Anal Gland Discomfort in Dogs

Scooting and licking: Dragging their bottom along the floor or persistent licking is often the first sign owners notice.

Straining or discomfort when sitting: Some dogs show mild discomfort when sitting down or going to the toilet.

Odour: Many customers will notice a strong ‘fishy’ odour and this can be associated with blocked anal glands. 

Natural Ways to Support Healthy Anal Glands

Fibre and diet support: Added fibre, such as pumpkin powder, can help support natural gland emptying through firmer stools.

Herbal and homeopathic options: Herbal supplements and homeopathic remedies are designed to help support gland function and soothe discomfort during a flare-up.

When to See Your Vet: If scooting or discomfort is frequent, severe, or accompanied by swelling, smell, or bleeding, it's best to have your dog checked by a vet, as impacted or infected glands may need professional attention.

Gut health and diet both play a role here too - see our Digestion and Probiotics collections for related support.

My dog has been scooting or licking their bottom more than usual - what could this mean?

This is often a sign that the anal glands need some help - especially if there's an odour too, or your dog is scooting along the floor. It's also worth checking for fleas, as an itchy bottom from fleas can look similar. PetCol is a natural supplement designed to support normal anal gland function and reduce scooting.

What's the difference between PetCol and the homeopathic anal gland option?

PetCol is a powder supplement added to food that supports the anal glands via improved stool consistency. The Homeopathic Anal Gland Support tablets take a different approach to support dogs that are suffering from the discomfort of an anal gland flare up and to help them feel more comfortable. The homeopathy works well  alongside diet-based support like PetCol or pumpkin powder rather than instead of it.

How does pumpkin powder help with anal gland issues?

Pumpkin powder like Supernature Pumpkinz adds natural fibre to your dog's diet, which helps produce firmer stools - and firmer stools naturally help empty the anal glands during normal bowel movements.

How long does it take to see an improvement in scooting?

As with most natural, diet-based support, it can take a few weeks of consistent use to notice a difference, since it's about supporting the whole digestive system rather than a single quick fix.

My dog's anal glands seem to need constant help - is that normal?

Some dogs, particularly smaller breeds, need ongoing dietary support to keep their anal glands comfortable. If your dog needs frequent manual expressing by a vet or groomer despite dietary support, it's worth a vet check to rule out any other underlying cause.