Do Humans Have Anal Glands? Tales From The Rear

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Do humans have anal glands? Whether humans have anal glands or not may not be commonly discussed, but it is intriguing. 

While many people know that animals such as dogs have anal glands, the idea that humans may also possess these glands might be surprising. 

We will discuss whether humans have anal glands and their purpose if they exist. Let’s start by answering the question,

Do Humans Have Anal Glands?

Yes, humans do have anal glands. The presence of anal glands in humans is a fact that is often overlooked or unknown by many individuals. 

These glands are classified as eccrine-secreting sweat glands, producing and secreting fluid through the anal ducts.

What Are Anal Glands & What’s Their Importance?

Anal glands, also known as anal sacs, are small glands found in the anal region of humans and animals. 

While more prominent in animals like dogs, humans also possess these glands, although they are vestigial and less functional. 

In animals, anal glands play roles in communication, marking territory, and lubricating the passage of stool.

In humans, their function is less significant and not well understood. They are believed to be remnants from our evolutionary ancestors and might have had roles in scent communication or lubrication.

Unlike animals, humans generally do not rely on these glands for essential bodily functions, and their importance is considered minor in comparison.

Now that you know humans have anal glands but vestigial and functional let’s shift our discussion to our canine friends whom we all know have anal glands.

Common Anal Gland Issues In Dogs

Anal gland problems are relatively common in dogs, ranging from discomfort to more serious health issues. Here are the common anal gland issues:

• Anal gland infection – When an anal gland becomes infected, bacteria can infiltrate the gland, accumulating pus. This buildup of pus can result in pain, swelling, and discomfort for your dog. If left untreated, an infection can progress to an abscess.
• Anal Gland Impaction – Impacted anal glands occur when the fluid within the glands thickens and doesn’t empty properly during defecation.
• Ruptured anal gland abscess – This is when an untreated anal gland abscess ruptures, causing the release of pus and infectious material into the surrounding tissues.
• Anal gland cancer – While rare, anal gland cancer can affect dogs. Malignant tumors can develop within the anal glands, potentially leading to pain, discomfort, and other symptoms.

Symptoms Of Anal Gland Problems

• Scooting along the floor – One of the most distinctive signs of anal gland discomfort is when a dog drags their rear end along the floor or lawn. This behavior attempts to relieve the irritation or discomfort caused by impacted or infected anal glands.
• Releasing foul odor – Dogs with anal gland problems might release a sudden, foul odor resembling a fishy smell. This odor can be particularly strong if the anal glands are infected.
• Straining or difficulty with defecation – Anal gland problems can cause a sensation of fullness in the anal area, leading to straining during defecation. Dogs might show signs of discomfort while attempting to poop.
• Excessive licking or itching of the anal area – If you notice your dog is excessively licking and biting the anal area, it could be due to anal gland issues. They do so to try and alleviate the discomfort caused by inflammation or infection.
• Hesitancy to sit down – Pets may avoid sitting because it puts pressure on their anal area, causing discomfort.
• Blood or pus – Infections can change stool consistency and appearance, especially if the situation is bad. Blood or pus might be present in the stool or near the rectum, indicating potential infection or inflammation.
• Swelling or redness in the anal area – In cases of infection or inflammation, the anal area may appear swollen, red, or irritated upon visual inspection.

What Causes Anal Glands In Dogs?

Anal gland problems are common among dogs and can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even infection if left untreated. Several factors contribute to anal gland problems in dogs:

• Chronic skin condition – Dogs suffering from chronic skin conditions like seborrhea, skin infections, or itchy skin are at an increased risk of anal gland problems. 

Inflammation or irritation in the surrounding areas can affect the normal functioning of the glands.

• Obesity – Overweight dogs tend to accumulate excess fluid in their anal glands because their body fat reduces the pressure on the sacs during pooping. 

The accumulation can lead to impaction, where the glands fail to empty properly during bowel movements.

• Inadequate dietary fiber – Fiber is important in maintaining proper digestion and stool consistency. 

When a dog’s diet lacks sufficient fiber, its stool may become too soft, leading to difficulties in expressing the anal glands naturally during bowel movements.

• Parasites – Internal parasites like tapeworms and external parasites like fleas can irritate a dog’s anal area, leading to excessive licking or scooting. 

This behavior can further contribute to gland problems by causing inflammation and potential blockages.

• Change in stool consistency – Soft stool, diarrhea, or constipation can disrupt the normal process of anal gland emptying. 

A too-soft stool may not provide sufficient pressure to express the glands, while hard stool or constipation can cause the glands to become impacted.

• Allergies – Allergic reactions, whether triggered by food or environmental factors, can lead to skin inflammation and itchiness. 

Dogs may excessively scratch or chew at their rear end, interfering with proper gland function.

• Genetics – Anal gland issues are more commonly observed in small breeds. Some dogs might have anatomical variations that predispose them to gland problems. 

Genetic factors can influence the glands’ size, shape, and positioning, affecting their ability to empty properly.

Prevention And Management

To mitigate the risk of anal gland problems in dogs, consider the following steps:

1. Regularly exercise your dog to help maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of obesity-related issues.
2. Provide a well-balanced diet rich in dietary fiber to maintain consistent stool quality.
3. Monitor for signs of discomfort, such as scooting, excessive licking, or biting the rear end.
4. Consult a veterinarian if you notice any signs of anal gland problems, as early intervention is crucial to prevent complications.
5. Regular grooming and hygiene practices can prevent the buildup of dirt and debris in the anal area.
6. If your dog is prone to recurrent anal gland issues, your veterinarian might recommend regular manual expression or surgical removal in severe cases.

Expressing Your Dogs Anal Glands At Home

Expressing your dog’s anal glands at home can be a routine procedure a veterinarian recommends if you are comfortable with it. 

However, ensuring that your dog will not react aggressively during the process is important. To successfully perform this task, you will need a few supplies, including latex gloves, petroleum or a water-based lubricant, and another person to help restrain your dog. 

Once you have all the supplies ready, remember to approach the process with caution and gentleness. Here is how to do it.

Step 1: If your dog is small, position them on a table or counter before you; for larger dogs, kneel behind them.

Step 2: Ask another person to secure your dog by wrapping one arm beneath and around their neck and the other arm around the remainder of their body, keeping them snugly held.

Step 3: Put on the latex or similar gloves and apply petroleum jelly or a water-based lubricant to your index finger.

Step 4: Lift your dog’s tail and gently insert your lubricated index finger into their rectum, approximately 1 inch.

Step 5: Use your index finger and thumb to locate a solid, pea- or marble-sized mass at either the 5 o’clock or 7 o’clock positions.

Step 6: After you have found the gland, position a paper towel between the dog’s anus and your hand, and then delicately express the gland’s contents by exerting pressure on its far side and gently squeezing towards you. 

Be cautious not to apply more pressure than you deem comfortable for your eyes, for instance. Remember, the gland should hardly be noticeable once it’s emptied. 

Finally, cleanse the anal area thoroughly and repeat these steps on the other side to address the other gland.

Keeping Your Dog Free From Anal Gland Complications

Keeping your dog’s anal glands free from complications is important to its health. 

One way to support the health of your dog’s anal glands is to ensure they consume a fiber-rich diet. Fiber promotes healthy digestion and proper stool formation. 

When a dog consumes adequate fiber, it helps create firm and bulky stools, which puts pressure on the colon wall near the anus. 

This pressure can assist in naturally expressing the anal glands during bowel movements. You can provide your dog with fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

Additionally, there are also commercial dog foods available that are formulated specifically to support anal gland health. 

If unsure, consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of fiber for your dog’s specific needs.

Conclusion

Do humans have anal glands? Yes, humans do have anal glands. While these glands may not be as prominent or as functionally significant as those found in other animals, they still play a role in maintaining the health and well-being of the human body. 

The anal glands in humans are small and located near the anus, secreting a small amount of fluid that helps lubricate and prevents dryness.